Updating an older iPad to iOS 16 can feel like unlocking a secret level on your device, breathing new life into a trusty companion. Unfortunately, not all older iPads are compatible with iOS 16. Apple regularly updates its operating system, and these updates often require newer hardware to run smoothly.
So, the very first step, the absolute most crucial step, is to determine if your iPad is even eligible for the iOS 16 update. Let's dive into that right away!
Step 1: Checking Your iPad's Compatibility with iOS 16
This is non-negotiable. Before you even think about pressing any buttons or connecting any cables, you need to know if your iPad can handle iOS 16.
Identifying Your iPad Model
There are a few ways to figure out exactly which iPad model you own:
-
Look at the Back: Flip your iPad over. You should see some fine print at the bottom. Look for the word "Model" followed by an "A" and then four numbers (e.g., A1822). Note this number down.
-
Check in Settings: This is often the easiest way!
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on About.
- Look for the Model Name. This will tell you the specific name of your iPad (e.g., iPad Air 2, iPad Pro 10.5-inch). You can also tap on the Model Number (the one starting with "A") to see the more specific identifier.
Comparing Your Model to the iOS 16 Compatibility List
Now that you know your iPad model, let's see if it made the cut for iOS 16. Unfortunately, iOS 16 brought significant hardware requirements, leaving many older models behind. Here's a list of iPad models that are compatible with iPadOS 16 (which is the version of iOS 16 designed for iPads):
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (5th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
If
If your iPad is on this list, fantastic! Let's move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Preparing Your iPad for the Update
Before you start the actual update process, it's essential to get your iPad ready. This will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.
Backing Up Your iPad
This is absolutely crucial. Things can sometimes go wrong during an update (though it's rare), and you don't want to lose your precious photos, videos, documents, and other data. There are two main ways to back up your iPad:
-
iCloud Backup:
- Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Ensure the iCloud Backup toggle is turned on.
- Tap Back Up Now. It's a good idea to do this even if "Last Successful Backup" shows a recent date, just to be safe. Keep your iPad connected to Wi-Fi until the backup is complete.
-
Back Up Using Your Computer (Mac or PC):
- Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable that came with it.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder. Your iPad should appear in the sidebar under "Locations." Click on it.
- On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC: Open iTunes (if you don't have it, you can download it from Apple's website). Your iPad should appear in iTunes when connected.
- Once your iPad is selected, under the "General" or "Summary" tab, look for the "Backups" section.
- Select "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac/PC."
- (Optional but recommended) Check the box for "Encrypt local backup" and create a password. This will back up sensitive information like saved passwords and health data. Remember this password!
- Click Back Up Now. Keep your iPad connected until the backup is finished.
Ensuring Sufficient Storage Space
iOS updates can be quite large, so you'll need enough free space on your iPad to download and install the update.
- Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
- Here, you'll see how much storage you've used and how much is available. Apple usually recommends having at least a few gigabytes (ideally 5-6 GB or more) of free space for the update.
- If you're running low on space, you'll need to free some up. You can do this by:
- Deleting apps you no longer use.
- Deleting large files like videos.
- Moving photos and videos to iCloud Photos or another cloud storage service.
- Clearing browser cache (Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data).
Making Sure Your iPad is Charged
It's always a good idea to have your iPad charged to at least 50% before starting a software update. Ideally, plug it into a power source during the entire update process to avoid any interruptions due to a low battery.
Step 3: Updating Your iPad to the Latest Compatible iOS Version
If your iPad is compatible with iOS 16, you might not be able to jump directly from a very old iOS version to iOS 16. You might need to update to intermediate versions first. However, for most relatively recent iPads that are compatible with iOS 16, you should be able to update directly.
Here's how to check for and install the update:
- Connect your iPad to a stable Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for downloading the large update file.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Your iPad will automatically start checking for available updates.
- If iOS 16 (or the latest compatible version for your iPad) is available, you will see it listed. It will show the version number and a brief description of the update.
- Tap Download and Install.
- You might be asked to enter your passcode.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- The download process will begin. The time it takes will depend on your internet speed and the size of the update. Do not interrupt this process.
- Once the download is complete, you will see a "Install Now" button. Tap it.
- Your iPad will begin the installation process. You'll see the Apple logo and a progress bar. Do not turn off your iPad during this time. It might restart several times.
- Once the installation is complete, your iPad will restart, and you'll be greeted with a welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPad.
Step 4: Exploring the New Features of iPadOS 16 (if applicable)
If your iPad was indeed compatible and you've successfully updated, now's the fun part – exploring the new features! iPadOS 16 introduced some exciting enhancements, including:
- Stage Manager: A new way to multitask by resizing windows and organizing apps.
- External Display Support: Enhanced support for using your iPad with an external display.
- Mail Enhancements: Undo send, scheduled send, and follow-up reminders in the Mail app.
- Messages Updates: Edit and unsend messages, mark as unread, and SharePlay in Messages.
- iCloud Shared Photo Library: A new way to share photos seamlessly with family and friends.
- Weather App: A dedicated Weather app finally comes to iPad.
- Live Text and Visual Look Up Improvements: More powerful ways to interact with text and objects in photos and videos.
Take some time to explore the Settings app and try out these new features. You might discover some great new ways to use your iPad!
What if My iPad Isn't Compatible with iOS 16?
If you found out in Step 1 that your iPad isn't compatible with iOS 16, unfortunately, there's no official way to update it to that version. Your iPad will continue to run the latest version of iOS or iPadOS that it supports. While you won't get the newest features, your iPad will still be functional. You can:
- Continue using it with its current operating system.
- Consider upgrading to a newer iPad model if you really want the features of iOS 16 or later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - How To...
How to check which iPad model I have?
Go to Settings > General > About and look for the Model Name.
How to back up my iPad to iCloud?
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled.
How to back up my iPad to my computer?
Connect your iPad to your computer (Mac or PC) and use Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes to initiate a backup.
How to free up storage space on my iPad?
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage and manage your apps and files. Delete unused apps and large files.
How to check for software updates on my iPad?
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
How to start the iOS update on my iPad?
After checking for updates in Settings > General > Software Update, tap Download and Install if an update is available.
How to know if the iOS update is complete?
Your iPad will restart and show a welcome screen once the update is finished.
How to troubleshoot if the iOS update is stuck?
Try restarting your iPad (press and hold the power button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears). If it's still stuck, you might need to connect it to a computer and try restoring it using iTunes or Finder (this might erase your data, so hopefully you have a backup!).
How to find out about the new features in the latest iOS version?
After updating, open the Tips app on your iPad, or visit Apple's official website for information on the latest iOS/iPadOS features.
How to revert to an older iOS version if I don't like the new one?
Officially, downgrading to an older iOS version is generally not supported by Apple. Once you update, you usually cannot go back. This is why backing up your iPad before updating is so important.
