How To Update An Apple IPhone From A Computer: Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on November 10, 2025

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Keeping your iPhone up-to-date is crucial for security, performance, and access to the latest features. While most users update their iPhones directly over Wi-Fi, there are times when updating from a computer is necessary or preferable. This guide will walk you through the process of updating your Apple iPhone using a computer, ensuring a smooth and successful update every time.

Updating your iPhone from a computer is a straightforward process that can be helpful when you have limited Wi-Fi access, a slow internet connection, or when troubleshooting update issues. Whether you’re using a Mac or a Windows PC, this step-by-step guide will provide you with the instructions you need to get your iPhone running the latest version of iOS.

How Do I Update My iPhone Using My Computer?

Preparing For The Update

Before you begin the update process, there are a few things you should do to ensure a smooth experience.

Back Up Your iPhone: Backing up your iPhone is crucial to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong during the update. You can back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer.
Ensure You Have The Latest Version of iTunes (Windows): If you’re using a Windows PC, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. You can download it from the Apple website.
Make Sure Your Computer Has Enough Storage: The update process requires sufficient free storage on your computer to download and install the iOS update.
Charge Your iPhone: Ensure your iPhone has at least 50% battery life or is connected to a power source to prevent interruptions during the update.

Updating Your iPhone Using Finder (macOS Catalina or Later)

If you’re using a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you’ll use Finder to update your iPhone.

Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac.
Open Finder: Open a new Finder window.
Select Your iPhone: Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under “Locations.” Click on your iPhone.
Trust This Computer: If prompted on your iPhone, tap “Trust” and enter your passcode.
Click “Check for Update”: In the Finder window, click the “Check for Update” button.
Click “Update”: If an update is available, click “Update” to download and install the latest version of iOS.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process. Your iPhone may restart several times during the update.

Updating Your iPhone Using iTunes (Windows or Older macOS)

If you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, you’ll use iTunes to update your iPhone.

Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application.
Select Your iPhone: Click on the iPhone icon that appears in the iTunes window.
Trust This Computer: If prompted on your iPhone, tap “Trust” and enter your passcode.
Click “Check for Update”: In the iTunes window, click the “Check for Update” button.
Click “Download and Update”: If an update is available, click “Download and Update” to download and install the latest version of iOS.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process. Your iPhone may restart several times during the update.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Sometimes, the update process may encounter problems. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:

Insufficient Storage: If you receive an error message indicating insufficient storage, free up space on your iPhone by deleting unnecessary apps, photos, or videos.
Update Stuck: If the update process gets stuck, try restarting your iPhone and your computer. Then, try the update process again.
Error Messages: If you encounter specific error messages, search online for the error code to find solutions specific to that error.
Connectivity Issues: Ensure your computer has a stable internet connection throughout the update process.

Tips For A Smooth Update

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth update process:

Use a Reliable USB Cable: Use the original USB cable that came with your iPhone or a certified MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) cable to ensure a stable connection.
Disable VPN: Disable any VPN connections on your computer, as they can sometimes interfere with the update process.
Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any unnecessary applications on your computer to free up system resources and prevent conflicts during the update.
Be Patient: The update process can take some time, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection. Be patient and avoid interrupting the process.

Comparison of Update Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of updating your iPhone over Wi-Fi versus using a computer:

Feature	Update Over Wi-Fi	Update Via Computer
Internet Needed	Yes	Yes (for downloading the update)
Computer Needed	No	Yes
Use Case	Convenient for most users	Useful when Wi-Fi is unreliable or slow
Speed	Dependent on Wi-Fi speed	Can be faster with a stable computer connection
Troubleshooting	Limited troubleshooting options	More control over the update process

Keeping Your iPhone Updated

Updating your iPhone from a computer offers a reliable alternative when Wi-Fi updates aren’t ideal. By following these steps, you can ensure your device stays secure and enjoys the latest features.

FAQ

Can I update my iPhone without Wi-Fi? Yes, you can update your iPhone using a computer with an internet connection.

What do I do if my iPhone gets stuck during the update? Try restarting both your iPhone and your computer. If the issue persists, try restoring your iPhone to factory settings and then updating.

Is it safe to update my iPhone from a computer? Yes, updating your iPhone from a computer is safe as long as you use a trusted computer and follow the correct steps.

Do I need an Apple ID to update my iPhone from a computer? Yes, you need to be logged in to your Apple ID on iTunes or Finder to update your iPhone.

Will updating my iPhone from a computer erase my data? No, updating your iPhone from a computer will not erase your data as long as you back up your iPhone beforehand.