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How To

How to update to iOS 8

How to update to iOS 8
Samuel Marc

Samuel Marc

  • Updated:

iOS 8 has finally arrived. The latest update to Apple’s mobile OS doesn’t bring as many sweeping changes as iOS 7 did last year, but it does bring lots of new features and improvements including continuity, the new Health Kit, and for the first time, third party keyboards.

If you have one of the devices listed below, you’ll be able to update to Apple’s newest mobile operating system.

iOS 8 compatible devices

iOS 8 compatible devices

– iPhone 6 Plus

– iPhone 6

– iPhone 5s

– iPhone 5c

– iPhone 4S

– iPod Touch 5th Generation

– iPad Air

– iPad Mini with Retina Display

– iPad Mini

– iPad 4th Generation

– iPad 3rd Generation

– iPad 2

Devices like the original iPad, the iPhone 4, and older iPod Touches will not be compatible with iOS 8. If you need help identifying your device, try Apple’s support page.

If you’re unsure of how to install the update, here are some simple instructions to follow.

Update via Wi-Fi

Before you update, make sure you do a back-up of your device via iTunes or iCloud. Then you can start the update process.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. When the update is available, you will see the iOS 8 download.
  2. Tap on Download. After the update has finished downloading, your iOS device will automatically install iOS 8. It’s recommended that you plug in your device during the update process.

iOS 8 install

Downloading iOS 8 from an iOS device

Update via iTunes

If you don’t want to update via Wi-Fi connection, you can install the update through iTunes.

  1. Connect the iOS device to your computer through the USB cable.
  2. Start iTunes.
  3. Click the device button for the device in iTunes at the top right. Click on Check for Updates.
  4. If iOS 8 is available, a message will appear prompting a download. Click Download and Install.
  5. iTunes will create a backup of your iOS device and install the update.

iOS 8 itunes

Installing iOS 8 through iTunes

And that’s all it takes!

Beware though, if you try to install the update the first day of its release: you may experience slow download times because everyone will be trying to update at the same time.

Related Articles

The best keyboards for iOS 8

What you need to know about syncing photos in iCloud

iCloud gets more secure with two-factor authentication

Follow me on Twitter: @SamSoftonic

Samuel Marc

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