You can stop an iOS update while it's downloading, but not after installation begins
If your iPhone or iPad is downloading an iOS update and you want to stop it, you can delete the update file before the installation phase starts. Once your device begins installing the update — when you see the progress bar and "Installing iOS" message — you cannot cancel it. The installation will continue, and stopping it mid-process can damage your device.
The window to cancel is narrow: from the moment the download starts until the moment your device restarts to begin installation. After that restart, the update runs to completion whether you want it to or not.
Key Takeaways
- You can delete an iOS update file while it is downloading, but not after installation begins on your device.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to find and delete a pending update before it installs.
- Once your device restarts and shows "Installing iOS", the update cannot be stopped and must finish.
- If an update is scheduled to install at night, you can prevent it by keeping your device plugged in and awake until you delete the file.
Delete the update file from iPhone Storage
Open Settings and tap General. Then tap iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage on an iPad). Scroll down until you see the iOS update listed — it will show a version number like "iOS 17.5" and the file size in gigabytes.
Tap the update entry. A red button labeled "Delete Update" will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap it, then confirm by tapping Delete again. The update file is now removed from your device, and the installation will not proceed.
Your device will not automatically re-download the update immediately. However, depending on your settings, it may download again later — usually when your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi overnight.
Stop automatic downloads before they start
If you want to prevent iOS updates from downloading in the first place, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Toggle off "Download iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates". This stops your device from downloading updates without your action.
With automatic downloads turned off, you control when the update file arrives on your device. You can manually start a download from Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install when you choose, then delete it before installation if you change your mind.
Keep in mind that turning off automatic updates means you are responsible for checking for updates yourself. Security updates are released regularly, and delaying them leaves your device more vulnerable to known problems.
What happens if you force restart during installation
If you force restart your iPhone or iPad while it is installing an update — by holding buttons to trigger the restart — you risk corrupting the installation. Your device may get stuck on the Apple logo, fail to boot, or require recovery mode to fix.
If this happens, you will need to connect your device to a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) and restore it. This erases your device and reinstalls iOS from scratch, which takes longer than letting the update finish normally.
The only safe time to force restart is during the download phase, before the installation begins. Once you see "Installing iOS" on your screen, let the process complete even if it takes an hour or more.
Scheduled updates you cannot cancel
If you see a notification that an update is "Scheduled to Install Tonight" or at a specific time, you have until that moment to delete the update file. Once the scheduled time arrives and your device restarts, the installation begins and cannot be stopped.
To prevent a scheduled installation, delete the update file from iPhone Storage before the scheduled time. If the time is approaching and you have not deleted it yet, keep your device awake and unplugged — updates typically install only when the device is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.
Reasons you might want to cancel an update
Some people cancel updates because they have heard reports of bugs in a new iOS version. Others cancel because they are traveling, have limited data, or need their device for work and cannot afford downtime. A few cancel because they want to keep an older iOS version for compatibility with an older app or accessory.
Canceling an update is your choice, but understand that each version of iOS includes security fixes for problems that hackers can exploit. The longer you delay, the more exposed your device becomes. If you cancel because of a reported bug, check Apple's security updates page or tech news sites to see whether the issue affects you before deciding to stay on an older version long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an iOS update after it starts installing?
No. Once the installation phase begins and you see "Installing iOS" on your screen, the update cannot be stopped. Forcing a restart at this point can damage your device. You must let it finish, which usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Will my iPhone automatically download the update again if I delete it?
It depends on your settings. If automatic downloads are on, your device will download the update again when it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, usually overnight. Turn off automatic downloads in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates to prevent this.
What if I unplug my iPhone during the download?
Unplugging during the download pauses it, but the file remains on your device. The download will resume the next time your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. To stop it permanently, delete the update file from iPhone Storage.
Is it safe to keep an old iOS version instead of updating?
It is your choice, but older versions contain security vulnerabilities that new versions fix. Apple stops supporting old versions after a few years, meaning no more security updates. If you delay an update, plan to install it within a few weeks rather than indefinitely.
Can I cancel an update on iPad the same way?
Yes. The steps are identical: go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, find the update, tap it, and tap Delete Update. The same rules apply — you can cancel during download but not during installation.