There are 8 ways for you to fix the iPad can’t update iPadOS. You can know the compatibility of various iPadOS systems and use the professional tool to troubleshoot the problem.
Why can’t I update my iPad to iPadOS 26?
I’m trying to update my iPad, but something is wrong here. No matter what I do, I can’t update my iPadOS successfully! How can I do to when the iPad 6th generation won’t update?
- Question from Reddit
Each iPadOS update typically introduces new features and improvements. Updating your iPad to the latest version can enhance your user experience. But sometimes, you may encounter difficulties when trying to update your iPadOS. In such situations, several reasons could be responsible for the issue.
iPadOS 26 latest for all models:
If you've already confirmed that your iPad model is compatible with the system you want to update, you can continue reading to find solutions. Before attempting any fixes, it's advisable to charge your iPad. Having sufficient battery can ensure a smooth update process.
When your iPad is unable to check for update, first ensure that your device is connected to the Internet. It's recommended to use a Wi-Fi network for updates. If you're already connected to Wi-Fi, try switching to a more stable network for the update.
When a new iPadOS update is released, it's natural for many users to want to download it immediately. However, this can lead to heavy traffic on Apple's servers, potentially causing the update failure.
You can go to Apple’s System Server page to check the status and ensure they are running normally. If the dots are all green, the servers are up and running. If aren’t, you can contact Apple for technical support or wait for the server to be repaired.
You can also force restart your iPad to fix the temporary software glitches or bugs on iPad.
Restart iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and then release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Hold down the Power button until the Apple logo comes into view.
Restart iPad with the Home button: Simultaneously press and sustain the Power and Home buttons > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
When there isn't enough storage space on your iPad, it can impact the updating process. Check your available space by going to Settings > General > Storage. Then you can delete some files on your iPad to free up storage. And if you don't want to lose any data, you can transfer your iPad files to PC beforehand.
With the handy FoneTool, you can transfer photos, videos, music and contacts between iPad/iPhone and PC at a super fast speed. And it only relies on a USB connection, so you don’t need to worry about any data leakage. If you need, you can download it on your PC to move the large files on iPad.
Step 1. Connect your iPad to the PC with a USB cable > If your device is connecting to this computer for the first time, you will need to tap Trust on your iPad > Launch FoneTool.
Step 2. Click Phone Transfer > Choose iPhone to PC icon and click Get Started.
Step 3. Click the plus icon > Check each icon to preview and select the files you want to transfer > Click OK to confirm.
Step 4. Click Transfer Settings to change the storage path > Click Start Transfer to begin the task.
Resetting all settings on iPad can be another available approach to fix the iPad won't update iOS issue. You can go to Settings > General > Choose Reset All Settings to revert all system settings to their default configurations.
If you're having trouble installing the latest version of iPadOS, you can also try the following steps to download the update again: Go to Settings > General > Tap on your Device name (iPad) > In the list of apps, locate the update you're trying to install and tap on it > Select Delete Update to remove it from your device.
After deleting the update, go back to Settings > General > Select Software Update to download and install the latest update again.
Updating the iPad using a computer can be a useful way to solve the problem, but it's advisable to back up your iPad data first. For Windows, you can launch FoneTool > Go to Phone Backup > Choose Full Backup or Selective Backup to make it.
Update iPad with iTunes on PC
Connect your iPad to the PC > Tap on the device icon in iTunes interface > Choose Check for Update under the Summary tab to continue > Click Download and Update to make it.
Update iPad with FoneTool Repair on PC
If you’re still unable to update your iPad after trying the above methods, the issue might be deeper system corruption. In such cases, a dedicated iOS repair tool like FoneTool Repair can be your best bet. Unlike standard update methods, FoneTool Repair specializes in fixing underlying iOS system issues that prevent successful updates—without data loss.
This powerful iOS system repair tool is the best way to fix iOS/iPadOS issues without data loss
Step 1. Download and launch FoneTool Repair > Connect your iPad to the computer > Choose iOS Upgrade/Downgrade to continue.
Step 2. Go to the Upgrade section > Click Start.
Step 3. Choose the firmware version you need > Change the storage path from the Target Path option > Click Download to get the firmware.
Step 4. Once the download process is finished, just click Start Upgrade to begin the task.
Update iPad with Finder on Mac
Launch Finder on your Mac > Connect the iPad to the computer > Choose the device in the left sidebar of the Finder Windows > Choose General and tap on Check for Update > Select Download and Update to finish the process.
When none of the above methods resolve the update issue, a factory reset might be necessary. Instead of using the traditional method through Settings, which requires a full backup beforehand and can be time-consuming, you can use FoneTool Repair to perform a cleaner and more reliable reset.
This method is particularly useful when your iPad is stuck in recovery mode, has severe system glitches, or repeatedly fails to update. FoneTool Repair can reset the device firmware to a stable state, often resolving persistent software conflicts that cause update failures.
Simply launch FoneTool Repair, connect your iPad, and select the "Advanced Reset" function from the “Reset Device”. The tool will guide you through the safe reset process.
If your iPad won't update iOS, start by checking compatibility, network, and storage. Then try restarting, resetting settings, or reinstalling the update. For computer-assisted solutions, use iTunes, Finder, or FoneTool for backup and transfer. If all else fails, FoneTool Repair offers professional-grade system repair and reset functions to overcome complex iOS update issues effectively.