How to Fix iOS 13/12.4/12/11 Software Update Failed Error on iPhone iPad

It is very likely that you may meet a Software Update Failed error when downloading iOS 13/12.4/12. Read to learn how to avoid or fix this issue.

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

iOS 13 is on the way, you are suggested to know the pros and cons of iOS 13, including the iOS 13 bugs and issues you may meet so that you can make a good decision on whether to update to the new iOS on iPhone iPad.

With the newest iOS 13 coming, the great changes of iPhone features are coming to change iPhone users’ life. Some important improvements are changing the habit of smartphone operation as well. However, while updating to the iOS 13/12.4, people are very likely to get the “Software Update Failed” error while trying to install the update over the air.

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

iOS 12 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 13 or iOS 12.1/12 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 a 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 a 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 13 or iOS 12.4/12 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.

Download the correct IPSW file.
Open iTunes, and connect your iPhone to the 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 the iOS version you choose 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.

The Bottom Line

All the tips above are trying to help you out of Software Update Failed Error. If your devices did make it, please share this post with your friends or Twitter. If not, please tell us in the comments below.