Updating the operating system on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch has always been fairly straight forward: Wait for the update to come out, then connect your device to your computer and let iTunes handle the installation. With iOS 5 and 5.1, however, you can install those new system updates without ever getting your i-device near your computer.
Here’s how to install an iOS update on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch using iOS 5’s over-the-air update feature:
- Tap
Settings. - Tap
General. - Tap
Software Update. - If an update is available, you’ll see a list showing what’s new. Tap
Download and Install.
iOS 5 lets you update the OS without needing iTunes
Be sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network with Internet access when installing OS updates, and make sure your battery has a reasonable charge so it doesn’t conk out part way through the installation process because the iOS 5.1 update weighs in at almost 200MB.
The over-the-air update feature is especially handy with the iOS 5.1 update because it’s proving to be a more reliable way to get iPhones and iPads up to the latest operating system for many people. It also cuts down the reliance on a desktop or laptop computer, which fits well with Apple’s efforts to make the iPhone and iPad stand-alone devices.
7 Comments Leave Your Own
Funny, but when I tried to install the update on my wifes 3GS over wifi, it wouldn’t work. I had to enable my data connection. I am new to iPhones, but this seemed not to make sense since it worked fine on my kids iPad over wifi.
Perhaps I am missing some knowledge.
You forgot the first step - wait three days until the servers can handle your request.
So so much easier than connecting to iTunes. Upgraded all family devices last night: 2 iPod Touches, 2 iPhones, 2 iPads, 1 Apple TV and not a hitch to whine about : )
@wayne
Why would it install fine over wifi right away for an iPad, then not install over wifi in 10 or so tries, then immediately install when I switched my data on?
Didn’t seem to be an issue that the servers were having a problem processing the request. It seemed more like something wasn’t playing nicely with wifi in particular.
Anyhow. I just found it very strange.
Perhaps you are right though.
Sorry paikinho, I meant that Jeff (the author) forgot a step. It took me three days before the wifi download would work on just one of my devices. I still have three others to upgrade (one more iPad, two iPod touches). I think it’s server overload and it’s just now lightening up. That’s just my opinion though.
On a semi related note, has anyone been able to download iTunes 10.6 ?
I was finally able to get it about 4am (CST) this morning. All I can say is to keep trying.
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