A Full Guide on How to Update iPhone with/without iTunes
Jul 12, 2024 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
iPhone iOS update means, to update the current operating system version of your iPhone. There are two methods to update the iOS of your iPhone. One is Via Wi-Fi, the other is to use iTunes.
Although, you can use mobile data connection (3G/4G) to update iPhone iOS it will consume a lot of data because updates are heavy and take much time to download and install. Therefore, it is recommended that it is done via Wi-Fi. Currently, the latest iOS update available is iOS 11.0.
While the iOS version can be updated easily, the apps on your iPhone also needed to be updated frequently. Again, this can be done either by using a Wi-Fi network or by connecting to iTunes from your computer.
- Part 1. Which iPhones Can Update to iOS 5, iOS6 or iOS 7
- Part 2: update iPhone without iTunes - Use WiFi
- Part 3: Update iPhone with iTunes
- Part 4: Update iPhone by using IPSW Downloader
- Part 5: Update iPhone Apps
Part 1: Which iPhones Can Update to iOS 5, iOS6 or iOS 7
Before updating your iPhone to latest iOS version you should keep in mind that your device should support the latest iOS version.
iOS 5: supported devices
iOS 5 is only supported by newer devices. An iPhone must be an iPhone 3GS or newer. Any iPad will work. An iPod touch must be 3rd generation or newer.
iOS 6: supported devices
iOS 6 is only supported on iPhone 4S or newer. Any iPad will work. An iPod touch must be 5th generation. iOS 6 offers limited support for the iPhone 3GS/4.
iOS 7 supported devices
iOS 7 is only supported on iPhone 4 or newer. Any iPad will work. An iPod touch must be 5th generation.
Whichever iOS you want to upgrade to, first of all, I suggest that you should make a backup before updating the iPhone. A backup prevents you from losing any data in case something goes wonky down the line.
Part 2: update iPhone without iTunes
This is a really easy method of upgrading iPhone's OS, all that is required is a sound Wi-Fi connection. An important thing to be kept in mind before starting is that the iPhone should be completely charged. If not, plug into a charging source first and then follow these steps:
Cautions, Tips and Tricks 1. Make sure that the installation process is not interrupted or terminated abnormally in case it may present a serious problem.
2. One can always use the recovery mode if something goes wrong during the installation process. The dfu mode can be used if the problem is worse.
Step 1. Go to the home screen and tap Settings >General. Go to the Software Update menu, and your iPhone will check whether there's an update available.
Step 2. If an update is available, it will get listed on the screen. Select your desired update, and tap the Install Now option if updating to iOS 7 or the Download and Install option, in case you're updating to iOS 6.
Step 3. Your iPhone will ask you if you want to download the updates over Wi-Fi, confirm it and then it will prompt you to connect to a charging source. Then, tap Agree that appears on the bottom right of the screen. As the downloading begins, a blue progress bar will appear. When the downloading completes, your iPhone will ask you whether you want to update the device now or later. Select Install. The screen will go black with the Apple logo and a progress bar will appear again. When the installation completes, your iPhone will restart and ready to use.
Part 3: iPhone Update with iTunes
1. Update iPhone OS to iOS 6
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes. A backup and syncing process will start automatically. If not, do it manually.
Step 2. To start the update process, click on your iPhone's name from among the devices listed in the left-hand menu.
Step 3. Go to Summary >Check for Update > Update. If an update is available, a notification from iTunes will appear. Select Download and Update.
Step 4. If prompted for any further decisions, keep pressing Okay. The installation will start automatically, your iPhone will restart once it is completed and then you can use it.
2. Update iPhone OS to iOS 7
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable and open iTunes. A backup and syncing process will start automatically. If not, do it manually.
Step 2. Click your iPhone from the DEVICES section in the left-hand menu.
Step 3. Go to Summary >Check for Update > Update. If an update is available, a notification from iTunes will appear. Select Download and Update.
Step 4. If prompted for any further decisions, keep pressing Okay. The installation will start automatically, your iPhone will restart once it is completed and then you can use it.
2. Cautions, tips and tricks
- Never forget to back up the data on your iPhone before the update.
- Delete all unused apps before the update.
- Update all existing apps.
Part 4: Update iPhone by using IPSW Downloader
Step 1. Download the IPSW file you want from here.
Step 2. Open iTunes. Select your iPhone from the DEVICES menu. In the summary, panel hold the Option key and click Update if using a Mac, or hold the Shift key and click Update if using a PC
Step 3. Now select your IPSW file. Browse for the download location, select the file, and click Choose. Your device will update as if the file had been downloaded through iTunes.
Part 5: Update iPhone App
App developers keep releasing updates time and again. You must want to keep up to date. The following part of the article explains how to update apps in iOS 6 and 7.
Step 1. Run iTunes and get your iPhone connected with a USB cable.
Step 2. From the left navigation pane, go to Apps > Updates Available > Download All Free Updates.
Step 3. Sign in the Apple ID and begin the download process.
Step 4. After downloading, you can sync your iPhone to get all the updated apps to your iPhone.
Tips and Tricks
Manually checking for updates by going to the iTunes App Store is annoying. In iOS 7, this annoyance can be avoided by letting your iPhone automatically checks and updates the apps.
Upgrade & Downgrade
- iOS Beta Install
- 1. Download iOS Beta Profile
- 2. Download the iOS 13 Beta
- 3. iOS 16 Beta Download
- 4. Uninstall iOS Beta
- 5. Install iPhone Beta Profile
- 6. Install Mac Beta Profile
- 7. Install iOS 15 Beta Profile
- 8. Upgrade iPad to iOS 14
- iOS News
- 1. Update iPhone 4s to iOS 9
- 2. Cheaper iPhone
- 3. Customize iPhone Home Screen
- 4. Know About iOS 15 Lock Screen
- 5. Add Lyrics to Song on Apple Music
- iPhone Downgrade Tips
- 1. Downgrade iOS Like a Pro
- 2. Roll Back to an Older iOS Version
- 3. Downgrade to iOS 15
- 4. Install Developer Profile
- 5. Downgrade iOS without iTunes
- 6. Downgrade to iOS 14
- 7. Download and Install the iOS 16
- iPhone Update Tips
- 1. iPhone & iPad Security Updates
- 2. Undo an Update on iPhone
- 3. Update iPhone with/without iTunes
- 4. Fix iPhone Checking for Update Stuck
- 5. Fix iPad Software Update Failed
- 6. Fix iPhone Stuck On Update
- 7. Fix iPhone Won't Update
- 8. Fix Update Server Not Be Contacted
- 9. Fix iPhone Stuck on Update Requested
- 10. Resolve iPhone Cellular
- 11. Resolve iPhone Error 1110
- 12. Fix iPhone Frozen
- iOS 11/12 Problems
- 1. Fix iPhone Stuck on Waiting
- 2. Fix iPhone Can't Make Calls
- 3. Fix iPhone Stuck on Logo
- 4. Fix Photos Disappeared from iPhone
- 5. Fix iPhone Keeps Freezing
- iOS 13 Problems
- 1. Fix CarPlay Not Connecting
- 2. Fix Resolve Apps Won't Open
- 3. Fix Song/Playlist Missing
- 4. Fix iPhone Asking for Passcode
- iOS 14 Problems
- 1. Fix Map Voice Navigation Won't Work
- 2. Fix iMessage Not Working
- 3. Recover Deleted Data on iOS 14
- 4. Recover Disappeared Notes on iOS 14
- iOS 15 Problems
- iOS 16 Problems
- 1. Fix iPhone Wi-Fi Not Working
- 2. Fix iOS 16 Battery Drain Issues
- 3. Fix Screen Mirroring Not Working
- 4. Fix Apple CarPlay is Not Supported
- 5. Fix iPhone Screen Not Responding
- 6. Fix iPhone Apps Keep Crashing
- 7. Fix Call Failed iPhone Issue
- 8. Fix iPhone Stuck On Apple Logo
- 9. Counter iPhone Heating Problems
- 10. Fix iPhone Stuck in Boot Loop
- 11. Fix iPhone Bluetooth Not Working
- iOS 17 Problems
- 1. iPhone Freezing After Update
- 2. iOS 17 Wallpapers Blurry at Top
- 3. Fix iPhone Charging Slow
- 4. Enable Live Activities iOS 17
- 5. Fix iOS 17 Apps Crashing
- 6. Fix iPhone Stuck on Verifying Update
- 7. Overheating after 17 Update
- 8. Fix iOS 17 Keyboard Bug
- 9. Fix iOS 17 Green Screen Issue
- 10. iOS 17 Bugs & Fixes
- 11. No iOS 17 Update on Your iPhone
- 12. iOS 17 Unable to Download
- 13. Missing contacts with iOS 17 update
James Davis
staff Editor