Apple’s debut of a new iOS update is rarely a smooth event. It’s to be expected, in some ways, as Apple tends to design iOS for the current iPhone, with the previous generations being an afterthought. Even by that standard, though, iOS 10’s launch hasn’t been going well. But don’t worry, we’re here to help: Here’s how to install it more smoothly, and troubleshoot problems.
The most bulletproof way to install iOS is to wait a day. We know you want it now, but Apple is currently getting hammered with requests, and there’s no particular reason you need to update to iOS10 right away. If you give it 24 hours, Apple can fix the bugs and you can download the update without worrying about the initial rush. If you have to get it today, though (no judgment), log onto a computer, plug in your iPhone, and update via a stable connection instead of over your phone’s data network; or at least find a stable, fast WiFi connection for your phone. And no, we don’t mean Starbucks! Keep in mind that even this method isn’t perfect, but it will generally be the most painless way to get this update done.
Whether you wait or not, do some spring cleaning of apps you don’t use and photos you don’t want anymore, and back up your phone before updating. Usually this process goes off without a hitch, but if something does go wrong, you won’t lose all your data.
If you tried to update and are stuck, generally the problem falls into one of the following categories: First of all, some users report that trying to update has left them with a bricked phone. The good news is that your phone isn’t completely dead, but you will have to find a computer and do a full recovery of your phone. Others won’t be able to download it at all, getting an error message that the software update failed. This is just Apple being overwhelmed. Keep at it and you’ll get the update eventually. The same is true if the “Verifying Update” prompt hangs. If that happens, hold down power and Home for ten seconds and then try again.
Ideally this wouldn’t be so complicated, but every update has its problems. Just be patient, and soon you’ll have a whole bunch of new features to play with.