Updating an old iPad to iOS 15 can breathe new life into your device, bringing improved features, enhanced security, and better compatibility with newer apps. However, it's crucial to understand that not all old iPads are compatible with iOS 15. Apple releases new iPadOS versions with specific hardware requirements, and devices that don't meet those requirements won't be able to update.
Ready to find out if your iPad can join the iOS 15 party and how to get it there? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Check Your iPad's Compatibility with iOS 15
This is the absolute first and most important step. Trying to update an incompatible iPad will only lead to frustration.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your iPad Model
First, you need to know exactly which iPad model you have.
- Look on the back of your iPad: You'll find some small text. Look for the "Model" number, which starts with the letter 'A' followed by four digits (e.g., A1474).
- Check in Settings: Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Model Name" or "Model Number." If it shows "Model Number," tap it to reveal the "A" number.
Sub-heading: iPad Models Compatible with iOS 15
Once you have your model number or name, compare it to the list below. If your iPad is on this list, you're in luck!
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (9th generation)
- All iPad Pro models (1st generation and later)
Important Note: If your iPad model is not on this list (e.g., iPad Air 1st generation, iPad mini 2, iPad 4th generation or older), it means your device cannot be updated to iOS 15. The hardware simply isn't capable of running the newer operating system. In this case, you might need to consider upgrading your iPad if you require iOS 15 features or app compatibility.
Step 2: Prepare Your iPad for the Update
Preparation is key to a smooth and successful update. Don't skip these crucial steps!
Sub-heading: Back Up Your iPad
This is non-negotiable. While updates are usually seamless, unforeseen issues can occur. A backup ensures your precious data (photos, documents, apps, settings) is safe.
- Method 1: iCloud Backup
- Ensure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now. Keep your iPad connected to Wi-Fi until the backup is complete.
- Method 2: Computer Backup (Mac or PC)
- For Mac (macOS Catalina or later):
- Connect your iPad to your Mac with a USB cable.
- Open Finder.
- Select your iPad in the sidebar.
- Under the "General" tab, click Back Up Now. You can also choose to encrypt your backup for added security.
- For Mac (macOS Mojave or earlier) or Windows PC:
- Connect your iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open iTunes. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed.
- Click the iPad icon near the top left of the iTunes window.
- Under the "Summary" section, click Back Up Now. Again, consider encrypting your backup.
- For Mac (macOS Catalina or later):
Sub-heading: Ensure Sufficient Storage Space
iOS 15 updates can be several gigabytes in size. Your iPad needs enough free space to download and install the update.
- Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
- Check the "Available" space. If it's low (less than 6-8 GB is a good rule of thumb for major updates), you'll need to free up some space.
- Tips for freeing up space:
- Delete unused apps: Tap on apps in the iPad Storage list and choose "Delete App."
- Offload apps: This removes the app but keeps its data. Tap on an app and choose "Offload App."
- Review photos and videos: These often take up the most space. Consider moving them to iCloud Photos, Google Photos, or your computer.
- Clear Safari cache: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Sub-heading: Charge Your iPad
Your iPad should be charged to at least 50% or more, or ideally, connected to a power source during the entire update process. This prevents the update from failing due to insufficient battery.
Sub-heading: Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi Network
A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for downloading the update. Avoid using cellular data, as updates are typically large and can incur significant data charges.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and ensure you're connected to a reliable network.
Step 3: Update Your iPad Wirelessly (Over-the-Air)
This is the easiest and most common method if your iPad supports it and has enough space.
- Open Settings: Tap the "Settings" icon on your iPad's home screen.
- Navigate to Software Update: Go to General > Software Update.
- Check for Update: Your iPad will automatically check for available updates. If iOS 15 (or a later compatible version) is available, you'll see information about it.
- Download and Install:
- If you see "Download and Install," tap it to begin downloading the update. You might need to enter your passcode.
- Once the download is complete, you'll see "Install Now." Tap it to begin the installation.
- Follow On-Screen Prompts: Your iPad will restart during the installation process. Keep it connected to power and Wi-Fi. It might take some time, depending on the update size and your internet speed.
- Complete Setup: After the restart, you might be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or other settings to complete the update process.
Step 4: Update Your iPad Using a Computer (Finder or iTunes)
If you can't update wirelessly due to insufficient space, a slow connection, or other issues, updating via a computer is a reliable alternative.
Sub-heading: For Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later)
- Connect Your iPad: Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Open Finder: Open a new Finder window.
- Select Your iPad: In the Finder sidebar, under "Locations," click on your iPad. If prompted, tap "Trust" on your iPad and enter your passcode.
- Check for Update: In the Finder window, under the "General" tab, click the Check for Update button.
- Download and Update: Click "Download and Update" if iOS 15 is available. You may need to enter your iPad's passcode on the device or on your Mac.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Allow the process to complete. Your iPad will restart during the update. Keep it connected until the update is finished.
Sub-heading: For Mac (macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier) or Windows PC
- Install/Update iTunes: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. If you don't have it, download it from Apple's website or the Microsoft Store.
- Connect Your iPad: Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes: Launch iTunes.
- Select Your iPad: In iTunes, click the iPad icon near the top left of the window. If prompted, tap "Trust" on your iPad and enter your passcode.
- Check for Update: On the "Summary" tab, click the Check for Update button.
- Download and Update: Click "Download and Update" if iOS 15 is available. You might be asked to enter your iPad's passcode.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Allow the process to complete. Your iPad will restart during the update. Keep it connected to the computer until the update is entirely finished.
Step 5: Post-Update Checks and Troubleshooting
After the update, it's good practice to ensure everything is working correctly.
Sub-heading: Verify the Update
Go to Settings > General > About and check the "Software Version." It should now display iOS 15.x.x.
Sub-heading: Restore from Backup (if needed)
If for any reason your data was lost or corrupted during the update, you can restore from the backup you created in Step 2.
Sub-heading: Common Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues during or after the update:
- Not enough storage: If you get a message about insufficient space, try updating using a computer (Finder/iTunes). If you're already trying that, you may need to delete more content manually from your iPad.
- Update takes a long time: This can happen if your internet connection is slow or if the update file is very large. Be patient. Ensure other devices aren't hogging bandwidth.
- Unable to check for update / unable to download:
- Check your Wi-Fi connection and ensure it's stable. Try toggling Wi-Fi off and on, or forget and reconnect to your network.
- Restart your iPad.
- Try updating via a computer.
- Update doesn't complete / iPad is stuck:
- Perform a force restart on your iPad. (Steps vary by model, typically involving holding the Home and Power buttons, or Power and Volume buttons).
- If it's stuck on the Apple logo or a progress bar for a long time, try connecting to a computer and putting your iPad into recovery mode, then choosing "Update" (not "Restore") in Finder/iTunes. This will reinstall the software without erasing your data.
- "Software Update Failed" message: This could be a server issue or a network problem. Try again later or use the computer method.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my iPad is too old for iOS 15?
- Go to Settings > General > About to find your iPad's "Model Name" or "Model Number" (starts with 'A'). Then, compare it against the list of compatible devices for iOS 15 (iPad Air 2 and newer, iPad mini 4 and newer, iPad 5th gen and newer, all iPad Pro models).
How to free up space on my iPad for an iOS 15 update?
- Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. You can delete unused apps, offload apps, or review large files like photos and videos to move them off your device.
How to back up my iPad before updating to iOS 15?
- You can back up to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or to your computer using Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (older macOS or Windows).
How to update my iPad if the wireless update fails?
- If the over-the-air update doesn't work, connect your iPad to a computer and use Finder (on Mac with macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or Windows PC) to perform the update.
How to find my iPad's model number?
- The model number (starting with 'A') is printed in small text on the back of your iPad, or you can find it in Settings > General > About by tapping "Model Number."
How to check my current iOS version?
- Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Software Version."
How to resolve an iPad stuck on the Apple logo during an update?
- Try a force restart of your iPad. If it remains stuck, connect it to a computer and put it into recovery mode, then choose the "Update" option in Finder or iTunes.
How to get help if my iPad update continues to fail?
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection, enough storage, and a charged battery. Try restarting your iPad and your router. If all else fails, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.
How to update an iPad without Wi-Fi?
- You cannot update an iPad wirelessly without Wi-Fi. However, you can update it using a computer connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, as Finder/iTunes will download the update for your iPad.
How to know if my iPad is too old to run current apps after an update?
- Even if your iPad can update to iOS 15, some newer apps might require a later iPadOS version or more powerful hardware. If an app you need isn't available or crashes frequently, it might be due to hardware limitations or the app requiring a newer iPadOS version.
