How to Update an Old iPad
Whatever the age of your iPad, it’s important to keep your iPad updated because updates provide you with security and bug fixes so your experience is more reliable. Fortunately, the process is quite simple but make sure to back up your iPad before following these steps. Here’s how to update an old iPad.
On your iPad, tap Settings. Tap General. Tap Software Update. Wait for your iPad to finish searching for updates. The older the iPad, the longer this process may take. Tap Download and Install to complete the update process. This can take 20-30 minutes even though the time remaining stated is often much shorter.
How to Update Your iPad Using Your Computer
If you would prefer to update your iPad via your computer instead of using Wi-Fi, here’s how to do so.
Connect your iPad to your Mac. In Finder, click the iPad name in the Sidebar. Click Trust. You may also need to click Trust on the iPad. Click Check for Update. Click Download and Update. Wait for the update to finish and for your iPad to restart. This can take some time, especially with older iPads.
Can My iPad Be Updated?
The older your iPad, the less likely is it you can update it to the latest version of iPadOS. In some cases, you won’t even be able to use iPadOS, instead being left with iOS—the previous operating system for iPads. Here’s a look at which iPads can be updated and to what operating system.
You’re offline. If you aren’t connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular, you won’t be able to update unless you connect your iPad to your computer. You don’t have sufficient space. Updates take up a lot of storage space. Check you have enough room for the update before trying again. The Apple servers are overloaded. Apple servers are fairly stable but when a new update has just been released, everyone can be trying to update at the same time. Try again during an off-peak time.
