iPhone update failed: how to fix it

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An iPhone update fails at one of several points: the download, the install, or the connection to Apple's servers. Free up storage, retry on Wi-Fi, and if that fails update from a computer. Recovery mode is the last step.

Applies to:iPhoneall modelsiPadall modelsmacOS Finder, iTunes, Apple Devices app for Windows
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What it means

"Update failed" is not one error. Apple has no single code for it. The update can break while downloading, while being verified, while installing, or when a computer tries to reach Apple's servers. The device may show an alert, or it may just sit on the Apple logo or a "Connect to computer" screen.

Start with the cheap, safe fixes: back up, check space and network, and retry. Move to a computer only if the wireless update keeps failing. Recovery mode comes last, and even there you should choose Update, not Restore.

Symptoms and causes

You are likely dealing with this problem if:

  • The update doesn't appear, won't download, or fails to install in Settings
  • On a computer: "There was a problem downloading the software" or "The device isn't eligible for the requested build"
  • A numeric error such as 9, 10, 17, 1015, 1638, 1671, 3194, 4005, 4013, 4014 or 4037
  • The iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or on the "Connect to computer" screen

The usual causes, most common first:

Not enough storage
The installer needs more free space than the iPhone has.
The device can't reach Apple's update servers
Third-party security software, a poor connection, or (on a computer) a hosts file that blocks apple.com can get in the way.
The computer's software is too old
Error 10 means the iPhone's iOS is newer than your macOS, iTunes or Apple Devices app supports.
Cable, port or hub problems
A bad cable, port or hub causes USB-type errors such as 13, 1600 to 1604, 1611, 1643 to 1650, 2000 to 2009 and "invalid response".
Locked iPhone
Error 4037 appears because a computer can't update a locked device.
Interrupted update
Errors 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014 are often one-off. Apple says to try the update again.
Modified or downgraded software
Error 1015 or "required resource can't be found" points to a jailbreak or an attempt to install an older iOS.
Hardware or communication errors
A long list of codes (for example 3, 11, 12, 16, 20 to 29, 34 to 37, 40, 56, 1002, 1004, 1011, 1012, 1014, 1667, 1669) covers communication faults between the device, computer and network.

How to fix it

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and move to deeper repairs; stop as soon as the problem is gone.

1.Back up and check power and Wi-Fi

Easy

A backup protects you if a later step goes wrong, and a stable connection avoids a lot of failed downloads.

  1. Back up the iPhone to iCloud or to a computer.
  2. Plug the iPhone into power and connect it to Wi-Fi.

2.Retry the update over Wi-Fi

Easy

Most failures are storage or network problems, and this checks both.

  1. Open Settings > General > Software Update and try the update again.
  2. If the iPhone says it lacks space, remove content you no longer need and retry.
  3. Restart the iPhone and try again. If an update has already downloaded, you can delete it in Settings > General > iPhone Storage and download it again. These are common general advice rather than steps from Apple's error pages.

3.Update from a computer

Easy

Apple's route when the update doesn't appear or fails wirelessly. The computer downloads the update itself.

  1. Update macOS, iTunes or the Apple Devices app on the computer first.
  2. Connect the iPhone and enter its passcode so it is not locked. Tap Trust if asked.
  3. Select the device. In Finder or Apple Devices click General; in iTunes click Summary.
  4. Click Check for Update, then Download and Update. If that fails, hold Cmd (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) while clicking Check for Update.
  5. Keep the iPhone connected until the download and install finish.

4.Match the fix to the error group

Moderate

The error number tells you whether to look at the network, the cable or the software.

  1. Codes 17, 1638, 3000, 3002, 3004, 3013 to 3015, 3194 and 3200 mean the computer can't reach Apple's servers: check its connection and any security software.
  2. Error 1671: let the download finish, then retry.
  3. Errors 9, 4005, 4013, 4014: simply try the update again.
  4. Error 4037: the iPhone was locked during the update. Enter the passcode so the screen is open, then retry.
  5. Error 10: update macOS, iTunes or the Apple Devices app.
  6. USB errors: use the original or an Apple-certified cable, try a different port and, if possible, another computer.
  7. Hardware errors: quit and reopen iTunes, check security software, the cable, the computer and the network, then retry.

5.Fix a computer that can't reach the update server

ModerateChanges settings

A blocked connection or a hosts file entry stops Finder, iTunes or Apple Devices from contacting Apple.

Before you start: Editing the hosts file changes how your computer resolves names. On a work computer, ask your administrator first. Note the original line before changing it.

  1. Try updating wirelessly instead: disconnect from the computer, use Wi-Fi (not a hotspot if possible), and go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Confirm a web page loads on the computer.
  3. On a Mac, open the hosts file and put # in front of any line containing apple.com.
    Terminalneeds sudo / root
    sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
  4. On Windows, reset the hosts file using Microsoft's guide.
  5. Update or reconfigure third-party security software that may be blocking the connection.

6.Use recovery mode, choosing Update first

AdvancedChanges settings

Use this if the iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or on "Connect to computer".

Before you start: Update keeps your data. Restore reinstalls iOS and erases everything, so choose it only if Update fails and you have a backup.

  1. Keep the iPhone connected to the computer and open Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes.
  2. iPhone 8 or later (including SE 2nd generation and later): press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the "Connect to computer" screen appears.
  3. iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: hold the side button and Volume Down together until that screen appears.
  4. iPhone 6s or earlier and SE (1st generation): hold Home and the top or side button together until that screen appears.
  5. When the options appear on the computer, click Update.
  6. If the download takes more than 15 minutes, the iPhone may leave the recovery screen. Let the download finish, then repeat the button steps.

7.Error 1015 or a downgrade attempt

AdvancedBack up first

Apple's fix is to restore to the latest iOS in recovery mode.

Before you start: Restoring erases all data on the iPhone. Back up first if you still can.

  1. Put the iPhone in recovery mode as in the previous fix.
  2. Choose Restore and let it install the latest iOS.

Check that it worked

  • Settings > General > About shows the new iOS version.
  • The iPhone starts normally past the Apple logo and unlocks.
  • No Software Update alert or computer error appears.

If it still fails

  • Try a different computer and a different cable, and check that a web page loads on it.
  • Note the exact error number or message and look it up in Apple's iOS update and restore errors list.
  • Contact Apple Support, or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider, especially for hardware-type error codes.

Questions

Will updating from a computer erase my data?

No. Choosing Update keeps your data. Only Restore erases the iPhone.

Is there a related macOS error?

If a Mac fails with a personalization message, see Failed to personalize the software update.

Sources

  1. iOS update and restore errorsOfficial · Apple
  2. If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touchOfficial · Apple
  3. If iTunes or the Apple Devices app can't contact the software update server for iPhone, iPad, or iPodOfficial · Apple

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