This guide we have generously prepared for you will help you know how to install iOS 12 on your iPhone or iPad. The iOS 12.0 update arrives alongside watchOS 5 and delivers a host of new features to your iPhone.
This guide will show you how to install iOS 12 without losing any data by upgrading right from your iPhone or by connecting to a computer with iTunes.
iOS 12 is a free upgrade with many new features, and it might be enough to convince you to skip the iPhone Xs and wait for the 2019 iPhone.
You can install iOS 12 on any iPhone that runs iOS 11, and if you skipped a few updates you can still install iOS 12, it just might take longer.
After you install iOS 12 you can still downgrade to iOS 11 for a limited time, but you can only go back to iOS 11.4.1, not any further back.
Make sure you are ready to install iOS 12 by completing this list of 10 things to do before installing the update, and check out our reasons to install iOS 12 and reasons not to before you proceed.
The iOS 12 update takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete if the download speeds are good. You need WiFi and the device’s battery must be at 50% or higher. Expect this to take a little longer on the first day, and there may be some download or installation problems.
How to Download and Install iOS 12
You don’t need to wait for a pop up or an alert to let you know that you can install iOS 12. Starting at 1PM Eastern/ 10 AM Pacific, you can download and install iOS 12 on your iPhone and iPad.
If your iOS 12 download stalls, gets slow or simply won’t start you should restart your iPhone as this will often fix that issue.
With your iPhone charged to at least 50% and connected to a WiFi network, this is what to do to install iOS 12.
Make sure you have an iCloud backup or iTunes backup before you start. On your iPhone go to Settings -> Tap on your name -> Tap on iCloud -> Scroll down and tap on iCloud Backup -> Make sure the Last successful backup time and date are recent. In most cases it will be last night.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Tap on Learn More to see more about this update.
- Or, Tap on Download and Install to start.
- Enter your passcode.
- Agree to the terms and conditions twice.
- Wait for the iOS 12 download to complete.
- When prompted tap Install.
During this process you can use your iPhone until the installation starts. Once it begins, you can’t make calls, check your email or browse the web. The device will restart two, or maybe three times, and then you will be able to complete the setup.
You can now enter your Apple ID password and complete any setup steps needed. This will vary and it may require you to complete a few more options and make some choices as you complete the process. If you need to reset your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com.
How to Install iOS 12 with iTunes
If you don’t like using your iPhone to download and install the update over the air, you can plug into iTunes. This is often more reliable on the first day or two of a major update, and occasionally this will find the update before your iPhone or iPad sees it.
Connect the iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable. If you get asked to trust the computer tap on yes on your iPhone. Sometimes you will see a popup telling you that you can install iOS 12, but if not, here’s what to do.
- Click on the iPhone or iPad icon in the upper left.
- Click on Check for Update.
- Click Download and Update.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- When needed, enter your passcode on the iPhone.
While this is not any faster than installing iOS 12 right on your iPhone, it often skips some of the problems, and on the first day it can help with download speeds if your computer has a better connection.
