How to Fix iOS 12.1/12/11 Software Update Failed Error on iPhone iPad

It is very likely that you may meet a Software Update Failed error when downloading iOS 12.1 or iOS 12. Read to learn how to avoid or fix this issue.

By Joy Taylor | Posted on: Sep. 13, 2018, Last Updated: Aug. 19, 2019

iOS 12 is on the way, you are suggested to know the pros and cons of iOS 12/12.1, including the iOS 12/12.1 bugs and issues you may meet so that you can make a good decision on whether to update to the new iOS 12/12.1 on iPhone iPad.

iOS 11 was released to public last year. After that, Apple continually releases small iOS updates like 11.4.1 to improve the performance. And now the iOS 12 and iOS 12.1 are coming for all iOS users. But while updating to the iOS 12 or iOS 12.1, people are very likely to get “Software Update Failed” error while trying to install the update over the air.

Actually, this unwelcome error is not something new for iOS 12 or iOS 12.1, and it is one of the most common issues when people download the new iOS software update. And on previous iOS 10 update, people also got this kind of error. In this article, we’ll show you some quick methods to fix the iPhone Software Update Failed error.

iOS 11 Software Update Failed Error

Also Read: How to Fix: iPhone/iPad Keeps Restarting >

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How to Fix Software Update Failed Error on iPhone iPad

Now we will show you four options to solve the Software Update Failed in iOS 12 or iOS 12.1 on your iPhone or iPad Over the Air. Hope one of them helps you with 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 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 over the air. In the meanwhile, there are many things to do: back up your iDevice, reclaim enough storage space, or read iOS 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 new iOS 12 or iOS 12.1 by using iTunes on the computer. We’ve heard many users successfully download new iOS on the 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 is capable of manually updating to iOS software update with the 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.