Updating your iPad Mini is essential for many reasons. Firstly, it gives you access to new improvements and the latest features. Secondly, it helps to improve your device’s security as updates usually contain the latest bug fixes that protect your device from malware and hackers.
You can update your iPad Mini automatically by turning on automatic updates in your iPad settings. You can also update it manually in two ways; wirelessly over Wi-Fi or by connecting it to your computer and updating it through the Finder or iTunes app. Before you update your iPad Mini, back it up to iCloud.
If you’re wondering why you’ve been unable to update your iPad Mini despite trying your best efforts, the solution is in this article. We also explained how you could perform updates manually and automatically on iPad Mini’s old and new versions.
Why Your iPad Mini Isn’t Updating
Updating your iPad Mini is usually a straightforward process. Therefore, if you cannot download and install updates on your iPad Mini, there are two likely reasons for this. The first reason is that you do not have enough space on your iPad Mini.
To solve this, free up space on your device by deleting files you don’t need. If you do not find any unnecessary files, you can transfer any heavy files to your computer or store them on iCloud; then, you can delete them from your device.
After freeing up enough space, download and install the latest update on your iPad Mini.
The second reason you’re unable to download and install updates on your iPad Mini is that the version of your device is too old to support the latest update. Apple usually ends update support for old versions if their internal hardware does not meet the technical requirement for the later iOS or iPadOS versions.
If you’re using iPad Mini 1, you can’t update it to a version higher than iOS 9.3.5 for Wi-Fi-only models and 9.3.6 for Wi-Fi and cellular models. The latest software update available for iPad Mini 2 and 3 is iOS 12.5.5, while for iPad Mini 4, 5, and 6, the latest possible update is iPadOS 15.
To check the version of your iPad Mini, follow the steps below.
- Open Settings.
- Go to “General“.
- Tap “About” to reveal the details of your iPad Mini including its software version.
You can also check your iPad Mini’s version by connecting it to your computer. You can use Finder on the latest Mac or iTunes on any other computer. Locate your device on the computer and open the “General” or “Summary” tab. You’ll find the software version of your iPad Mini there.
Once you’ve figured out the version of your iPad Mini and the kind of software updates possible for that version, it gets easier. Before you install an update, make sure you back up your device. You can back up your device to iCloud or use the Finder or iTunes App on your computer.
There are two ways you can update your iPad Mini; automatically or manually.
How To Update Your iPad Mini Automatically
To download and install the latest software update automatically, do the following.
- Open Settings on your device and tap “General“.
- Tap “Software Update” and open “Automatic Updates“.
- Turn on “Download and Install iPadOS Updates“.
Your iPad automatically downloads and installs the latest software update overnight when charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
How To Update Your iPad Mini Manually
You can update your iPad Mini manually in two ways; wirelessly over Wi-Fi or by connecting it to your computer and updating it through the Finder or iTunes App.
Manual Update Over Wi-Fi
- Connect your iPad Mini to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Go to “General” and tap “Software Update“.
- On the screen, you can see the current version of your iPad Mini and a message telling you that your software is up to date. If an update is available, click “Download and Install“.
Manual Update Using a Computer
- Connect your iPad Mini to your computer using a cable.
- If your computer is MacOS 10.15 or later, open Finder. In the Finder sidebar, select your iPad Mini and click “General“. If you’re using any other version, open iTunes App. Click the iPad Mini button near the top left corner and open “Summary“.
- Click “Check for Update“.
- Click “Update” if an update is available.
Conclusion
While it is crucial to your iPad Mini’s security and functionality that your device has the latest software updates installed, sometimes it is out of your hands. Suppose you’re using the first generation of iPad Mini. In that case, you won’t be able to download or use most of the third-party applications because your phone doesn’t have the necessary internal hardware to update beyond the obsolete iOS 9.3.5.
In that case, your iPad Mini won’t serve you well unless you use it for the most basic operations. When that happens, it’s time to get a new iPad Mini.
