How to Update Your iPad Using a Computer

Connect your iPad to a computer and use iTunes or Finder to install the latest software

You can update your iPad through a computer using either iTunes (on Windows or older Mac) or Finder (on newer Mac). This method works when your iPad won't update over Wi-Fi, when you want to back up before updating, or when you prefer direct control over the process. The computer must have internet access, and the update file downloads to your computer first, then transfers to your iPad.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use a Mac or Windows computer, but the overall process is the same: plug in the iPad, open the right software, and follow the prompts to read and install the update.

Key Takeaways

Mac computers running macOS Catalina or newer use Finder; older Macs and all Windows computers use iTunes.
Your iPad must be plugged into the computer with a USB cable, and the computer needs an active internet connection.
Back up your iPad before updating by clicking "Back Up Now" when the device appears in iTunes or Finder.
The update downloads to your computer first, then installs on your iPad — the whole process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on file size and internet speed.
If the update fails partway through, do not unplug the iPad; let it finish or restart the process from the beginning.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: your iPad, a USB cable that fits your iPad's charging port (Lightning for most iPads, USB-C for newer models), and a computer with either iTunes or Finder already installed. Check your computer's operating system: if you have a Mac running macOS Catalina (released 2019) or newer, you will use Finder. If you have an older Mac or any Windows computer, you will use iTunes.

Make sure your computer has at least 2 to 3 gigabytes of free storage space, because the update file downloads to your computer before it transfers to your iPad. Plug your computer into power — do not run on battery during an update. Your internet connection should be stable; a wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi, but either works.

Update your iPad on a Mac using Finder

Open Finder on your Mac and plug your iPad into the computer with the USB cable. Your iPad will appear in the Finder sidebar under "Locations" within a few seconds. Click on your iPad's name to open its summary page.

Look for the "General" tab at the top of the window. Click it, then look for the "Software Update" or "Check for Update" button. Click that button. Finder will connect to Apple's servers and read the latest version of iPadOS available for your iPad. This read happens in the background and may take several minutes depending on file size and internet speed.

Once the read finishes, you will see an "Update" button. Click it. Finder will ask you to confirm — click "Update" again. Your iPad will restart automatically and begin installing the new software. Do not unplug the iPad during this process. The installation typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your iPad may restart several times; this is normal. When the process finishes, your iPad will show the home screen and Finder will confirm the update is complete.

Update your iPad on Windows using iTunes

Open iTunes on your Windows computer and plug your iPad in with the USB cable. iTunes will recognize your iPad within a few seconds and display a device icon (usually near the top left of the window). Click on that icon to open your iPad's summary page.

Look for a button labeled "Check for Update" in the main panel. Click it. iTunes will connect to Apple's servers and check whether a newer version of iPadOS is available for your iPad. If an update exists, iTunes will read it to your computer — this may take several minutes. You will see a progress bar showing the read status.

Once the read finishes, click the "Update" button. iTunes will ask you to confirm that you want to update your iPad. Click "Update" again. Your iPad will restart and begin installing the new software. The screen will show a progress bar. Do not unplug your iPad or close iTunes during this time. Installation usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. When finished, your iPad will return to the home screen and iTunes will display a confirmation message.

Back up your iPad before updating

Before you click "Update," take a moment to back up your iPad. This protects your photos, messages, settings, and app data in case something goes wrong during the update. In Finder (Mac), click "Back Up Now" in the General tab. In iTunes (Windows), click "Back Up Now" in the Summary tab. The backup process takes a few minutes and happens on your computer.

You can also choose to encrypt your backup, which protects sensitive information like passwords and health data. In Finder, check the box next to "Encrypt local backup" before clicking "Back Up Now." In iTunes, check "Encrypt iPhone backup" in the Summary tab. You will need to create a password for the encrypted backup.

Troubleshoot if the update fails or gets stuck

If the update stops partway through or your iPad shows an error message, do not panic. First, do not unplug the iPad. Let it sit for a few minutes — sometimes the process is still running even if the screen looks frozen. If nothing changes after five minutes, try restarting the update: click "Update" again in Finder or iTunes. The software will usually resume from where it stopped.

If you see an error code, write it down and try these steps: unplug the iPad, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and click "Update" again. If the same error repeats, try a different USB cable or a different USB port on your computer. Occasionally a cable connection is loose or a port is not working properly. If the error persists after trying a different cable and port, restart your computer and try once more.

If your iPad gets stuck on the Apple logo or a loading screen for more than 30 minutes, force restart it: press and hold the top button and either volume button (depending on your iPad model) until you see the power-off slider, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, press the top button to turn it back on, and plug it into the computer again to retry the update.

What happens after the update completes

Once your iPad finishes updating, it will show the home screen and Finder or iTunes will display a message confirming the update succeeded. You can now unplug the iPad. Your iPad will work exactly as before, but with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and new features included in the update.

Check that your apps still work and your data is intact. Most apps update automatically to work with the new iPadOS version, but occasionally an older app may need to be updated separately through the App Store. If you notice any app not working correctly, open the App Store, go to the "Updates" tab, and update that app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB cable to connect my iPad to the computer?

The cable must match your iPad's charging port. Most iPads use Lightning (the eight-pin connector), but iPad Pro models from 2018 onward use USB-C. Check your iPad's charging port and use the correct cable. A cable designed for charging will work for updates, but make sure it is not damaged or frayed.

What if my computer does not recognize my iPad when I plug it in?

Try a different USB cable first — the cable may be faulty. Then try a different USB port on your computer. If your computer still does not see the iPad, restart both devices: unplug the iPad, shut down your computer completely, turn it back on, and plug the iPad in again. On Windows, you may need to install or update iTunes from the Microsoft Store.

Do I need to keep my iPad plugged in the entire time the update is installing?

Yes. The iPad must stay connected to the computer throughout the entire update process. If the connection breaks partway through, the update may fail and you will need to start over. Keep the cable plugged in firmly at both ends and avoid moving the iPad or computer during installation.

Can I use my iPad while it is updating?

No. Your iPad will be locked and unusable during the update. The screen will show the Apple logo or a progress bar. Do not try to use it or force it to respond. Let the update finish completely before unplugging the iPad.

How much storage space does the update need on my iPad?

Your iPad needs enough free space to read and install the update — usually between 2 and 5 gigabytes depending on the version. If your iPad is nearly full, delete some photos, videos, or apps before updating. You can always restore them from your backup after the update finishes.

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.