You can stop an iOS update before it installs, but not after

If you have started downloading an iOS update but have not yet installed it, you can delete the downloaded files and prevent the installation. Once the update begins installing on your device, you cannot cancel it — you must let it finish. If an update is scheduled to install at a specific time (usually overnight), you can delay or reschedule it before that window arrives.

The method depends on whether the update is still downloading, already downloaded and waiting, or scheduled for a future time. Each situation has a different path to stop it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can delete a downloaded iOS update from Settings before installation begins, which removes the files and stops the scheduled installation.
  • Once an update starts installing, you cannot cancel it — the device must complete the process, though you can force a restart if it freezes.
  • If an update is scheduled to install at a specific time, you can tap "Remind Me Later" to reschedule it before that window.
  • Turning off automatic updates in Settings prevents iOS from downloading and installing updates without your action.
  • Plugging in power and connecting to Wi-Fi are required for most iOS updates, so disconnecting these can pause a read in progress.

Delete a downloaded update before installation

If iOS has finished downloading but has not yet started installing, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). Look for an entry labeled with the iOS version number — for example, "iOS 17.2.1". Tap it, then tap Delete Update. This removes the downloaded files from your device.

After you delete the update, your device will not install it at the scheduled time. If you want to prevent iOS from downloading the same update again automatically, turn off automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Toggle off read iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates. Your device will then notify you when updates are available, but will not read or install them without you starting the process manually.

Reschedule an update that is set to install later

If iOS has downloaded an update and is showing a notification that it will install at a specific time (usually between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.), tap the notification or go to Settings > General > Software Update. You will see a message saying the update is ready to install. Tap Remind Me Later to push the installation window back by one day.

You can tap Remind Me Later multiple times to keep rescheduling. Each time you do, the installation is delayed by another day. This gives you time to back up your device, close open apps, or decide whether you want to delete the update entirely. If you want to cancel it completely instead of just delaying it, follow the steps in the section above to delete the downloaded files.

Pause a read that is still in progress

If iOS is actively downloading an update, you can pause it by disconnecting from Wi-Fi or unplugging your device from power. Most iOS updates require both a Wi-Fi connection and power to read and install, so losing either one will pause the process. Turn off Wi-Fi in Control Center or go to Settings > Wi-Fi and toggle it off.

Once the read is paused, you have time to decide what to do next. If you leave the device disconnected from Wi-Fi and power long enough, iOS may resume the read automatically when you reconnect — this depends on your automatic update settings. To prevent the read from resuming, delete the partially downloaded update from Settings > General > iPhone Storage the same way you would delete a completed read.

What happens if an update is already installing

Once an iOS update begins the installation process — when you see the progress bar on the screen or the Apple logo with a progress indicator — you cannot cancel it. The device must complete the installation, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the update size and your device model. Interrupting the installation by force-restarting the device can corrupt the system and leave your iPhone or iPad unusable.

If the installation appears to be frozen or stuck on the same percentage for more than an hour, you can try a force restart as a last resort. The method varies by device: on iPhone 8 and newer, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. On older models, press and hold the Home and Top (or Side) buttons together. After the restart, the update will usually resume and complete.

Turn off automatic updates to prevent future downloads

To stop iOS from downloading and installing updates without your permission, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Toggle off both read iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates. Your device will still notify you when updates are available, but will wait for you to manually start the read and installation.

With automatic updates turned off, you control when your device updates. This is useful if you want to wait for a few days after a new version releases to make sure no major problems are reported, or if you want to update only when you have time to back up your device first. You can still check for updates manually at any time by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Get Updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an update that is already installing?

No. Once the installation begins, you must let it finish. Interrupting it by force-restarting can damage your device. If the installation is frozen, wait at least an hour before attempting a force restart.

What if I delete an update and then my device downloads it again?

Your device is re-downloading because automatic updates are still turned on. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and toggle off read iOS Updates to prevent this.

Will my device stop working if I keep deleting updates?

No. You can delete updates indefinitely. However, older devices may eventually stop receiving new updates, and staying on an older iOS version may cause some apps to stop working. You will need to update eventually, but you can choose when.

Does turning off automatic updates affect anything else on my phone?

No. Turning off automatic iOS updates only affects system updates. App updates from the App Store, security patches, and all other device functions work normally.