Here’s How to Fix iOS 10 Update Problems

Apple released iOS 10 today, Sept. 13, to the masses, but the grandiose launch clearly did not go as planned. Immediately after the update was pushed out to iPhones and iPads, a plethora of users began panicking. It turns out iOS 10’s installation process would suddenly force their devices into Recovery Mode.

Devices then had to be plugged into iTunes to try updating once more, but more problems ensued there. Some users report being unable to update from iTunes and unfortunately having to restore the iPhone or iPad, removing all content and settings.

Twitter lit up with hundreds if not thousands of complaints, many of which Apple Support tried tackling as quickly as possible. Even some high-profile technology journalists suffered from the issue.

iOS 10 update temporarily bricked my iPhone 6s Plus … so yeah, I’d hold off on that. pic.twitter.com/qPFU1bpqZs

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 13, 2016

Updating to iOS 10 OTA right now is going to take some…Courage.

I recommend some patience https://t.co/0uIn10WbBA. pic.twitter.com/nzu6zqCpsk

— Seth Weintraub (@llsethj) September 13, 2016

Fixing Your iOS 10 Woes

Once iTunes is up to date, you should be able to tether your iOS device to your computer and finish the installation process without issue.

If you tried to install iOS 10 and are experiencing issues with being forced into recovery mode, Apple is suggesting the problem is remedied by having the latest version of iTunes installed.

@socaldude83 We want to help. You’ll need the latest version of iTunes (12.5.1). Then, plug your iPhone into the computer and choose Update.

— Apple Support (@AppleSupport) September 13, 2016

To find out if you’re running the latest version of iTunes, open the application on your Mac or PC. On macOS, click iTunes in the menu bar and then click Check for Updates. On Windows, click Help in the menu bar and choose Check for Updates. Apple will inform you if iTunes is up to date. If it’s not, download and install the latest version.

Once iTunes is up to date, you should be able to tether your iOS device to your computer and finish the installation process without issue.

Problems Gone for Good?

Shortly after problems arose, Apple apparently released a statement to iMore’s Rene Ritchie.

“We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability,” an Apple spokesperson said. “The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.”

As a precaution for any future iOS update issues, always keep your iPhone and iPad backed up.

According to Apple, iOS 10 installations should be smooth sailing from here on out. If you’re reading this, it should be safe to go ahead and install iOS 10 if you haven’t already.

If your iPhone or iPad is still in recovery mode, consider tweeting @AppleSupport or contact AppleCare as Apple recommends.

As a precaution for any future iOS update issues, always keep your iPhone and iPad backed up.