How to Fix iOS 10 Software Update Failed Error

As the biggest release yet, iOS 10 has been released as expected on Sep. 13. A great number of iPhone users rushed to download the span-new iOS 10 after Apple officially releases it. Those people are very likely to see "Software Update Failed" error, and it also happens now when we try to install iOS 10 over the air.

This unwelcome error is not new in iOS 10, and it is one of the most common issues when downloading new iOS version. On previous iOS 9 or iOS 8 update, this error message has greeted many users when they trying to get the new iOS. There's good news, this article shows you how to resolve iOS 10 Software Update Failed error.

How to Fix iOS 10 Software Update Failed Error on iPhone iPad

Now we will show you four options to solve the Software Update Failed error when upgrade to iOS 10 on your iPhone or iPad Over the Air. Hope one of them helps you on this issue.

Option 1: Close and Try Again

On the "Software Update Failed" pop-up, you will see two options: "Close" and "Settings". Tap on the "Close" button to exit this error message, and wait for few minutes, and then tap on "Download and Install" again. This time if it still stuck on that error screen, close it and try again.

Option 2: Wait for Few Hours

Although the new iOS 10 is shiny and very attractive, you won't need to rush to the great mass fervor of downloading new iOS. Just wait for few hours and even several days, it will be much smoother to download iOS 10 over the air. In the meanwhile, there are many things to do: back up your iDevice, reclaim enough storage space, or read iOS 10 reviews online.

Option 3: Try Updating via iTunes

Because the "Software Update Failed" error seems to only happen to users who upgrade on iDevice directly, you can try upgrading to iOS 10 using iTunes on computer. We've heard many users successfully download new iOS on computer instead of OTA.

Option 4: For Advanced Users Only - Upgrade with IPSW File

This method is for advanced users who are familiar with firmware files and want to manually update to iOS 10 with IPSW file. This option can be the best way to bypass the "Software Update Failed" error message. Before you do this, remember to fully backup your iPhone.

• Download the correct IPSW file.
• Open iTunes, and connect your iPhone to computer.
• In the Summary, you should see the "Restore iPhone…" button.
• Hold down the Shift key and click on Restore iPhone….
• Select the downloaded IPSW file.
• The iTunes restore will install iOS 10 on your iDevice.
• Then, restore from the backup you just created to get all data back.

Option 5: Restart your Wi-Fi and make sure you have a strong and stable Internet connection.

Option 6: Reset your Network Settings by opening Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Option 7: Reboot your iPhone or iPad.

New iOS upgrade is always accompanied with risk and various bugs, so we prepare you Quick Fixes to Solve Message Issue on iOS 10, and Three Ways to Recover Lost Data on iOS 10 Devices.