iPad won’t update the iOS.

I have an iPad 13” Pro 2023 that is on iOS 16.4. When I download the update it just sits on preparing update. I can’t use the cell service because the iOS needs to be updated.


I’ve tried everything except wiping the iPad and restoring it from the iCloud backup. Do you think if I wipe it will the update load? If not do I have a bricked iPad?


Been using my 2024 iPad.

Posted on Dec 28, 2025 9:35 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 28, 2025 10:15 AM

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection. Update via Cellular connection, where available, requires a high-speed 5G connection.

19 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 28, 2025 10:15 AM in response to David M Brewer

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection. Update via Cellular connection, where available, requires a high-speed 5G connection.

Dec 31, 2025 5:44 PM in response to David M Brewer

Maybe I forgot to mention this… I lost the cellar settings… in the cellar setting it says I need need to update it before updating the IOS. I’m figuring that I need to update it in iTunes on a computer. The firmware doesn’t have the update.



I have no problems downloading the iOS update… takes about 30 seconds to download it.


Since I bought the iPad from AT&T I’m going to their store on Friday to have them update the cellular option. I don’t have a computer. If I did I would do it myself.

Dec 31, 2025 6:18 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:


David M Brewer wrote:

I wiped the iPad clean. When trying to install from the backup it says the iPad needs an update. Since I don’t have computer to install the the update I’ll go to AT&T were I bought it and see what they can do to fix it.
Don't you have Wifi at home? You shouldn't need to visit AT&T to follow the process when restoring your iPad to install the update as long as you are on Wifi.


I have 5 gig up/down internet.

Dec 31, 2025 5:01 AM in response to David M Brewer

David M Brewer wrote:

I wiped the iPad clean. When trying to install from the backup it says the iPad needs an update. Since I don’t have computer to install the the update I’ll go to AT&T were I bought it and see what they can do to fix it.

Don't you have Wifi at home? You shouldn't need to visit AT&T to follow the process when restoring your iPad to install the update as long as you are on Wifi.

Dec 31, 2025 6:30 AM in response to David M Brewer

David M Brewer wrote:


lobsterghost1 wrote:


David M Brewer wrote:

I wiped the iPad clean. When trying to install from the backup it says the iPad needs an update. Since I don’t have computer to install the the update I’ll go to AT&T were I bought it and see what they can do to fix it.
Don't you have Wifi at home? You shouldn't need to visit AT&T to follow the process when restoring your iPad to install the update as long as you are on Wifi.

I have 5 gig up/down internet.

Wow. I didn't think anyone still had internet service with data limits anymore?

Dec 31, 2025 7:29 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

David M Brewer wrote:

You didn’t read my post correctly. My internet speed is 5 gigs up and down.

OK. So why can't you install an update with your home Wifi? And I guess I don't understand the 5 gigs up and down. My home internet speed is 400 MBPS.


Google search suggests that there are now providers who offer 5 Gbps fiber-optic service. I'm not sure where that service is available, or how much it costs ("arm + leg"), but home Internet service with those speeds may finally be a "thing."


Note that network speeds are normally quoted in bits per second. The convention is that capital 'B' means bytes and lower-case 'b' means bits, so your home Internet speed is probably 400 Mbps (down). I do not know if your Internet service is symmetrical, or if there is a lower speed cap on uploads (as there is with many home Internet plans).

Dec 31, 2025 7:34 AM in response to Servant of Cats






Servant of Cats wrote:


lobsterghost1 wrote:

David M Brewer wrote:

You didn’t read my post correctly. My internet speed is 5 gigs up and down.

OK. So why can't you install an update with your home Wifi? And I guess I don't understand the 5 gigs up and down. My home internet speed is 400 MBPS.

Google search suggests that there are now providers who offer 5 Gbps fiber-optic service. I'm not sure where that service is available, or how much it costs ("arm + leg"), but home Internet service with those speeds may finally be a "thing."

Note that network speeds are normally quoted in bits per second. The convention is that capital 'B' means bytes and lower-case 'b' means bits, so your home Internet speed is probably 400 Mbps (down). I do not know if your Internet service is symmetrical, or if there is a lower speed cap on uploads (as there is with many home Internet plans).

I'm just not familiar with 5 Gigs up or down service. I do know my internet service is 400 Mbps down, but nowhere close to that up. Still, if David has such fast internet, I don't understand what would prevent them from updating the iPad at home?

Dec 31, 2025 9:06 AM in response to LotusPilot

LotusPilot wrote:


lobsterghost1 wrote:

I'm just not familiar with 5 Gigs up or down service. I do know my internet service is 400 Mbps down, but nowhere close to that up. Still, if David has such fast internet, I don't understand what would prevent them from updating the iPad at home?

DMB's post in the other place indicates 2.2Gbps...


https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/f3015e07-7c89-4708-ac66-d78dd5f21eb5

That's still VERY fast and doesn't answer why he can't update his iPad with internet speeds that fast?

Dec 31, 2025 10:07 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

That's still VERY fast and doesn't answer why he can't update his iPad with internet speeds that fast?


I wasn't suggesting a causal factor (having already fully outlined available update methods and diagnostics); I was just clarifying his claimed internet connection speeds.


You might also note that the internet connection, as illustrated in his test result, is also asymmetric (2.2 Gbps down / 1.4 Gbps up) as might be anticipated; the majority of GPON fibre services typically have a contended (i.e. shared) uplink.

iPad won’t update the iOS.

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