Pro Tips and Tricks to Fix iOS 16 Software Update Not Showing Up on iPhone
First off, let’s get to the route cause of the issue. Once that’s done, we will get into the troubleshooting mode.
Why Does the iOS 16 Update Not Show Up on iPhone?
Believe it or not, there are several reasons why the iOS 16 update does not appear on iPhone. The clogged-up storage with insufficient free space, poor Wi-Fi network, and the old iOS software beta profile could be coming in the way. Not to mention, the incompatibility thing that has come as nothing but a massive shocker to many users could also be in the play. That’s the reason why we have discussed all the possible solutions to troubleshoot the iOS 16 software update issues. Though iOS 16 is in our focus, the following solutions also apply to iPadOS 16. Hence, if you are facing the same problem on your iPad, these tips will rescue you. That all being said, let’s jump right in!
1. Make Sure Your Device is Compatible
The very first thing that you should do before starting to worry about why the iOS 16 software update does not show up on your iDevice is to check the compatibility list. Yes, you read that right! In what could come as as nightmare for many, iOS 16 has dumped the still very capable iPhone 7 Series. Here is the complete list of devices that have got the iOS 16 update.
iPhone 8iPhone 8 PlusiPhone XiPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 13 iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone SE 2nd generation and 3rd generation
2. Be Sure to Allow the Website to Download Beta Profile on your iPhone
Another important thing that you should do is to allow the Apple website (or a third party site from where you are trying to get the iOS 16 beta software profile) to download the Beta profile. Agreed, this may sound very simple to many, but a number of people tend to forget to hit Allow in the popup and are left wondering what has prevented the software beta profile from showing up. Well, it has actually happened to be once. So, I know how frustrating it gets.
3. Ensure That You Have Enough Space Left to Install the iOS 16 Beta
If your iPhone is cluttered with for space or for that matter does not have sufficient space, you won’t be able to install iOS 16 update. Therefore, clean up your device to ensure redundant files and apps no longer hog the precious storage space unnecessarily.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > iPhone Storage to check the used and available space on your device.
- If there is not much free space left on your device, get rid of all the useless screenshots, photos, apps, and files to recover the needed space.
4. Be Sure to Install the Beta Profile
Once you have got the beta profile, you will need to go through a brief installation procedure and also agree to Apple’s terms and conditions. Make sure you have followed this essential procedure. If you haven’t done it as yet, open the Settings app on your device > Profile Downloaded > VPN & Device Management > iOS 16 beta software profile and then follow the instructions to install the beta. Bear in mind that during installation you will be prompted to bring the changes to come into effect. Once the installation is done, head into the Settings app > General > Software Update. Now, wait for a few seconds to let your device check for the updates. When the iOS 16 update shows up on your iPhone, download and install it just like any other iOS update.
5. Restart Your iPhone
If the issue has not yet been solved, restart your iPhone. This might be a very simple solution but it has proved to be more than a handful on numerous occasions in fixing common problems. Hence, there is no harm in giving it a chance, is it?
On iPhone with Face ID: Press and hold the volume up/down button and the side button at once. After that, slide the power off slider to shut down your iPhone. Then, hold down the side button again to turn on your device. On iPhone with Touch ID: Press and hold the side button and then drag the power off slider to turn off your device. After that, press and hold the side button to turn on the device.
6. Reset Network Settings
If your device is faced with network issues or your WiFi connection is poor, better fix it in the very first place. Otherwise, you would continue to face the iOS 16 software update issue. One of the most reliable ways to fix a sluggish WiFi network is to reset the entire settings. Though it is quite radical and you have to enter your WiFi password again, it is worth giving a try, given how effective it has been.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Now, open the Settings app > WiFi setting and then reconnect to the WiFi network. After that, try installing the software to see if you have finally overcome the issue.
7. Hard Reset Your iPhone
Hard reset is like my go-to troubleshooter for fixing annoying issues that tend to crop up every now and then. Considering how loyal it has always been, I’m going to count on it to resolve the iOS 16 software update problem as well.
- To do so, press and quickly release the volume up button.
- Then, you need to press and release the volume down button.
- Next, make sure to hold down the power or the side button until you see the familiar Apple logo on the screen. After your device has rebooted, go back to the Software Update setting to check if the iOS 16 update has appeared. If it has, you have got the better of the problem. Rejoice!
8. Remove the Old Beta Profile
If you had installed the Beta Profile of iOS 15 and have not removed it before going for iOS 16, the old beta profile may be coming in the way. So, try removing it.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > VPN & Device Management > iOS beta software and then delete it. Read more: How to Copy Text from Video on iPhone in iOS 16
9. Factory Reset Your iPhone
When dealing with an issue that does not get sorted out through basic tips, I do not forget to try out the factory reset solution. Credit where credit’s due, it does not disappoint me on many occasions.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Now, you will need to enter your device passcode and hit Reset All Settings again to confirm the action.
Fixed! iOS 16 Update Not Showing on iPhone Issue
And that’s all there is to it! Hopefully, you have got the better of the iOS 16 software update issue. But before you set your sight on exploring the latest iteration of iOS, do not forget to share your invaluable feedback with us. Also, be sure to let us know the solution that has got your job done.
