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How to update an iPad

By David Crookes last updated 19 October 2022 Here's how to update an iPad to ensure it runs the latest version of iPadOS (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Once you know how to update an iPad, you'll soon have an improved device in your hands. After all, while iPads are often considered some of the best tablets around, yours will only stay that way if you keep it updated, ensuring you have the very latest iPadOS operating system installed with all of the extra goodies that come with it. At the same time, you will be making your iPad more robust, protecting it against potential hackers by taking advantage of any security updates. A new iPadOS version will also iron out any software bugs, so you should find your device runs more smoothly as a result. In this article, we look at how you can manually update your iPad while also explaining how you can automate the process so that it becomes much less of a hassle. With all of that in mind, let's crack on. Here's how to update an iPad.

How to update an iPad

Open the Settings appSelect Software UpdateDownload and InstallEnter your passcodeTap Agree (twice)Tap Install Now Read on to see more detailed instructions for each step. 1. Open the Settings app, tap General and then select Software Update. (Image credit: Future) 2. This will take you to the Software Update page where you may see that an update is available (if not, you will be told that iPadOS is up-to-date). From here, you can simply tap Download and Install. (Image credit: Future) 3. You could, however, also tap Automatic Updates. (Image credit: Future) 4. Tapping Automatic Updates will give you ways to quicken the Software Update process. For example, you can toggle Download iPadOS Updates to on – this will ensure that updates are ready and waiting for install. If you toggle Install iPadOS Updates to on then you will be prompted to update your iPad – you won't need to keep checking the Software Update page. You may also want to toggle Security Responses & System Files. Doing so will ensure that system vulnerability patches will be pushed to your iPad. You will need to restart the iPad to complete the installation of these. (Image credit: Future) 5. If, however, you have just tapped Download and Install, you will need to enter your iPad passcode. (Image credit: Future) 6. At this point, you need to agree to the terms of conditions so tap Agree, then tap agree again. Before the update starts downloading, check your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi - it'll save you a heap of data. (Image credit: Future) 7. Once the update has been downloaded, tap Install Now. The update will install and your iPad will restart. It can take a while so be patient. It's a good idea to charge your iPad during this process. (Image credit: Future) And there you have it - you can now update an iPad. Why not go the whole hog and learn how to update an iPhone and how to update a Mac. In any case, you may be interested in knowing how to transfer data from iPad to iPad, or even working out how to reset an iPad. Today's best Apple AirPods deals117 Amazon customer reviews (opens in new tab)☆☆☆☆☆ (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$29 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)Reduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$159 (opens in new tab)$144 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. David Crookes David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live. More about apple iPadOS 16 review: Not quite a game changer Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and moreLatest How to know if someone blocked your numberSee more latest ► Topics Apple Software Tablets See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1How to know if someone blocked your number2The 10 best free Steam games3Why you want a mechanical keyboard4How to set parental controls on PS4 and PS4 Pro5Best 75-inch TVs of 20221How to know if someone blocked your number2The 10 best free Steam games3Why you want a mechanical keyboard4How to set parental controls on PS4 and PS4 Pro5Best 75-inch TVs of 2022