You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

my old ipad will not accept updates

how to update an old ipad


Posted on Jan 11, 2021 12:28 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 11, 2021 5:31 PM

Whether you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.3.


If your iPad is capable of update, but you are experiencing difficulties, these support pages may be helpful:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support




5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2021 5:31 PM in response to Jimbo-1951

Whether you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.3.


If your iPad is capable of update, but you are experiencing difficulties, these support pages may be helpful:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support




Jan 11, 2021 1:33 PM in response to Jimbo-1951

To add to what previous posters have posted, you need to understand that your iPad may be obsolete; It will only accept upgrades that are compatible with its hardware.


To see if an upgrade/update is available. open Settings, tap General and tap Software Update. Any update available on your iPad will show there.


If not, you may consider get a new iPad.


Jan 11, 2021 1:57 PM in response to Jimbo-1951

It is possible your iPad is too old for any upgrades/updates.


Sorry.


If you need/want an iPad with an up to date iPadOS with access to current, updated apps, then you really need to seriously consider a new iPad model OR a much, MUCH “newer” and less expensive, used iPad models, from better known, trusted Apple product/device retailers/resellers, capable of running the latest iPadOS versions.

There are plenty of newer, older iPad models that can run the latest, current versions of iPadOS.



Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

my old ipad will not accept updates

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.