You can pause an iOS update in progress, but not cancel one that's finished downloading

If iOS is actively installing on your device right now, you can restart your phone to interrupt it — this pauses the update and returns you to your current version. If the update has already finished installing and your phone is prompting you to install it, you can delay that installation by tapping "Later" or "Remind Me Later". If the update has fully installed and your phone has already restarted into the new version, you cannot go back without connecting to a computer and using Apple's recovery tools.

The stage your update is in matters because each one requires a different approach. A download in progress can be stopped by turning off Wi-Fi. An installation in progress can be paused by restarting. A completed installation cannot be undone from the phone itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off Wi-Fi or disconnect from your network to stop a download that is still in progress.
  • Restart your iPhone or iPad during installation to pause the update and stay on your current iOS version.
  • If your phone has already restarted into the new version, you will need a Mac or Windows computer and Apple's recovery process to return to the previous version.
  • iOS updates install automatically if you have automatic updates turned on in Settings — turning this off gives you control over when updates happen.
  • Delaying an update by tapping "Remind Me Later" typically gives you a few days before the prompt returns, not a permanent pause.

Stop a download that hasn't started installing yet

If your phone has downloaded iOS but hasn't begun the installation process, disconnect from Wi-Fi immediately. Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, and toggle it off. This halts the download and prevents the installation from starting automatically.

You can also check the status in Settings > General > Software Update. If it shows "Downloaded" or "Ready to Install", the file is on your device but hasn't begun running yet. At this point, restarting your phone will not remove the downloaded file, but it will prevent the installation from launching on its own.

Interrupt an installation that's already running

If you see the progress bar moving, the installation is active. Restart your phone immediately by holding the power button (or power and volume down on newer models) until the shutdown slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn the phone back on.

This restart interrupts the installation process and returns your phone to the version you were running before. The downloaded update file remains on your device, but the installation stops. Your phone will likely prompt you again to install the update within a few days, depending on your settings.

Delay the installation prompt without removing the update

When your phone shows "Install Now" or "Install Tonight", you can tap "Remind Me Later" instead. This postpones the installation prompt for a few days, typically three to seven depending on your iOS version. The update file stays on your device, and the prompt will return.

This is not a permanent solution — it only delays the installation. If you want to prevent the update from installing at all, you need to turn off automatic updates in Settings, then delete the downloaded file. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap the downloaded update, and select "Delete Update".

Turn off automatic updates to regain control

If you want to choose when iOS updates, disable automatic updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, then turn off "Install iOS Updates". This stops your phone from downloading and installing updates without your permission.

With automatic updates off, you will still receive notifications that updates are available, but nothing will download or install unless you manually start it. You can then choose to install when it suits you, or delay indefinitely by not tapping "Install Now".

Revert to a previous iOS version if the update already completed

If your phone has already restarted into the new iOS version, you cannot undo this from the phone alone. You will need a Mac or Windows computer and access to Apple's recovery process through Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).

Connect your phone to the computer, open Finder or iTunes, and select your device. Choose "Restore" to download and install the previous iOS version. This erases your phone and reinstalls the older version from scratch. Apple only allows downgrades to the most recent previous version, and only for a limited time after a new version releases — usually a few weeks. After that window closes, you cannot downgrade at all.

Before attempting this, back up your data through iCloud or your computer, because the restore process deletes everything on the device.

Why your phone keeps prompting you to update

iOS sends repeated update prompts because Apple prioritizes security. Each time you tap "Remind Me Later", the prompt returns after a set interval. If you have automatic updates enabled, your phone will eventually force the installation if you ignore the prompts long enough.

The only way to stop the prompts permanently is to either install the update or turn off automatic updates and delete the downloaded file. Simply restarting your phone or disconnecting from Wi-Fi pauses the process temporarily but does not prevent it from trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my phone delete the update file?

No. Restarting during installation pauses the process and returns you to your current iOS version, but the downloaded update file remains on your device. Your phone will prompt you again to install it within a few days.

Can I delete an iOS update file from Settings?

Yes. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap the downloaded update, and select "Delete Update". This removes the file from your device and stops the installation prompt until a new update is released.

What happens if I turn off Wi-Fi during an iOS update?

If the update is still downloading, turning off Wi-Fi stops the download. If the installation has already started, turning off Wi-Fi does not stop it — you need to restart your phone instead.

Can I downgrade iOS on my own without a computer?

No. You cannot downgrade from the phone itself. You need a Mac or Windows computer, Finder or iTunes, and Apple's recovery process. Downgrades are only possible for a few weeks after a new version releases.

Does "Remind Me Later" permanently stop the update?

No. It only delays the prompt for a few days. To stop the update permanently, turn off automatic updates in Settings and delete the downloaded file.