You cannot delete an update that iOS has already installed on your device
Once an update finishes installing and your iPhone restarts, the old version of iOS is replaced and cannot be recovered through the Settings app. Apple does not provide a built-in way to uninstall a completed update or roll back to a previous version on your own.
What you can delete is a downloaded update that has not yet installed — the file sitting on your device waiting for you to tap "Install Now". This frees up storage space and delays the update until you are ready. If an update has already installed and you are experiencing problems, your only option is to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, as reverting requires specialized tools.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove a pending update (one that has downloaded but not installed) through Settings > General > iPhone Storage or Settings > General > Software Update.
- Deleting a pending update removes only the downloaded file and does not affect your current iOS version.
- Once an update installs and your iPhone restarts, you cannot remove it yourself — the previous version is gone.
- If an installed update causes serious problems, Apple Support or an Apple Store can help, but this requires sending your device in or visiting in person.
How to delete a pending update through Software Update settings
Open Settings and tap General. Then tap Software Update. If an update has downloaded but not installed, you will see a screen showing the version number and a description of what it includes. Look for a button labeled "Delete Update" — tap it to remove the downloaded file from your device.
Your iPhone will ask you to confirm. Tap Delete again. The file is now removed, and your device will not prompt you to install until you manually check for updates again. This is the fastest way to clear a pending update if you know exactly where it is.
How to delete a pending update through iPhone Storage
If you cannot find the Delete Update button in Software Update, or if the button does not appear, use the iPhone Storage method instead. Open Settings, tap General, then tap iPhone Storage. Scroll down through the list of apps and files until you see "iOS [version number]" — this is the pending update file.
Tap on it. A screen will appear showing the update details and a red Delete button at the bottom. Tap Delete, then confirm by tapping Delete again. The pending update is now removed. This method works even if the update is partially downloaded or if the Software Update screen is not showing the delete option.
Why your iPhone keeps downloading updates automatically
By default, iPhones read new updates automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power. This happens in the background, often overnight, so you may not notice until a notification appears asking you to install. If you want to prevent automatic downloads, you can turn this off.
Open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates and toggle off "read iOS Updates". Your device will no longer read updates on its own. You will still receive notifications that updates are available, but nothing will read until you manually check for updates and start the process yourself. Keep in mind that turning this off means you are responsible for remembering to update, which can leave your device without important security patches.
What to do if an update has already installed
If the update has finished installing and your iPhone has restarted, the old version is no longer on your device. You cannot remove it through Settings. If the update is causing problems — crashes, battery drain, or features not working — your options are limited to contacting Apple.
You can reach Apple Support through the Support app on your iPhone, by calling Apple directly, or by visiting an Apple Store. Explain the specific problems you are experiencing. Apple may be able to troubleshoot over the phone, or they may need to perform a factory reset and restore your device from a backup. In rare cases where a major bug affects many devices, Apple releases a minor update to fix it, but you cannot go back to the previous version on your own.
How much storage a pending update takes up
A pending iOS update typically takes between 2 and 5 gigabytes of space, depending on which version you are updating to and which iPhone model you have. Newer versions tend to be larger. If your device is running low on storage and you see a pending update, deleting it can free up that space when ready.
Keep in mind that deleting the update does not free up space permanently — when you eventually update, the file will read again and take up that space once more. If storage is a constant problem, consider deleting old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use, or backing up your device to iCloud and performing a factory reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I downgrade to an older iOS version after updating?
No. Apple does not allow users to downgrade iOS versions. Once you update, you are on that version permanently unless you contact Apple Support. Even then, downgrading is not may provide and typically requires visiting an Apple Store or sending your device in.
Will deleting a pending update affect my data or settings?
No. Deleting a pending update removes only the downloaded file. Your data, photos, apps, and settings remain unchanged. Your iPhone continues to run the current iOS version you already have installed.
What if I delete an update and then want to install it later?
Open Settings, go to General, then Software Update, and tap "read and Install". Your iPhone will read the update again and proceed with installation. You can delete it as many times as you want — each time, you can re-read it later.
Does deleting a pending update stop all future update notifications?
No. Deleting a pending update removes only that specific file. Your iPhone will continue to read new updates automatically (if that setting is on) and will notify you about future versions. To stop automatic downloads entirely, turn off Automatic Updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
Why does my iPhone keep re-downloading an update I deleted?
If Automatic Updates is turned on in Settings > General > Software Update, your device will read the update again automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and power. To stop this, toggle off "read iOS Updates" in the Automatic Updates section.