My iPhone 7 Won't Update! Here's Why & The Real Fix.

David Lynch

APRIL 3, 2017

Your iPhone 7 isn't updating and you don't know what to do. iPhone software updates patch up software issues and sometimes introduce new features, so it can be incredibly frustrating when you're unable to update your iPhone. In this article, I'll explain what to do when your iPhone 7 won't update so you can fix the problem and install the latest version of iOS.

What's Wrong With My iPhone 7? Is It Broken?

At this point, we can't be sure whether the problem is being caused by the software or the hardware of your iPhone 7. A lot of the time, a simple software glitch can be the reason why your iPhone 7 won't update.

Our step-by-step guide will walk you through some software troubleshooting steps, as well as show you both ways to update your iPhone 7. You can update your iPhone in iTunes or in the Settings app, and we recommend you try both ways — sometimes it will work one way, but not the other!

How To Fix An iPhone 7 That Won't Update

7 Steps Total
1.

Make Sure Your iPhone Has Enough Storage Space To Update

iPhone software updates (iOS updates) generally require 600-800 megabytes (MB) in order to install properly. Let's make sure your iPhone has enough storage to complete the update!

How Do I Make Sure My iPhone Has Enough Storage Space To Update?

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap iPhone Storage.
  4. The amount of storage space you have available will be listed next to Available.
  5. If you don't have enough storage space to install the iOS update, clear up some space by deleting unwanted apps, photos, or other content.
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2.

Turn Your iPhone Off And Back On

When you turn off your iPhone, the operating system shuts down all the little background programs that keep your iPhone running. When you turn your iPhone back on, all those little background programs start fresh, and sometimes that’s enough to fix a simple software glitch.

How Do I Turn My iPhone Off And Back On?

  1. Press and hold the power button (iPhones without Face ID) or the side button and either volume button (iPhones with Face ID) until "slide to power off" appears on the screen.
  2. Use your finger to swipe the red power icon across the screen from left to right.
  3. Wait for your iPhone to turn all the way off. This may take up to 30 seconds.
  4. To turn your iPhone on again, press and hold the power button (iPhones without Face ID) or side button (iPhones with Face ID) again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  5. Let go of the power button or side button and wait for your iPhone to turn on.
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3.

Update Your iPhone Software In Settings

Apple puts out new software updates to improve efficiency, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Updating iOS can fix problems with your iPhone's software.

How Do I Update My iPhone Software In Settings?

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. Tap Download and Install or Install Now.
  5. Enter your passcode if prompted.
  6. The update will begin once it has been verified.
  7. The update is complete after your iPhone restarts.
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4.

Update Your iPhone Software In iTunes

You can use iTunes to perform iOS updates on your iPhone. If you're unable to update your iPhone in the Settings app, sometimes using iTunes to update your iPhone is a simple workaround.

How Do I Update My iPhone Software In iTunes?

  1. Plug your iPhone into your computer using a Lightning cable (charging cable).
  2. Open iTunes.
  3. In the upper left hand corner of iTunes, click the iPhone icon. iPhone icon in itunes
  4. In the top box underneath iPhone, click Check For Update.
  5. If an update is available, click Update.
  6. Keep your iPhone plugged into your computer while the update downloads and installs.
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5.

Restore Your iPhone In iTunes

Restoring your iPhone in iTunes will give your iPhone a fresh start. It can be difficult to track down the exact reason why an iPhone is experiencing software issues, so we'll wipe away everything all at once. When you restore your iPhone in iTunes, all of your iPhone's files and settings will be erased and reloaded.

Note: Before performing the restore, make sure you back up your iPhone first. If you're not sure how to back up your iPhone, you can follow our guide!

How Do I Restore My iPhone In iTunes?

  1. Plug your iPhone into your computer using a Lightning cable (charging cable).
  2. Open iTunes.
  3. In the upper left-hand corner of iTunes, click on the small iPhone icon. iPhone icon in itunes
  4. In the top box underneath iPhone, click Restore iPhone...
  5. When prompted, Confirm that you want to restore your iPhone.
  6. Keep your iPhone plugged in while iTunes downloads the latest version of iOS.
  7. All the files on your iPhone will be erased, then reloaded with the latest version of iOS.
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6.

DFU Restore Your iPhone

A DFU restore has the potential to fix software problems by completely erasing the code which may be causing your problem. The code is rewritten as if your iPhone is brand new, so the software problem may get solved.

Think of it like a house that has cracks in the foundation. Rather than try and fix the cracks, we are building an entirely new foundation.

If you can, back up your iPhone before completing a DFU restore. Any time you do a restore, it erases everything from your iPhone. However, after the restore is completed, you restore all your backed up data back onto your iPhone.

How Do I DFU Restore My iPhone?

How To DFU Restore An iPhone SE, 6s, Or Older

  1. Using a Lightning cable, plug your iPhone into a USB port on your computer.
  2. Open iTunes if you have a PC or Mac running Mojave 10.14 or earlier. Open Finder if you have a Mac running Catalina 10.15 or newer. It doesn’t matter if your iPhone is on or off.
  3. Press and hold the Home button and the power button simultaneously.
  4. After 8 seconds, release the power button, but continue to hold the Home button.
  5. Let go of the power button when your iPhone appears in iTunes or Finder.
  6. Your iPhone’s display will be completely black if you’ve successfully entered DFU mode. If it’s not, try again from the beginning.
  7. Restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder.

How To DFU Restore An iPhone 7 Or 7 Plus

  1. Using a Lightning cable, plug your iPhone into a USB port on your computer.
  2. Open iTunes if you have a PC or Mac running Mojave 10.14 or earlier. Open Finder if you have a Mac running Catalina 10.15 or newer. It doesn’t matter if your iPhone is on or off.
  3. Press and hold the power and volume down button simultaneously.
  4. After 8 seconds, release the power button, but continue to hold the volume down button.
  5. Release the volume down button when your iPhone appears in iTunes or Finder.
  6. You'll know your iPhone is in DFU mode if the display is completely black.
  7. Restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder.

How To DFU Restore An iPhone 8 Or Newer

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a charging cable.
  2. Open iTunes (PCs and Macs running macOS 10.14 or older) or Finder (Macs running macOS 10.15 or newer).
  3. Quickly press and release the volume up button.
  4. Quickly press and release the volume down button.
  5. Press and hold the side button until the screen goes black.
  6. When the screen goes black, press and hold the volume down button while continuing to press and hold the side button.
  7. Hold both buttons for five seconds.
  8. After five seconds, release the side button while continuing to hold the volume down button.
  9. Keep holding the volume down button until your iPhone appears in Finder or iTunes.
  10. Restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder.
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7.

Repair Your iPhone With Apple

Apple repairs iPhones at the Genius Bar in Apple Stores and through their online mail-in repair service. Apple repairs are high-quality, but out-of-warranty repairs can be much more expensive than third-party solutions. If you're looking to save some money you're not covered by Apple's warranty, you may want to check out our other recommendations.

How Do I Repair My iPhone With Apple?

How To Repair Your iPhone With Apple's Mail-In Service

  1. Visit Apple's support website to begin the online mail-in repair process.
  2. Alternatively, call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) to set up a repair.

How To Repair Your iPhone At The Genius Bar Inside Your Local Apple Store

  1. Visit Apple's website to make a Genius Bar appointment before you go into the store. Apple Stores are extremely busy, and if you don't have an appointment, you may have to wait for hours or end up being turned away. (Editor's note: I'm a former Apple tech and we're not exaggerating — please, do yourself a favor and make an appointment first!)
  2. When you arrive, go to the Genius Bar to check in for your appointment.
  3. Genius Bar appointments always include free diagnosis. If you're under warranty, many repairs can be done on the spot, but it all depends upon which parts are in stock. If you're not under warranty, the Genius will give you a quote for the cost of a repair.
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You Can Update Your iPhone!

You've fixed your iPhone 7 and now you can install the latest update. Now that you know what to do when your iPhone 7 won't update, make sure to share this article on social media so your friends and family so they don't run into the same problems. Thanks for reading, and leave me a comment down below if you have any other questions pertaining to your iPhone!

  1. Make Sure Your iPhone Has Enough Storage Space To Update
  2. Turn Your iPhone Off And Back On
  3. Update Your iPhone Software In Settings
  4. Update Your iPhone Software In iTunes
  5. Restore Your iPhone In iTunes
  6. DFU Restore Your iPhone
  7. Repair Your iPhone With Apple

Applies To: iPhone 7

AUTHOR

David Lynch

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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MVOUFO Annie
MVOUFO Annie
10 months ago

Please,

I had a serious problem too with my iphone 8.

I can’t see the ‘UPDATE’ settings in my iphone 8 ‘GENERAL’ settings page.

So I am unable since many months to update my iPhone 8 which is not even allowing me to download any application now.

Please,
I need your help.

0
Reply
Hussain
Hussain
11 months ago

Please help me, how can I resolved this issue??
My iPhone 7 unable to latest update when I’m trying to update using iTunes, during update this error is occuring ( diskfull please empty your recycle bin empty) how I can empty recycle bin ?? Using iTunes while my phone stuck on update your iPhone ??

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mohammed
mohammed
2 years ago

Still my iPhone 7 will download the update but cannot install.

0
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Colin Boyd
Editor
Colin Boyd
2 years ago
Reply to  mohammed

Hi Mohammed! I’m sorry to hear your iPhone’s struggling with the update! You may want to try deleting the update and then downloading it again.

To do that, open Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage. Then, scroll down and find the updates listing in your list of app. Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.

From there, try to re-download the update in Settings -> General -> Software Update.

I Hope this helps!

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Aliyu Abdulsamad
Aliyu Abdulsamad
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin Boyd

I didn’t see update on my I phone storage

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Reply
Lia
Lia
3 years ago

Mines dont update i dont know why

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