How to Update iPad on Computer with/Without iTunes?

Category: iPhone Issues

June 11, 2026 3 mins read

If you are searching how to update iPad in 2026, the old answer of 'use iTunes' is no longer enough. For iPadOS 27, most people should start in Settings, then use a computer or repair workflow only when Wi-Fi, storage, or the update screen fails.

This guide explains how to update iPad without iTunes, how to update iPad on computer without iTunes, and what to do if the iPad gets stuck during the update process.

Quick answer

To update iPad, back up first, keep the iPad charged, free enough storage, and use Settings > General > Software Update when the device works normally. If you need to update iPad without iTunes or update iPad on computer without iTunes, use Finder on Mac, the Apple Devices app on Windows, or a guided iPadOS update tool when the standard update path is stuck.

Settings is the best way to update iPad when the device works normally. Before installing iPadOS 27, connect to stable Wi-Fi, keep the iPad plugged in, back up important data, and leave more storage than the download size suggests.

Open Settings > General > Software Update, then choose Download and Install when iPadOS 27 appears. If the update stays on Preparing Update or Verifying Update for a long time, stop repeating taps and move to the computer or repair options below.

iPad update may take hours or even fail if something goes wrong half way. So, please try not to use it during the update process. If this method has once failed to make an iPad software update, you can check the other two solutions for updating iPad.

If Wi-Fi is weak or the iPad cannot finish the update from Settings, a computer can help. For readers who want to update iPad on computer without iTunes, the practical choices are Finder on Mac, the Apple Devices app on Windows, or iMyFone Fixppo when the update process is already failing.

Fixppo is most useful when your iPadOS 27 update is stuck, the iPad enters recovery mode, or the normal update screen cannot complete. It combines iPadOS firmware download, Standard Mode repair, iOS/iPadOS upgrade tools, and built-in backup/restore in one guided workflow.

iPadOS 27 Update Tool Fixppo

• Update iPad from a computer when Settings cannot finish the iPadOS 27 install.
• Useful for stuck Preparing Update, Verifying Update, recovery mode, and Apple logo cases after an update attempt.
• Works with many supported iPad models and recent iPadOS versions, including iPadOS 27 update scenarios.
• Use built-in backup/restore and Standard Mode repair before moving to erase-based restore.
• Includes one-click recovery mode tools for update failures that leave the iPad on a recovery screen.

To update both old/new iPad on computer without Wi-Fi connection or iTunes, you can download Fixppo and follow steps to perform.

Step 1: Launch Fixppo and connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2: Under the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade tab, choose the Upgrade iOS to download the new iPadOS.

Step 3: Fixppo will automatically detect your device, once recognized, click the Download button to get the new iPadOS firmware.

Step 4: Click the Start Upgrade iOS button and wait for a few minutes for the software to install the iPadOS version you chose to your device.

When Fixppo finishes updating the iPad, your device should restart automatically. Back up important data first and confirm the iPad works normally after the update.

Apple's computer update path depends on your device and computer: Finder on modern macOS, Apple Devices on Windows where available, and iTunes on older setups. Use Update before Restore when the computer gives you both options.

This route is useful when the iPad is recognized by the computer but cannot update over Wi-Fi. If the iPad is not recognized at all, check the cable, port, and power state before assuming software can fix it.

Step 1: Update your iTunes to the latest version, then connect your iPad to the computer.

Step 2: iTunes will start to recognize your iPad. Click the Summary from the left side.

Step 3: From the right side, you can see two options. Since you want to update iPadOS, click the Check for Update is better.

Step 4: When prompted, confirm the messages and proceed to the next step of updating your iPad using iTunes.

This is another official way for iPad software update. But if iPad is not recognized by iTunes, you can try to update your device with Fixppo directly.

Each method has its advantages. You can choose the one that fits your situation. To help you better make the decision, you can check the comparison table below.

	OTA	iMyFone Fixppo	iTunes
Wi-Fi required
Risk of data loss
Supported iPadOS version	Only the latest iPadOS version	Any available iPadOS version, starting from 15-18 beta	Only the latest iPadOS version
Time requirement	45-55 minutes	25-30 minutes	1.5-2 hours

How do I update my iPad to iPadOS 27?

Back up, connect to stable Wi-Fi, keep the iPad charged, then go to Settings > General > Software Update. Use a computer if the over-the-air update fails.

How can I update iPad without iTunes?

Use Settings, Finder on Mac, the Apple Devices app on Windows, or a guided update tool if the iPad is stuck. iTunes is only needed on older computer setups.

How much storage do I need before updating iPad?

Leave several GB free beyond the download size because iPadOS needs temporary room to unpack and verify the update.

That's how to update iPad using three different ways. You can choose to update iPad through Wi-Fi or iTunes. Or, when your Wi-Fi connection is unstable and iTunes fails to update the iPad, you can try iMyFone Fixppo. It's a professional iPadOS/iOS update tool that can successfully make an iPad software update while without getting your iPad stuck at any error.

Melvin Cooper

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