This wikiHow teaches you how to update an iPad's operating system using the device's "Settings" menu or your computer's iTunes program.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use the Software Update Feature
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 1 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 1](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-1-j.webp)
Step 1. Backup iPad
In most cases, the iPad iOS operating system update procedure does not cause any data loss, however sometimes things don't go as they should, so it's always good to be foresight.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 2 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 2](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-2-j.webp)
Step 2. Plug the iPad into the mains
Use the supplied connection cable to connect the device to its charger or computer.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 3 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 3](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-3-j.webp)
Step 3. Connect iPad to Wi-Fi network
Larger updates to the iOS operating system require the device to be connected to a wireless network in order to be downloaded and installed.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 4 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 4](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-4-j.webp)
Step 4. Access the iPad "Settings" menu by tapping the icon
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 5 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 5](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-6-j.webp)
Step 5. Scroll down the appeared menu to locate and select the "General" option by clicking the icon
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 6 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 6](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-8-j.webp)
Step 6. Tap the Software Update item
It is one of the options visible at the top of the "General" screen.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 7 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 7](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-9-j.webp)
Step 7. Select the Download and Install link
If the link indicated is not present, it simply means that your iPad software is updated with the latest version available and that there are currently no new updates
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 8 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 8](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-10-j.webp)
Step 8. Enter the iPad passcode
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 9 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 9](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-11-j.webp)
Step 9. Review the terms and conditions of the agreement offered by Apple for the use of its services
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 10 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 10](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-12-j.webp)
Step 10. Press the Accept button
This will begin downloading and installing updates.
The time required to complete this step depends on the size of the updates and the transfer speed of the Wi-Fi network you are connected to
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 11 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 11](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-13-j.webp)
Step 11. Follow the on-screen instructions after installation is complete to restart your device
Method 2 of 2: Using iTunes
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 12 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 12](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-14-j.webp)
Step 1. Download the latest available version of iTunes
In order to update your iPad's operating system, you need to use the latest version of iTunes.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 13 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 13](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-15-j.webp)
Step 2. Backup iPad
In most cases, the iPad iOS operating system update procedure does not cause any data loss, however sometimes things don't go as they should, so it's always good to be foresight.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 14 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 14](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-16-j.webp)
Step 3. Connect iPad to computer
Use the cable supplied with the device at the time of purchase. Plug one end of the cable into a free USB port on your computer, then plug the other end into the communication port on your iPad (it's the same one you use to charge your device's battery).
If iTunes doesn't run automatically as soon as you connect your iPad to your computer, start it manually by clicking its icon
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 15 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 15](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-17-j.webp)
Step 4. Select the iPad icon
It is located in the upper left of the iTunes interface, below the toolbar.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 16 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 16](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-18-j.webp)
Step 5. Access the Summary tab visible within the left side panel of the window
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 17 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 17](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-19-j.webp)
Step 6. Locate and press the Check for Updates button
If there is a new update for the iPad software, iTunes will ask you to confirm your willingness to download and install it.
![Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 18 Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 18](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/007/image-19665-20-j.webp)
Step 7. Press the Download and Update button
iTunes will automatically download the update file and install it on your device as soon as the download is complete.
- Remember that the iPad must remain connected to the computer for the duration of the download and installation.
- iTunes must remain connected to the internet for the entire update process.