How to Update Your iPhone Using a Computer

Update your iPhone through a computer using iTunes or Finder

You can update your iPhone on a computer by connecting it with a USB cable and using either iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac). The computer downloads the latest iOS version and installs it on your phone while it sits connected. This method works when your phone has little storage space, when Wi-Fi is unreliable, or when you want to keep a backup of your data before updating.

The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the iOS version size and your internet speed. Your iPhone will restart several times during the update and show a progress bar. You should not unplug the cable or close the software until the update finishes.

Key Takeaways

Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable, then open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to see the update option.
Click the update button in iTunes or Finder, and the software will read and install the new iOS version automatically.
Your iPhone will restart multiple times during the update; leave it connected the entire time.
Back up your iPhone before updating so you can restore your data if something goes wrong.

Update on Windows using iTunes

read iTunes from the Microsoft Store or Apple's website if you do not have it already. Open iTunes, plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable, and wait for iTunes to recognize the device — this usually takes 10 to 20 seconds.

Click the iPhone icon in the top-left corner of iTunes. In the Summary tab, you will see a section labeled "iPhone Software" with a button that says "Check for Update" or "Update." Click that button. iTunes will connect to Apple's servers, read the latest iOS version, and show you the version number and file size before you confirm.

Click "Update" again when prompted. Do not unplug the iPhone or close iTunes while the update runs. Your phone will restart several times and display an Apple logo with a progress bar. When the update finishes, iTunes will show a completion message and your iPhone will restart to the home screen.

Update on Mac using Finder

On Mac computers running Monterey or newer, Finder replaces iTunes. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable and open Finder. Click your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations, then click the General tab.

You will see a section labeled "iPhone Software" with a button that says "Check for Update" or "Update Available." Click that button. Finder will check Apple's servers for the latest iOS version and display the version number and size. Click "Update" to read and install it.

Your iPhone will restart multiple times during installation. Leave it connected to the Mac the entire time. Finder will show a progress indicator. When the update completes, your iPhone will restart to the home screen and Finder will confirm the new iOS version is installed.

Back up your iPhone before updating

Before you update, create a backup so you can restore your data if the update fails or causes problems. In iTunes on Windows, right-click your iPhone in the device list and select "Back Up." On Mac in Finder, click your iPhone, then click "Back Up Now" in the General tab.

The backup process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on your phone. iTunes or Finder will show a progress bar. When it finishes, your iPhone data is saved to your computer. If you ever need to restore from this backup, you can right-click the device and select "Restore from Backup" (Windows) or click "Restore Backup" (Mac).

Troubleshoot connection and update problems

If your computer does not recognize your iPhone, try these steps in order: unplug the cable and plug it back in, restart both the iPhone and computer, try a different USB cable, and try a different USB port on the computer. On Mac, you may need to install the latest version of macOS first.

If iTunes or Finder shows an error during the update, write down the error number and unplug the iPhone. Restart your computer, plug the iPhone back in, and try the update again. If the error repeats, visit Apple's support site and search for the error number — Apple publishes solutions for common errors like 4013, 4014, and 21.

If your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo during the update, do not unplug it. Wait at least one hour for the update to finish. If it is still stuck after that, unplug it, force restart the iPhone by pressing and holding the top button and volume-down button until the slider appears, then plug it back in and try the update again.

When to update on Wi-Fi instead

You can also update your iPhone directly on the phone using Wi-Fi without a computer. Go to Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. This method is simpler if your computer is far away or if you prefer not to use a cable. However, it requires your iPhone to have at least 5 to 10 GB of free storage space, depending on the iOS version.

Use the computer method if your iPhone storage is nearly full, if your Wi-Fi connection drops frequently, or if you want to keep a backup on your computer before updating. The computer method is also faster on slower internet connections because iTunes and Finder can resume a partial read if the connection breaks, whereas the on-phone method starts over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific USB cable to update my iPhone on a computer?

Use the USB cable that came with your iPhone or any certified Lightning or USB-C cable. Cheap third-party cables sometimes cause connection problems. If your computer does not recognize the iPhone, try a different cable before troubleshooting other issues.

Can I use my iPhone while it is updating on the computer?

No. Your iPhone will be locked and unresponsive during the update. The screen will show an Apple logo and progress bar. Do not try to use the phone or unplug it until the update finishes and the home screen appears.

What happens to my photos and apps when I update on a computer?

Updating does not delete your photos, messages, apps, or settings. All your data stays on the phone. However, creating a backup before you update protects you in case something goes wrong during installation.

How long does an iPhone update take on a computer?

Most updates take 15 to 45 minutes from start to finish. Larger iOS versions and slower internet connections take longer. Major updates (like iOS 16 to iOS 17) take closer to 45 minutes, while smaller updates take 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I update my iPhone on a computer if the battery is low?

Your iPhone should have at least 20 percent battery before you start. If the battery is lower, plug the iPhone into power while it is connected to the computer. The phone will charge while the update runs.

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.