Nowadays, iPads have become an essential part of our daily lives, offering a user-friendly interface and numerous features. However, like any technological device, iPads are not completely secure. One common issue iPad users face is the “Unable to Check for Update” error. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this problem and provide simple solutions to resolve it.
As an iPad user, you understand the significance of keeping your device up to date. iPadOS 17, a new update, will be released soon, offering enhanced features, improved performance, and crucial security enhancements.
When the update process comes up with the “Unable to check for update” error message, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, this problem can often be solved with some basic troubleshooting, check out the below guide.
What is “Unable to Check For Update” Error in iPad?
The “Unable to check for update” error commonly occurs when attempting to update your iPad to the latest software version. This error prevents your iPad from connecting to Apple’s servers to download the updates. As a result, your device may miss out on important system updates and security enhancements, which could pose potential risks to your data security.
iPad “Unable to Check For Update” Error Reasons
There are several reasons why you might encounter the “Unable to check for update” error:
- Network Issues: Unstable or slow internet connections can prevent your iPad from connecting to Apple servers for updates.
- Software Bugs: Occasionally, minor software bugs or other errors can disrupt the update process.
- Server Issues: If Apple servers are down or experiencing high traffic, your iPad may be unable to check for updates.
- Insufficient Storage: iPads need enough free storage to download and install updates. If your device is running low on space, you may receive this error.
- Device Incompatibility: Older iPad models that are no longer supported by iPadOS 17 may show this error.
Possible Solutions for “Unable to Check For Update” Error in iPad
You can follow these potential solutions to resolve the error. Start with the first one, and if the error persists, proceed with the subsequent methods:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Open a web browser on your iPad and try to load a webpage. If it doesn’t load, your internet connection may have a problem. So for this, you have to reset your network settings. For this follow the below steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Scroll down and select the General option from the list.
- Tap on Reset.
- Select Reset Network Settings from the list of options.
- Enter your device’s passcode.
- Confirm your decision by tapping Reset.
- Your iPad will automatically restart to complete the reset process.
Note: Please note that this will delete all saved network settings on your iPad, including Wi-Fi password, VPN, and APN settings.
2. Restart Your Device
Here’s how you can restart your iPad:
- If you’re using an iPad with Face ID, press and hold the top button and either volume button. For other iPad models, press and hold the top button.
- After holding for a few seconds, the “Slide to Power Off” slider will appear on the screen. Drag the slider to the right so your iPad will turn off.
- After your iPad is completely turned off, press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo. Release the button once the Apple logo appears, so your iPad will restart.
3. Check Apple’s System Status
The Apple System Status page provides real-time information about the status of all Apple services, including the App Store, iCloud, updates, and more. If you are having issues with any of the Apple services on your iPad, follow these steps to check:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing the Apple System Status page:
- Open Safari browser on your iPad.
- Type “Apple System Status” into your search engine, and go to the page.
- On the page, you will see a list of all Apple services. If there is a problem with any service, you will see a yellow or red dot next to the service name. A green dot means the service is working normally.
- Click on any service to get more details about the issues and know the estimated time the service will be back up and running.
Remember, this is just a status page, and it can take a few minutes for new issues to be reported and reflected here.
4. Free Up Storage
If your iPad has run out of storage, there are methods by which you can check your iPad storage.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General, then tap iPad Storage.
- Here you can see how much storage each app is using.
By following the steps below, you can free up some storage space on your iPad. Remember to back up important files before you delete anything.
- Delete unused apps
- Delete old photos and videos
- Clear Safari’s cache
- Offload unused apps
- Use iCloud to store files
5. Try Updating Through iTunes
To update your iPad through iTunes, follow the steps below. Please note that since macOS Catalina, iTunes has been replaced with Finder on Mac. The steps will differ slightly for Mac users with Catalina or newer and Windows users or those with macOS Mojave or older.
For Mac Users with macOS Catalina or newer:
- Connect your iPad to your Mac using the appropriate cable.
- Open a Finder window.
- In the sidebar, under “Locations“, you’ll see your iPad listed. Click on it.
- Click “Check for Update“.
- If an update is available, a pop-up will appear. Click “Download and Update“.
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
For Windows Users or Mac users with macOS Mojave or older:
- Open iTunes on your PC or Mac.
- Connect your iPad to your computer with your Lightning to USB or Lightning to USB-C cable.
- If a message pops up asking for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps.
- Select your iPad when it appears in iTunes or Finder.
- Click “Check for Update“.
- If an update is available, click “Download and Update“.
- If asked, enter your passcode.
If you’ve tried all the steps above and you’re still experiencing the issue, contact Apple Support for further assistance. Remember, before doing any major troubleshooting steps like restoring your iPad, it’s a good idea to back up your data to prevent any possible damage.
Last words
The “Unable to Check for Update” error on your iPad can prevent you from accessing the latest features of iPadOS. However, by following the steps outlined in this post and being patient, you can usually resolve this issue quickly. Remember, it’s important to keep your device updated not only for new features but also for the best protection of your iPad.
