How To Update An Old Ipad To Ios 14

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It's fantastic that you're looking to update your old iPad to iOS 14! While iOS 14 brought a lot of exciting new features, it's important to remember that not all old iPads are compatible with iOS 14. Apple's software updates are designed for specific hardware, and older models may not have the necessary processing power or features to run newer operating systems smoothly.

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let's first figure out if your iPad can even run iOS 14. Ready? Let's begin!

Updating an Old iPad to iOS 14: A Comprehensive Guide

Step 1: Check Your iPad's Compatibility with iOS 14 – Is Your iPad Ready for the Upgrade?

This is the most crucial first step! If your iPad isn't on the compatibility list, no amount of troubleshooting will get it to iOS 14.

Here's how to check:

Find your iPad model:
- On the back of your iPad: Look for small text. You'll often see "Model AXXXX," where XXXX is a four-digit number.
- In Settings: Go to Settings > General > About. Look for "Model Name" or "Model Number." If you see a part number (e.g., MY3K2LL/A), tap on it to reveal the model number (e.g., A2229).
Compare with the compatibility list: iOS 14 is compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Air 2
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
If your iPad model is NOT on this list, it cannot update to iOS 14. The maximum iOS version it can run will be an older one. In this case, you might consider alternatives like using older compatible apps or upgrading to a newer iPad if you need the latest features.

Step 2: Prepare Your iPad for the Update – Don't Skip These Vital Steps!

Before you initiate any major software update, preparing your device is paramount to prevent data loss and ensure a smooth process.

2.1. Back Up Your iPad: Your Digital Safety Net

This is critical. An update, while usually seamless, can sometimes encounter unexpected issues. A recent backup ensures you won't lose your precious photos, documents, apps, and settings.

Using iCloud:
1. Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Toggle on "iCloud Backup" if it's not already.
4. Tap "Back Up Now" and stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup is complete.
Using a Computer (Mac or Windows PC):
- For Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later):
  1. Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Select your iPad in the sidebar.
  4. Under the "General" tab, select "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac."
  5. Optional but recommended: Select "Encrypt local backup" and set a password. This backs up your passwords and Health data.
  6. Click "Back Up Now."
- For Mac (macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier) or Windows PC:
  1. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes. Make sure you have the latest version.
  3. Click the iPad icon near the top-left of the iTunes window.
  4. In the "Summary" tab, select "This Computer" under Backups.
  5. Optional but recommended: Select "Encrypt local backup" and set a password.
  6. Click "Back Up Now."

2.2. Ensure Sufficient Storage Space: Make Room for the New!

Software updates require a significant amount of free storage. If your iPad is running low, the update might fail or get stuck.

Check Storage: Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. You'll see a breakdown of what's taking up space.
Free Up Space:
- Delete unused apps: Tap on an app in the iPad Storage list and choose "Delete App."
- Offload unused apps: This keeps your app data but removes the app itself. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage and tap "Enable" next to "Offload Unused Apps." You can re-download them later.
- Delete large files: Review your photos, videos, and downloaded media. Delete any you don't need or move them to cloud storage (iCloud, Google Photos, etc.).
- Clear Safari history and website data: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

2.3. Plug in and Connect to Wi-Fi: Power and Stability are Key

Power: Ensure your iPad is connected to a power source. A low battery can interrupt the update, leading to potential issues.
Wi-Fi: A stable and strong Wi-Fi connection is crucial for downloading the update file. Avoid using cellular data for major updates if possible, as it can be slow and incur charges.

Step 3: Update Your iPad Wirelessly (Over-The-Air) – The Easiest Method

This is the most common and recommended way to update your iPad.

Open Settings: Tap the Settings icon on your Home screen.
Navigate to Software Update: Go to General > Software Update.
Check for Update: Your iPad will automatically check for available updates. If iOS 14 is available for your device, you'll see an option to download and install it.
Download and Install:
- Tap "Download and Install."
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- The download may take some time depending on your internet speed and the update size. You can continue to use your iPad during the download.
Installation Begins: Once the download is complete, you'll see a prompt to "Install Now" or "Install Later." Tap "Install Now."
- Your iPad will verify the update, then restart to begin the installation.
- Do NOT disconnect your iPad from power or Wi-Fi during this process.
- You'll see a progress bar. This part can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on your iPad model and the update's complexity.
Setup (Post-Update): After the installation is complete, your iPad will restart again. You might be prompted to enter your Apple ID password, set up new features, or agree to updated terms. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Step 4: Update Your iPad Using a Computer (Mac or Windows PC) – When Wireless Fails

If you encounter issues with the wireless update (e.g., not enough space, stuck download, network problems), updating via a computer is a reliable alternative.

4.1. Using a Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later):

Connect iPad: Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
Open Finder: Open a new Finder window.
Select iPad: In the Finder sidebar, under "Locations," click on your iPad.
Check for Update: Click on the "General" tab at the top of the window. Then click "Check for Update."
Download and Update: Click "Download and Update." Follow the on-screen prompts, entering your passcode if required.
Wait for Installation: The update will download to your Mac and then install on your iPad. Do not disconnect your iPad until the process is complete and it restarts.

4.2. Using a Mac (macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier) or a Windows PC:

Connect iPad: Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application. Ensure you have the latest version installed.
Select iPad: Click the iPad icon that appears near the top-left of the iTunes window.
Check for Update: In the "Summary" tab, click "Check for Update."
Download and Update: Click "Download and Update." Follow the on-screen instructions, entering your passcode if necessary.
Wait for Installation: iTunes will download the update and install it on your iPad. Keep your iPad connected until the update is finished and your iPad restarts.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues: Don't Panic!

"Update Requested" stuck: This usually means the download is taking a long time or there's a temporary network issue. Try a force restart (see FAQs) and ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Not enough storage: Follow the steps in Step 2.2 to free up space. If you've deleted files and still see the error, try updating via a computer.
Update fails or gets stuck during installation:
- Ensure your iPad is charged and connected to power.
- Try a force restart.
- If the issue persists, try deleting the update file and redownloading it: Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, find the iOS update in the list, tap it, and then "Delete Update." Then try updating wirelessly again.
- If all else fails, use a computer to update your iPad (as described in Step 4). You might even need to put your iPad into recovery mode, but this is a last resort and should only be done if other methods fail.

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to check my iPad model number?

You can find it in Settings > General > About (look for "Model Number" and tap it if it shows a part number), or often printed in small text on the back of your iPad.

How to back up my iPad before updating?

You can back up your iPad to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or to your computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows PC).

How to free up space on my iPad for the update?

Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. You can delete unused apps, offload apps, remove large files (photos, videos), or clear Safari history and website data.

How to update my iPad if it says "Update Requested" for a long time?

Ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection and that your iPad is plugged into power. You can also try a force restart, or if it persists, delete the downloaded update file and try again or update via a computer.

How to update my iPad if it doesn't have enough storage space?

Free up space by deleting or offloading apps/files (see "How to free up space" above). If that's not enough, update your iPad using a computer, which doesn't require as much free space on the iPad itself for the download.

How to update my iPad using a computer?

Connect your iPad to a Mac (macOS Catalina or later) and use Finder, or to a Mac (Mojave or earlier) or Windows PC and use iTunes. Select your iPad, go to the "General" or "Summary" tab, and click "Check for Update" then "Download and Update."

How to force restart an iPad?

For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Top (or Side) button and the Home button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPads without a Home button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

How to know if my iPad is too old to update to iOS 14?

Refer to the compatibility list in Step 1 of this guide. If your iPad model is not listed, it cannot update to iOS 14.

How to fix an iPad stuck during the update installation?

Ensure your iPad is connected to power. Try a force restart. If it's still stuck, connect it to a computer and try updating through Finder/iTunes. In rare cases, you might need to put it in recovery mode for an update or restore.

How to get older versions of apps if my iPad can't update to iOS 14?

If your iPad can't update to a newer iOS version, you might be able to download compatible older versions of apps. Try going to the App Store, navigating to your "Purchases" (or "Account" > "Purchased"), and attempting to download the app. The App Store might offer to download the last compatible version.

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