How Long Does It Take to Update iOS?

 Think updating your iPhone only takes a few minutes? Think again. While some iOS updates can be lightning fast, others may leave you staring at the loading screen far longer than expected. On average, an iOS update takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour—but that’s not the whole story.

Imagine you're getting ready for a work meeting, and your iPhone suddenly begins updating. What should have been a quick reboot turns into a 45-minute wait. Why? The time it takes to update iOS depends on your device, storage, internet connection, and even Apple’s servers.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to avoid delays and make your iOS update as smooth and fast as possible.

Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take to Update iOS?

• On average: An iOS update takes 30–60 minutes.

• Fastest time possible: With a strong Wi-Fi connection and a newer device, 15–20 minutes.

• Longest possible time: If your device is old or low on storage, it can take up to 2 hours or more.

Photo by William Hook on Unsplash

What Affects the Time It Takes?

1. Your iPhone Model & Age

Newer iPhones like the iPhone 15 series have faster processors and better performance, which means quicker installation times. Older models like the iPhone 8 or SE (1st gen) may lag.

Tip: If you’re on an older device, consider updating when you have time to spare.

2. Internet Connection Speed

The update file is usually between 1 GB to 6 GB. A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection can download it in minutes. A weak or fluctuating signal? Expect delays.

Tip: Use a reliable Wi-Fi network—avoid public hotspots or mobile data.

3. Available Storage Space

If your iPhone is low on space, it will take extra time to process the update—sometimes requiring temporary file juggling or even cleanup prompts.

Tip: Free up at least 5 GB before starting. Delete old apps, videos, or cached files.

4. Apple’s Server Load

If a major update (like iOS 18) just dropped, millions of users are downloading it at once. This can slow down Apple’s servers.

Tip: Wait 1–2 days after release for faster download speeds.

5. Background Processes and Settings

Apps running in the background, low battery, or outdated settings (like automatic updates turned off) can all add friction.

Tip: Close all apps, plug your phone in, and use Low Power Mode to minimize background activity.

Best-Case vs. Worst-Case Scenarios

If your iPhone is charged, connected to fast Wi-Fi, and has plenty of storage, you could be done in under 20 minutes—including installation and reboot time.

But if you’re using a 5-year-old phone, have only 500MB of space left, and try to update right after Apple’s big keynote event, you might be stuck for over 2 hours. Some users even report failed updates that require a factory reset.

Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash

Common Mistakes That Slow the Process (Avoid These!)

Mistake #1: Not Charging Your Phone First
iOS updates require at least 50% battery or a charger.
Fix: Always plug in your phone before updating.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Low Storage Warnings
Low space leads to longer installation times or failed updates.
Fix: Clear space ahead of time—aim for at least 5 GB free.

Mistake #3: Updating Right After a New iOS Release
High demand can throttle download speeds.
Fix: Wait 24–48 hours if speed is critical.

Mistake #4: Using Unstable Wi-Fi
A spotty connection can interrupt or restart the download.
Fix: Update from home or another known-fast network.

Mistake #5: Multitasking During the Update
Background processes can slow down or interrupt installation.
Fix: Let the update run without interference.

FAQs: Related “People Also Ask” Questions

Can I use my iPhone while it’s updating?
No. Once the installation starts, your iPhone will restart and be unusable until the update finishes.

How do I make my iOS update faster?
Ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection, plug in your phone, close background apps, and free up storage. This can significantly reduce update time.

Why is my iPhone taking so long to update?
Common causes include a slow internet connection, low storage, or an older device. Server load during major updates can also slow things down.

Do iOS updates slow down your phone?
New updates are optimized for newer devices, so older iPhones may feel slower. However, Apple has improved performance on older models in recent years.

Can I stop an iOS update once it starts?
Not once installation begins. You can cancel a download before installation by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and deleting the update.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Updating your iPhone doesn’t have to be a hassle—as long as you plan ahead. The time it takes can range from 15 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on your device, settings, and timing. Follow the tips above to stay on the shorter side of that window.