How to update an iPhone - all methods for installing a new version of software on an iPhone

18.01.2021

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Like any other device, an Apple smartphone must be updated to function correctly. New versions almost always fix bugs, make the device more stable, and improve some functions. To do this, you need to know how to update your iPhone correctly. There are several methods that require different equipment, and you can choose the one that is more convenient for you.

What to do before updating

Before updating, the device must be prepared so as not to lose the necessary data and successfully complete the installation. It is also important to ensure that your phone supports the latest version.

Creating a Backup

It is necessary to create a backup copy of your iCloud account (by the way, Pavel Durov recently accused the cloud service of global surveillance) every time, so that if problems or errors arise in the new version, you can roll back. To create a backup from your iPhone, you need to:

Connect to a Wi-Fi network or mobile connection with a lot of traffic;
Check if there is enough space in the cloud to create a backup copy;
In settings, open account information and click “iCloud”;
Click “Create a backup copy” and wait until the copy is created.

You can create a backup copy on your computer. To do this, you will need the iTunes program, which you need to download from the manufacturer’s website. You can create a copy using a PC like this:

You need to connect your smartphone to your computer using a cable;
Launch iTunes on your PC, and on your phone click “Trust”;
Select a device from the list when the program detects it;
In iTunes, find the “Create a copy now” option.

Freeing up memory

In order for the update to install correctly, it is important to have more memory than required when downloading. During installation and downloading, temporary files are created that take up a lot of space, but after installation they are deleted. The new iOS will require at least 5 GB of free memory.

Connecting the charger

Before you update your iPhone, it's important to charge it (but be careful because Apple's new wireless charger melted the phone's case). It is recommended to have at least 50 percent - downloads can cost up to 30 percent. This is important to consider - if the installation process is interrupted, the system may throw an error and stop turning on.

Connect to Wi-Fi or unlimited mobile internet

It is important to connect to Wi-Fi or the Internet, the traffic of which is not limited - the new version can use up a large amount of Internet. Its amount can be from 3 to 5 GB; the amount of traffic required depends on many factors.

List of supported devices

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Before learning how to install iOS 11 on iPhone 5, it’s worth remembering this model. The start of sales of the phone was opened in 2012. After that, the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 7, up to the iPhone 11 Pro Max models were released. Accordingly, the five has long been outdated and discontinued. You won't find it on sale.

At one time, this model looked very stylish, and, despite the presence of minor flaws, many people wanted to buy it. In principle, this situation repeats itself every September, when T. Cook appears on stage and presents a brand new device from Apple.

What does iPhone 5 look like?

At the time this model was sold, the sixth version of the OS was installed on board. As you can tell after several years, any iPhone support has an expiration date. In this case, its end came with the development of the 10.3 operating system.

iOS 10.3 works quite well, and Apple left it very useful. When experts developed a new OS - iOS 11, some phones simply could not cope. The hardware of the fifth series of iPhones consists of a dual-core Apple A6 processor with a frequency of only 1.3 GHz. Such parameters look rather weak in comparison with modern devices.

Compatible Devices

Before installing an operating system, it is important to check whether your device supports it. So, owners of iOS 11 version can be:

iPhone 5s;
iPhone SE;
iPhone 6 and older;
iPhone 7 and older;
iPhone 8 and older;
iPhone X and older;
iPhone 11 and older;
iPad mini 2 and older;
iPad Air and older;
iPad Pro;
iPod touch 6.

iOS 11 compatible devices

How to update iPhone via iTunes from computer

To learn how to update an iPhone via a computer, you need to follow the instructions. For this method, you will need a PC or laptop on which iTunes will be installed. To update your smartphone, you need to follow the instructions:

connect your phone using a cable, click “Trust”;
launch iTunes, find the device in the list;
in the “General” section, select “Check for updates”;
find “Update” and enter your account password.

During loading, the smartphone must not be disconnected from the computer or the PC must be turned off.

Reflashing the device

Here you will also need a laptop and iTunes. Before updating your iPhone via iTunes, it is important to make a backup copy so that you can always return everything the way it was if something goes wrong. To update using flashing you need:

Find and download the required firmware. The file format must be .ipsw;
Disable the “Find iPhone” item, which is located in the settings;
Turn off the device and connect it to the PC by holding down the Home button. The phone should be recognized in recovery mode. Click “OK” in the window
Open iTunes, hold down Shift and select the file with the firmware.

After that, all that remains is to wait for the end. During installation, the smartphone may reboot - this is normal. By the way, did you know that Apple was fined for not being waterproof?

Via DFU mode

This method is only suitable for users with Jailbreak; you will also need to download the necessary firmware in advance. To update your device via DFU mode, you need to:

Connect the phone to the laptop and turn it off;
Press the Home and Power buttons together for 10-15 seconds;
Release Power and hold down Home until iTunes recognizes the device in DFU mode;
Hold Shift and open the desired firmware file.

Changes and improvements in iOS 11

Despite the fact that even through jailbreak there is no way around how to install iOS 11 on the iPhone 5, this version will work well for other newer devices. Its popularity and close attention from owners of Apple equipment are justified by a number of advantages and innovations. The most significant include the following:

the ability to customize the control panel yourself;
the assistant assistant in the form of Siri has become smarter, and better and more realistic voice acting has appeared;
improvements to the Camera app;
design changes in the company's application store;
iPad has a new multitasking menu;
positive changes have also been made to the notification center;
it became possible to scan documents;
the emergence of ARKit support (augmented reality technology from the official manufacturer);
reading QR codes;
iPad has a new Drag&Drop feature;
the appearance of a new Files application and much more.

New iOS 11 - new features

To update a new operating system, you will need about 2-3 GB of free space on your devices. As practice and reviews from many iPhone owners show, iOS 11 works flawlessly even on iPhone 5 s. Owners of earlier versions should consider upgrading their devices. For those who are not ready to part with their favorite model, the developers have found an alternative - iOS 10.3.3, which works well and provides support.

What should I do if an error pops up and the update stops?

You can solve the error and update stopping using third-party utilities. To solve the problem you will need:

Download the PhoneRescue program to your computer;
Go to the iOS Repair Tools section;
Put the phone into recovery mode, the program will detect it automatically;
In the recovery method selection window, select Advanced Mode;
If device information does not appear in the next window, you must enter it manually;
Next, the firmware download will begin. After this, the software will be restored.

Updating your iPhone is not at all difficult - you just need to know how to do it. Using the same methods, you can update your iPad. The official methods do not require any effort, but the bypass requires more steps.

You may also find it useful to know:

how to record a telephone conversation on iPhone;
where is the clipboard on your smartphone?
how to legally find out who owns the number.

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