How do I fix an iPhone that says it cannot check for a software update because it is not connected to the internet?
Answer
First confirm the phone can load a web page. Then retry the update check on the same network, try another network, and if the alert keeps returning, delete any partly downloaded update and download it again, or update through a computer. Apple's own troubleshooting guide lists these steps in roughly this order.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Back up the iPhone before deleting an update or making other changes if it holds photos, messages or files you cannot replace.
- Pop-ups, texts or calls that offer to fix an update error for a fee, or ask for a passcode or verification code, are likely scams. Make changes only through the phone's own Settings or a computer you control.
Follow these steps
Check that the phone can reach the internet
Open Safari and load a normal website. If the page does not load, the phone is not reaching the internet, so fix the connection first. Try switching Wi-Fi off and on, or moving closer to the router, and then load the page again.
You should see: A web page loads in Safari. If it still does not load, the problem is likely the connection rather than the update itself.
Retry the update check on the same network
Once web pages load, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, and check again. Apple's guide If your iPhone or iPad won't update recommends trying the update again on the same network first.
You should see: Either the Software Update screen shows an available update or the alert appears again. If the alert is gone, you can continue with the update.
Try a different network
If the alert returns, connect to another Wi-Fi network that you trust, or use mobile data if your plan allows it, and then return to Software Update. Apple's guide says to try updating on another network if the alert keeps appearing.
You should see: The update check gets past the connection error on the new network, or it shows the same alert. A repeated alert on several networks points toward a problem with the update itself or with Apple's servers.
Delete a partly downloaded update and download it again
If the phone already downloaded part of an update, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. Find the iOS update in the list, tap it, and choose Delete Update. Then go back to Settings, General, Software Update and download the update again.
You should see: The old update no longer appears in storage, and Software Update starts a fresh download, or shows that the phone is up to date.
Update through a computer if the alert keeps returning
If the alert still appears after trying several networks and a fresh download, Apple's guide suggests updating with a Mac or with iTunes on a computer. The app you use depends on the computer's operating system, so confirm the steps for your computer on Apple's support pages.
You should see: The computer detects the iPhone and either offers the update or reports that the iPhone is already up to date. If the computer cannot update it either, contact Apple Support.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The alert text Unable to Check for Update, the message Checking for a software update failed because you are not connected to the internet, and whether ordinary web pages load in Safari.
Before you change anything: Note the Wi-Fi network name you are using, and whether mobile data is available on the phone. If the phone holds photos or files you cannot lose, back up the iPhone before deleting any update or resetting anything. Do not share your Apple ID password, passcode, or any verification code with anyone who contacts you about the update.
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