iPhone Tips

How to Permanently Block iOS Updates [Tested Free Way]

by Anna Sherry   Updated on 2024-08-14 / Update for  iPhone Tips

Many users want to block OTA updates iOS 14, 15 or 16, simply because they don’t want to deal with the bugs that come with the initial release of a new version.

OTA is the short form of Over-the-Air. These updates are provided to the users’ devices through the official download channels. By default, OTA updates are set to download and install automatically.

However, you can turn off this feature, of course. That said, let’s now talk about how you can do this job.

Method 1: Use iCareFone to Completely Block iOS Updates(FREE)

The best way to block OTA updates is through Tenorshare iCareFone. It’s an all-in-one tool that has tons of features for all iPhone users. It is the top OTA blocker iOS 14/15/16.

Furthermore, it’s also a powerful iOS data management/backup tool, which can help you back up /manage your iOS data in an easier way.

That said, here’s how you can permanently block OTA updates with iCareFone.

  • Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your PC. Connect your iPhone to the PC. If you’re connecting it to this PC for the first time, tap “Trust This Computer”.

    block ios updates
  • Select “More Tools” from the left bar, then select “Block iOS Updates”.

    block ios updates
  • Read the instructions, then hit “Send the profile to the device”.

    block ios updates
  • Install the profile on your device. You can find the profile through: Settings - VPN & Device Management - tvOS 15 Beta software profile.

    block ios updates
  • You will be asked to restart your device, tap “Restart” to do it now.

    block ios updates
  • Now, you will stop receiving iOS OTA updates. (Note: you will see a feedback icon on your device screen)

    block ios updates

Method 2: Turn Off iOS Updates via the Official Method

If you’re looking for the official method to block iOS updates, this section is for you.

However, this method has some drawbacks. But before we talk about that, let’s tell you how to enable it in the first place.

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Go to General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
  • Turn off both the toggles that say “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates”.

    turn off ios automatic updates
  • The downside to this step is that you will still receive update notifications. So, whenever you’re doing something awesome on your phone, the update reminder might just pop up in between.

Method 3: Block iOS Updates by Installing Profile

To block OTA updates iOS 13, 14, 15 or 16, you can also download the beta profile manually and install it on your phone.

This method is essentially the same as Tenorshare iCareFone offers, just a lot more tricky. You will have to manually look for beta profiles, download them on your PC, and get them installed. You may be wondering how this block OTA update profile thing works. Well, let’s tell you right away.

To do this method, follow the steps.

  • Go to betaprofiles.com, which is Apple’s official site for developers to download beta software for Apple devices.
  • Select tvOS from the list of devices, and wait for download to begin.

    turn off ios automatic updates
  • When prompted, hit Install, then restart the phone as per the instructions.
  • Now, your phone will not receive official iOS updates.

FAQs about iOS Updates

Here are the top 4 questions about iOS OTA updates installed.

1. Can I permanently block iOS updates?

Absolutely. If you use method 1(iCareFone) or method 3 mentioned in this blog, you will be able to permanently block iOS updates.

2. Can I downgrade to an older software version after I have upgrades?

If Apple still signs the version you’d like to install, you can download and install it on your iPhone. However, if the version isn’t signed anymore, you won’t be able to install it on your iPhone.

3. Why do people install tvOS profiles to stop iOS updates?

Because tvOS is based on iOS, and their profiles are interchangeable. So, if you download a tvOS profile, you’ll be able to install it on your iPhone.

4. Is the built-in method to stop updates good enough?

It depends on what you’re expecting.

For example, if you’re good with the popups that appear on your screen asking you to update, you could be fine with the built-in feature to turn off updates, too. Or it’s better to use iCareFone if you can’t stand the endless update popups.

Conclusion

There you go. That’s how you block iOS updates on an iPhone and stay free of worries of OTA updates.

Again, if you’re looking for the best method to block your iOS updates, Tenorshare iCareFone is the best way to go.