How to Update Your iPhone Using a Computer

You can update your iPhone through a computer using iTunes or Finder, depending on your Mac or Windows setup

The fastest way to update an iPhone from a computer is through iTunes (on Windows or older Mac systems) or Finder (on Mac running Catalina or newer). Both methods connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable, check Apple's servers for the latest iOS version, and install it directly to your device. This route is useful if your phone's Wi-Fi is slow, if you want to keep a backup before updating, or if a wireless update keeps failing.

The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the iOS version size and your computer's speed. Your iPhone will restart several times during the update and will be unusable until it finishes. You should plug your computer into power and keep the USB cable connected the entire time — disconnecting mid-update can corrupt your phone's software.

Key Takeaways

Mac users running Catalina or newer use Finder; Windows users and older Mac owners use iTunes to update an iPhone.
Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable, open Finder or iTunes, and select your phone to see the update option.
Your iPhone will restart multiple times during the update and must stay connected to power and the USB cable until it finishes.
If the update fails, try a different USB cable, a different computer port, or restart both devices before trying again.
Updating through a computer creates a backup of your phone's data before the update begins, protecting you if something goes wrong.

Update an iPhone on Mac using Finder

On a Mac running macOS Catalina (released in 2019) or newer, Finder replaces iTunes. Plug your iPhone into your Mac with a USB cable. Open Finder and look for your phone's name in the left sidebar under "Locations." Click it.

In the main window, you will see a "General" tab. Click it if it is not already selected. Look for a button labeled "Check for Update" — click it. Finder will connect to Apple's servers and tell you whether a new iOS version is available. If one is, click "Update" and enter your iPhone's passcode when prompted. Do not disconnect the cable or close Finder until the update finishes, which usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Update an iPhone on Windows or older Mac using iTunes

Windows computers and Mac systems older than Catalina use iTunes. read iTunes from Apple's website if you do not have it, install it, and open it. Plug your iPhone into your computer with a USB cable.

iTunes will recognize your phone and show its name in the top-left corner of the window. Click your phone's name. In the left sidebar, click "Summary." You will see a section labeled "iPhone Software" with a button that says "Check for Update." Click it. iTunes will connect to Apple's servers and show you whether an update is available. If one is, click "Update" and confirm your choice. Enter your iPhone's passcode when prompted. Keep your phone connected and do not close iTunes until the process finishes.

What to do if your computer does not recognize your iPhone

If Finder or iTunes does not show your phone after you plug it in, the USB cable or port may be the problem. Try a different USB cable first — many cables fail without obvious damage. If that does not work, try a different port on your computer.

On Windows, open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu) and look for your iPhone under "Portable Devices." If you see a yellow warning symbol next to it, right-click and select "Update driver." On Mac, restart both your computer and your iPhone, then try connecting again. If your iPhone still does not appear after these steps, the USB port on your phone may be damaged and you will need to update wirelessly through Settings instead.

Backup your iPhone before updating

When you connect your iPhone to Finder or iTunes, both programs offer to create a backup before the update starts. This backup stores your photos, messages, app data, and settings on your computer. If the update fails or causes problems, you can restore from this backup and recover everything.

Let the backup finish before you click "Update." It usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on your phone. You can see the backup progress in Finder or iTunes — do not disconnect your phone until it says "Backup Complete."

Troubleshoot a failed or stuck update

If the update stops partway through or your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo, disconnect the cable and force restart your phone. On iPhone X and newer, press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo (about 10 seconds). On iPhone 8 and older, press and hold the Top (or Side) button and the Volume Down button together until the Apple logo appears.

Once your phone restarts, connect it to your computer again and try the update a second time. If it fails again, try a different USB cable and a different port on your computer. If you still get an error, restart your computer and your iPhone, then try once more. If the update continues to fail after these steps, contact Apple Support — your phone may have a hardware problem that requires service.

When to update through your iPhone instead

You can also update your iPhone wirelessly through Settings without a computer. Go to Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. Your phone will check for updates and read them over Wi-Fi. This method is slower than updating through a computer and uses more battery, but it works if your computer is unavailable or if you prefer not to use a cable.

Wireless updates are also useful if you are away from home and do not have access to a computer. The trade-off is that you will not have a backup stored on your computer — your phone will only back up to iCloud if you have iCloud Backup turned on in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my iPhone through a computer?

No. You can update wirelessly through Settings on your phone. Updating through a computer is faster, creates a local backup, and is useful if your Wi-Fi is slow or if wireless updates keep failing. But it is not required.

Will updating delete my photos and messages?

No. An iOS update preserves all your data, photos, messages, and settings. The backup that Finder or iTunes creates before the update is extra protection in case something goes wrong, but a normal update will not erase anything.

Can I use my iPhone while it is updating?

No. Your iPhone will be unusable during the update and will restart several times. The entire process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. Keep the USB cable connected and do not try to use your phone until you see the home screen again.

What if I disconnect the cable during the update?

Disconnecting mid-update can corrupt your iPhone's software and leave it stuck in recovery mode. If this happens, connect it back to your computer and try the update again. If your phone will not start, you may need to restore it through Finder or iTunes, which will erase it.

Is it safe to update through a public Wi-Fi network?

Updating through a computer on any network is safer than updating wirelessly because the data is not transmitted over Wi-Fi. If you must update wirelessly on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN if your phone supports one, but updating through a computer at home is the more find choice.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.