Unable to Check for iOS 18 Update? How to Fix

When heading to updating iPhone iPad to the new operating system iOS 18 over the Air, iOS update not showing up in Settings at all, and saying a message “Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for software update”. Check the steps in this post to fix them easily.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Oct. 08, 2024
AnyFix – iOS System Repair

Free download AnyFix to 1-click to fix iOS unable to check for update issues and update your iPhone to the newest iOS 18 with ease.

Cannot do a software update on my iPhone. Apple online support says to go to Settings/General/software update? I am trying to update to new iOS. The problem is under general there is no software update for selection. I have looked everywhere for it and cannot locate it. Please let me know what to do. Thanks!

During the new iOS 18 update, even afterward, you may run into various problems and issues, such as can’t download iOS, being stuck on the Apple logo, network problems, Bluetooth issues, Siri problems, and so on.

Besides, another very common iOS 18 update problem bug is when you go to Settings > General > Software Update, and install the newest version over the Air, iOS update does not appear at all. Or you will be noticed with the message “Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update.”

Especially, since 16 was released, lots of users have run into such situations and asked why the new iOS not showing up in the Settings.

Unable to Check for iOS or iPadOS Update

Unable to Check for iOS or iPadOS Update

This problem could cause by various factors. Don’t worry since you can try the following 8 tips to solve iPhone unable to check for the update issue with ease.

First Choice: Fix iPhone Unable to Check for Update

How do I fix unable to check for updates? If you don’t know any other common methods, then you can try this recommended guide with AnyFix – iOS System Recovery. This software is a one-stop solution to fix various iOS / iPadOS / tvOS / iTunes issues in minutes. It can bring your Apple devices back to normal without data loss.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

So when your iPhone is unable to check for updates or iPhone stuck on preparing update, AnyFix can definitely help you out of the situation. It can fix any type of stuck issue or the most common issues such as the iPhone won’t update and old iPad won’t update software issues.

Therefore, you can’t miss this complete iOS repair tool. Here, we demonstrate a list of its features:

  • It can fix 150+ system issues for iOS, iPadOS and tvOS and 3 repair modes are provided to choose from based on the specific problem.
  • It makes every effort to ensure you can fix the problem with the highest success rate.
  • It’s compatible with almost all iOS models and iOS versions, including the latest iPhone 16 series and iOS 18.
  • What’s more, it can solve 200+ iTunes errors with simple clicks.

Now, you can follow the steps below to fix iPhone unable to check for updates:

Step 1: Download and install AnyFix on your computer (Mac & PC). Then launch it on your computer > Choose System Repair.

AnyFix System Repair Option

AnyFix System Repair Option

Step 2: Connect your iPhone with Computer and choose Update Issues > Tap on Start Now.

AnyFix System Repair Update Issues

AnyFix System Repair Update Issues

Step 3: Now, you need to select a mode to repair according to your problem. And Standard Repair Mode is capable of fixing the most issues and no data will be erased. You can tap Standard Repair button to continue.

AnyFix Standard Repair

AnyFix Standard Repair

Step 4: Next, AnyFix will detect your iPhone and you need to tap the Download button to get a matching firmware.

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Download

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Download

Step 5: Once firmware is downloaded, you can tap Fix Now button to continue. Then you need to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Once your iPhone entered recovery mode, AnyFix will start repairing.

Repairing the System

Repairing the System

Step 6: Once Repair Completed, you will see the interface below. And your iPhone will restart and upgrade to the latest system version supported by the device.

Repair Completed

Repair Completed

Check the Apple System Status

Sometimes, Apple servers will have something wrong, at this time you decide to update iPhone iPad to the new iOS. Notably, you will not find the iOS update in the Settings, or be unable to check for update issues. So the first thing you need to do with this problem is visiting the Apple System Status web page.

If Apple System Status shows yellow, it means there is something wrong with this server for the moment; And what you can do is waiting, or contact Apple Support. If all servers show green, it means they all work OK. The unable to check for update issues are none of the Apple server’s business, then what you need to do is moving to the next tip below.

Connect to Wi-Fi and Charge the iDevice

Updating over the Air requires iPhone or iPad connected via Wi-Fi, and battery life must be no less than 50% (we sincerely recommend put it in charge). If Wi-Fi is connected, you can also try to disconnect it and after several minutes reconnect it.

Restart Your iDevice

If tip 1 does not work, you can try restarting your iPhone iPad: Press and hold the sleep/wake button, hold until you can’t see the Slide Power off button on your device screen > Pull the slider to turn it off > After several seconds, again press and hold the sleep/wake button to restart it.

Force Restart Your iDevice

If the new iOS version still not showing up in Settings, or is unable to check for update existing, try force restarting the device: Press and hold down the On/Off button > While continuing to hold the On/Off button, press and hold the Home button > Keep holding them until the screen turns back on and shows the Apple logo. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update to check if iOS 18 show up.

Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, this problem happening due to network. You can reset it on your device to fix it: Go to Settings > General > Scroll down to Reset > Tap on Reset Network Settings.

Reset Network Settings

Reset Network Settings

Delete iOS Beta Version Profile

If you have downloaded the iOS beta version on your iPhone iPad, a new iOS update will not show up in Settings, either. You should delete the beta firstly, then go to updating.

How to delete a beta profile: Settings > General > Scroll down to Profiles & Device Management > Click on the beat version and delete this profile.

Further Reading: How to Downgrade iOS Step By Step >

Update iOS and iPadOS via iTunes

If all the above methods do not work, then we can turn to iTunes for help. We have also prepared a practical guide to help you how to update iOS 18 via iTunes: How to Update Your iPhone/iPad to New iOS>

The Bottom Line

With these solutions, hope you can fix the unable to check for the update on iPhone, iPad, and iOS update not appearing in the Settings.

We truly recommended AnyFix which can help you fix this issue easily. If you have more thoughts and methods, please share it in the comments box below, to help more people, suffering from this new iOS update not showing up on the iPhone iPad issue.

AnyFix – iOS System Recovery

  • It supports to update or downgrade the iOS system without effort.
  • It provides 1-click solution to get rid of system issues for iPhone/iPad.
  • It also can fix 200+ iTunes errors without any data loss.
  • Introducing the latest iOS 18 to upgrade.

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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