iOS 18Software Update Failed [7 Easy Fixes]

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2024-09-03 / Update for  iOS 18

Updating your iPhone through the OTA updates received on the device should be a smooth process. You’re only required to hit the Download & Install button to initiate and wait for it to complete. However, an unexpected iOS 18 software update failure can sometimes occur, preventing you from installing iOS 18.

An error message occurring after initiating the new iOS 18 software update can be triggered for many reasons. Don’t panic, if you aren't able to update your iPhone to iOS 18, it’s just due to a software issue that can be resolved with a simple troubleshooting method.

This is the ultimate guide to help you fix the iOS 18 software update failed problem on iPhone with 7 easy fixes.

Part 1. Why does My iOS 18 Update Keep Failing

First, let’s find out what caused the “iOS 18 update failed” on your iPhone. Following are the reasons why your iOS 18 update failing:

Low Storage Space On Device

Insufficient storage space on an iPhone can stop the iOS 18 software update even after the downloading is completed. Make sure you have enough storage space available on the device to handle the iOS 18 update files.

Poor Internet Connection

Installing the iOS 18 requires a stable internet connection to download and install the updated files. A software update failed iOS 18 error message can result from a poor internet connection speed.

iPhone Shuts Down

You may also face an iOS 18 failed to update issue if your iPhone or iPad shuts down midway. This can happen due to the device's degraded or low battery.

Server Issue

The iOS 18 update keeps failing error can be caused by millions of users installing the update simultaneously. This may overload Apple’s server and cause update issues.

Part 2. How to Fix iOS 18 Software Update Failed?

Whether you’re facing an iOS 18 software update failed or an error downloading iOS 18, here’s the list of effective solutions to fix it and get hands on iOS 18.

Solution 1. Wait a Moment & Try again Later

When the iOS update is newly released, thousands of iPhone users around the globe try to update their iPhones simultaneously. This overloads Apple’s server, leading to a delayed response and a failed iOS 18 software update. In this situation, it’s preferable to wait for an hour until the servers are restored, then try initiating the iOS 18 update.

Solution 2. Update to iOS 18 via Upgrade Master

If you can’t wait to try the iOS 18, you can skip the traditional method of updating your iPhone to the iOS 18 and try it via Tenorshare ReiBoot. It’s a computer software built for iOS devices to fix iOS-related issues and Upgrade/Downgrade the iOS version.

Tenorshare ReiBoot lets you upgrade/downgrade the iOS version on your iPhone with a one-click process. Whether you want to install the latest iOS 18 or move to the unsigned iOS version, it makes everything possible with just a few clicks.

Here’s how to update your iPhone to the iOS 18 via Tenorshare ReiBoot:

  • After installing the latest version on your computer, launch the Tenorshare ReiBoot. Click on the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade option.

    launch reiboot
  • Choose the Upgrade option, and connect your iPhone to the computer.

     advanced mode
  • Next, you need to download the firmware package of iOS 18 for your iPhone device. Click on the Download button to initiate it.

    download firmware
  • Once the downloading is completed, you can start the iOS update by clicking on Initiate Update button.

    start upgrade

    Once it’s finished, click on Done. After successful installation of the latest iOS 18, your iPhone will restart automatically.

    upgrade completed

Solution 3. Reinstall Software Update

Sometimes the problem lies in the update file downloaded during the software update process. This can be a corrupted update file or incompatible with your model causing the software update failed iOS 18 problem. An easy solution to fix it is to delete the update file from the iPhone, and try re-installing the software update.

Steps to reinstall the Software Update on iPhone/iPad:

  • Go to the Settings app >> General >> iPhone Storage.
  • Locate the iOS 18 file, tap it, and select Delete Update.
  • Restart your iPhone after deleting software updates, and reinstall it.

Solution 4. Restart iPhone

Sometimes an iOS bug or a minor glitch can interfere with the software update process, hindering the installation of an iOS 18 update. Fortunately, these are temporary glitches and can go away by simply restarting your iPhone. Restarting your iPhone can be helpful in resolving many iOS issues including iOS 18 failed to update.

Steps to restart your iPhone:

  • Press and hold either of the Volume Down buttons and power button until the power slider appears.
  • Drag the slider, and wait for the device to shut down.
  • Now to turn on the iPhone, press and hold down the Power/side button until the Apple logo appears.
Restart iphone

Solution 5. Free Up iPhone Storage

iOS 18 update keeps failing error can also occur due to insufficient storage on the device. If you’re facing error downloading iOS 18 or an error installing iOS 18, there's a high probability that your device is running low on storage and doesn’t have enough space for the iOS 18 update file.

Consider checking the iPhone storage and free up some space if required. Here’s how to get an overview of iPhone’s storage with simple steps:

  • Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, and tap on General.
  • Tap on iPhone storage and check the available space on the device.
  • If the available storage space is less than 5GB, consider deleting unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and other big files to free up the space.

Solution 6. Reset All Settings

Resetting all the settings on your iPhone can help fix the various iOS glitches and bugs that interfere with the iOS 18 update. This will restore all the settings on the device to its default value without wiping up any of your device data. This might seem like an unnecessary thing to do, but it often removes the minor bugs and glitches in the device interfering with normal functioning:

Steps to Reset All Settings on an iPhone/iPad:

  • Go to the Settings >> General >> Reset iPhone.
  • Select Reset All Settings, and type the passcode.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions to reset all settings.
reset all settings

Solution 7. Manually Download iOS 18 via IPSW

If none of the above solutions fixed the iOS 18 software update failed problem on your iPhone, you may try another way to install the iOS 18 update. You can install the update on your iPhone manually via iPSW. It should be noted that this method is recommended for users familiar with the iOS firmware.

Steps to install iOS 18 on iPhone via iPSW:

  • Visit https://ipsw.me/, and download the iOS 18 update file according to your iPhone’s model.
  • Launch the iTunes on your computer, and connect the iPhone to it using a compatible cable.
  • Go to the Summary tab, hold the Shift, and click the Update option.
  • Select the downloaded iOS 18 IPSW file and start the update process.

Solution 8. Update to iOS 18 via iTunes

Besides updating your iPhone through OTA updates, Apple also lets you update it via iTunes. It’s a simple process and requires only an iPhone connected to a computer using a compatible device. You can update the iPhone to iOS 18 via iTunes if none of the methods work.

  • Launch iTunes, and connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible computer.
  • Go to the Summary option in iTunes, and click the Check for Updates option.
  • Click Download and Update, and follow the onscreen instructions to install the iOS 18 on your iPhone.

Part 3. Fix iOS 18 Software Update Failed Issues in One-Click

If none of the above-mentioned fixes work out for you, let’s make things simple, easy, and effective! You need a one-click solution that fixes all of your underlying problems that are causing “iOS 18 software update failed” error.

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a powerhouse that provides a one-click solution to your iOS 18 update error. With an ability to fix 150+ iDevices errors, ReiBoot makes sure that your data remains safe and intact. It's a one-stop shop for iOS device health, letting you enter and exit recovery mode, downgrade or upgrade your OS includings, reset your device without needing your passcode, and even permanently erase data before selling your phone.

In order to repair your iPhone with ReiBoot Standard Repair option, you need to follow these simple and easy steps:

  • Launch the Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer, and click the Start Repair button.

    launch reiboot
  • Connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible, and choose the Standard Repair option to fix the iOS issues without data loss.

    fix with reiboot
  • Download the required firmware package by clicking on the Download button.

    fix with reiboot
  • Once downloading, click the Start Standard Repair button to initiate the repair process.

    fix with reiboot
  • Wait for a progress bar to complete. Once it’s finished, click Done, and your iPhone will restart automatically.

    repair successfully

Final Word

In this guide, we learned how to fix the iOS 18 software update failed. There’s no way you’re missing out on the iOS 18 update, you can simply try out these fixes to get your hands on the all-new iOS 18. However, if the simple fixes like restarting or checking storage don’t fix your iPhone, Tenorshare ReiBoot is your one-click solution to get your iPhone on a path towards iOS 18 update.

Don’t let a failed iOS 18 update hinder your iOS 18 experience! Learn more about Tenorshare ReiBoot.