[Full Guide] How to Update iPhone Through iTunes?

Category: iPhone Issues

June 22, 2024 3 mins read

Updating iOS is often considered as useful as there are always new features or fixes for vulnerabilities come along with it.

Though there are different ways to update iPhone software, some prefer to use iTunes other prefer to do it via OTA.

In this article, we'll introduce how to update iPhone through iTunes and OTA with detailed steps. Also, you can learn more about their differences.

Developed by Apple, iTunes can be used to update iPhone, which includes major iOS upgrades as well as minor updates and security patches.

Moreover, if your iPhone frozen during iOS update, iTunes is the safe way to complete the updating process as well.

Here's how to update iPhone software with iTunes.

Step 1: Update iTunes to the latest version, open it and connect your iPhone to the PC/Mac.

Step 2: Once your device is displayed on the screen, click on it.

Step 3: From the options available on the left side, click on Summary.

Step 4: Click on Check for Update option that appears on the right side of the screen to proceed.

Step 5: When prompted to enter your passcode on iPhone, enter it.

That's how to update iPhone using iTunes. You can use the iPhone in the new iOS when it's restarted.

The OTA update refers to the Over-the-Air update, which allows you to complete downloading and installing iOS update without needing a computer.

Besides learning how to update iPhone via iTunes, you can learn about the steps for updating iPhone using OTA method.

Step 1: OTA updates normally cannot be downloaded over cellular data due to their size, please ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 3: If an update is available, you will see a message indicating the new version. Tap Download and Install.

Step 4: Enter your screen passcode when the system asks.

Step 5: Once the download is complete, tap Install Now. Your iPhone will restart and begin the installation process.

It's possible that your iPhone not be recognized by iTunes, nor can you updating iOS via OTA update. To smoothly update iPhone with computer, you can try third-party tool like iMyFone Fixppo.

Compatible with all all iPhone models, Fixppo supports updating iPhone on Windows/Mac without using iTunes or OTA method. Easy to use for anyone.

You can download Fixppo and follow steps to see how to use it to update iPhone in 1-click.

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Step 1: Launch Fixppo on your Win/Mac, connect your iPhone to the computer and click the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade tab.

Step 2: Choose the Upgrade iOS tab to begin updating iPhone.

Step 3: The available firmware version will show up, normally the latest version of iOS. Click the Download button to get the iOS firmware.

Step 4: When the iOS firmware is downloaded, click the Start Upgrade iOS button for the software to install the update to your iPhone.

Your iPhone will be updated to the iOS version you just chosen and restart. If you update iPhone for security patches, the bugs are removed. If you update iPhone for enjoying new features, start to relax yourself!

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Whether through iTunes or OTA or third-party iPhone update tool, you can update iPhone software successfully. The differences between the three methods are given below in the table to help you better device which one is more suitable.

	iTunes	OTA	iOS Update Tool
USB Connection
Internet Requirement	Requires Internet on computer	Requires Wi-Fi on iPhone	Requires Internet on computer
Ease of Use	(sometimes fail to recognize iPhone)
Storage Requirements	Less storage needed on iPhone	Requires sufficient free space on iPhone	Less storage needed on iPhone
Data Loss Risk
iPhone Battery Requirement	No requirement of the battery being fully charged.	Ensure iPhone is charged to at least 50%.	No requirement of the battery being fully charged.
Speed of Update	Moderate	If on stable Wi-Fi, 45 - 65 mins	Fast
Additional Features	Device backups, restores	None	Downgrade iOS, Fix iPhone problems, factory reset iPhone...

This table can be your guide when choosing a better method to update iPhone software.

That's all about how to update iPhone using iTunes. Also, you can learn how to update iPhone through OTA or Fixppo when iTunes doesn't work well.

You can try iMyFone Fixppo to update iPhone with 1-simple click after comparing the three methods. However, whichever you choose, you can definitely successfully update iOS with ease.

Try It Free

Melvin Cooper

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