Stop an update that is already downloading or installing

If your iPhone is actively downloading or installing an update, you can stop it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Cancel. The button appears only while the read or installation is running. Once you cancel, your phone returns to its current version and the update file is removed.

If your phone has already restarted and is in the middle of the installation process (you see the progress bar on the lock screen), you cannot cancel it. Let the installation finish — stopping it mid-install can leave your phone in an unusable state. This takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your model and the update size.

If your phone is stuck on the installation screen and not progressing, force restart it by pressing and releasing the volume up button, pressing and releasing the volume down button, then holding the side button until you see the Apple logo (about 10 seconds). This stops the installation and returns you to your home screen, though you may need to attempt the update again later.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel a read or installation from Settings > General > Software Update only before your phone restarts for the final install.
  • Once your phone restarts and shows the progress bar on the lock screen, you cannot cancel — you must let it finish or force restart the phone.
  • Turning off automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates prevents future updates from downloading without your action.
  • Deleting the update file from Settings > General > iPhone Storage removes the downloaded update and frees up space, but does not stop an active installation.
  • If an update keeps restarting or failing, connect to a computer and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to restore your phone through a wired connection.

Prevent automatic updates from downloading in the future

The reason updates often start without your permission is that Automatic Updates is turned on by default. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and toggle off Automatic Updates. This stops your phone from downloading updates on its own, usually overnight or when plugged in.

With automatic updates off, your phone will notify you when an update is available, but it will not read it until you manually start the process. You keep full control over when the read happens and when your phone restarts. You can still receive security patches — Apple separates critical security updates from larger feature updates, and some security patches may still read automatically depending on your iOS version.

Delete a downloaded update file to free space

If an update has already downloaded but not yet installed, you can remove the file to reclaim storage space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and look for an entry labeled something like "iOS [version] Update" or "Pending Update." Tap it and select Delete Update.

Deleting the file does not affect your current iOS version — your phone continues to run the version it has now. The next time Apple releases an update, your phone will read it fresh if automatic updates are on, or you can read it manually when you choose. This is useful if the update file is taking up several gigabytes and you need the space for photos or apps.

Understand what happens when you delay an update

Postponing an update is safe for weeks or even months, but Apple eventually stops supporting older versions. Once a new iOS version is released, the previous version typically receives security patches for about three to four months. After that window closes, older versions no longer receive fixes for newly discovered security problems.

If you delay too long, you may eventually be forced to update because your apps stop working with your iOS version, or because a critical security issue requires the newer version. Banks, payment apps, and social media platforms often require a minimum iOS version. Delaying indefinitely is not practical, but delaying for a few weeks while you make sure your important apps are compatible is reasonable.

Restart your phone if an update keeps failing

Sometimes an update gets stuck downloading or fails partway through installation. If you see an error message or the read keeps stopping, force restart your phone first. Press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

After the restart, go back to Settings > General > Software Update and try again. If the update fails a second time, connect your phone to a computer with a USB cable. On a Mac, open Finder and select your phone from the sidebar, then click General and choose Restore. On Windows, use iTunes and select Restore iPhone. This downloads a fresh copy of iOS and reinstalls it completely, which fixes most stuck updates.

Know the difference between pausing and canceling

Canceling means stopping the read or installation before your phone restarts, which removes the update file entirely. Pausing is not an official option on iPhone — you cannot pause and resume an update later. If you cancel a read, you must read the entire update again the next time you want to install it.

If you want to delay an update without canceling it, turn off Wi-Fi and cellular data so your phone cannot read it. The update will remain queued and your phone will notify you again, but it will not proceed without a network connection. This is useful if you want to wait for a specific time (like a weekend) to install, but you should not rely on this long-term because automatic updates may override it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will canceling an update hurt my phone?

Canceling before your phone restarts is completely safe — it straightforward removes the read and your phone stays on its current version. Canceling after the restart begins (when you see the progress bar on the lock screen) can cause problems. If you must stop it at that point, force restart instead of letting it sit incomplete.

Can I go back to an older iOS version after updating?

No. Apple does not allow downgrading to previous iOS versions once you update. You can only move forward to newer versions. This is why it is important to make sure your apps work with the new version before you commit to the update.

What if my phone updates while I am using it?

Your phone will not install an update while you are actively using it. Updates install only when your phone is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. If you are using your phone, the installation waits until those conditions are met, usually overnight.

Do I have to update my iPhone?

You are not legally required to update, but Apple eventually stops supporting older versions with security patches. After a few months, an unsupported version becomes a security risk. You can delay, but you cannot skip updates indefinitely without losing access to apps and security protection.

Why does my iPhone keep trying to update?

If automatic updates are on, your phone will keep downloading the update until you install it or turn off automatic updates. If you see repeated notifications, go to Settings > General > Software Update and toggle off Automatic Updates. You can then install the update on your own schedule.