How to Update Your iPhone's Software and Apps

Every so often your iPhone or one of its apps asks you to update. It's easy to tap "Later" and forget about it. But learning how to update your iPhone matters more than it seems — updates often fix security problems that scammers and bad software try to take advantage of. If you've ever wondered whether you should bother, or how to actually do it, here's a plain-English walkthrough.

This guide covers two separate things: updating your apps (the programs you tap on, like Mail or a banking app) and updating iOS, which is the software that runs your whole iPhone. We'll also show you how to turn updates on so they happen automatically, which is the easiest fix of all.

Why you should bother to update your iPhone

An update is simply a fix or improvement that the app maker, or Apple itself, sends out after the app or the phone's software is already on your device. Many updates patch "security holes" — weak spots that someone trying to break into your phone or steal your information could use. Keeping things updated is one of the simplest ways to stay safe, and it costs nothing.

Updates can also fix bugs that cause an app to freeze or act strangely, and sometimes add small, useful features. None of this requires any technical skill on your part — you're just telling your phone to go ahead and install what it already downloaded or is ready to download.

How to update the apps on your iPhone

Open the App Store app (the blue icon with a white "A").
Tap your account picture or initials in the top-right corner. If your iPhone shows a separate Updates tab at the bottom of the screen instead, tap that.
You'll see a list of apps with updates available. Tap Update next to any single app, or tap Update All to update everything at once.
If your phone asks for your passcode or Face ID, go ahead and confirm. This just proves it's really you.

The updates will download and install in the background. You can keep using your phone while they finish.

How to update your iPhone's software (iOS)

This is different from updating apps — it updates the operating system that the whole phone runs on, called iOS.

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update. Your iPhone will check whether a newer version is available.
If one is listed, tap Download and Install.
Plug your iPhone into its charger and connect to Wi-Fi if you can — larger updates take a while and go faster, and more reliably, this way.
Enter your passcode if asked, and agree to the terms if prompted.
Your iPhone will restart once the update finishes. This is normal and won't harm your phone.

Software updates can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more, so it's a good update to start before bed or before you step away for a while.

How to turn on automatic updates so you don't have to think about it

If you'd rather not check for updates yourself, you can have your iPhone handle both kinds automatically.

For apps:

Open Settings, then tap Apps.
Tap App Store.
Turn on App Updates.

For iOS itself:

Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update.
Tap Automatic Updates.
Turn on both Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.

With both turned on, your iPhone will quietly update itself overnight while it's plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so you'll always be close to current without lifting a finger.

What to do if you're stuck

If an update won't finish, the most common fix is making sure you have enough free storage and a Wi-Fi connection, then restarting your iPhone and trying again. If it still won't go through, that's a good sign to ask for help rather than keep guessing. Updates and other everyday iPhone basics are also something we cover in our technology classes, where you can ask questions in a calm, no-rush setting.

Still stuck? Porchswing can walk you through it at your pace — call (916) 521-0065.

Common questions

Will updating delete my photos, texts, or apps?

No. A normal update does not delete your personal information. It's still smart to have your photos backed up to iCloud as a habit, but that's a separate precaution, not something updating undoes.

Do I have to update the moment it shows up?

Not usually. It's fine to wait for a convenient time, such as overnight while your phone charges. Just don't ignore it indefinitely, since the security fixes inside do matter.

What if my iPhone says it can't update?

Older iPhones eventually stop receiving new iOS versions, though they can usually still update their apps. If your phone won't update at all, or you're not sure why, that's worth asking a real person about rather than guessing.