You can stop an iOS update before it finishes installing, but not after it starts
If an iOS update is downloading or waiting to install, you can delete it from your device's storage and prevent it from starting. Once the update begins installing — when your device restarts and shows the Apple logo with a progress bar — you cannot stop it. The installation will complete regardless of what you do. If you want to delay updates rather than cancel them outright, iOS lets you postpone them for up to 35 days.
The method depends on whether the update is still in the download phase or has already begun installing. A download you can interrupt; an active installation you cannot.
Key Takeaways
- You can delete a downloaded iOS update from Settings before it installs, but once installation starts you cannot stop it.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see the update file and delete it if the download is complete but installation has not begun.
- If an update is actively installing (your device shows the Apple logo and progress bar), let it finish — interrupting it can damage your device.
- You can postpone upcoming updates for up to 35 days by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting "Remind Me Later".
- Restarting your device or turning off Wi-Fi will pause a download in progress, but the update will resume the next time conditions are right.
Delete a downloaded update before installation starts
If the update has finished downloading but has not yet installed, you can remove it from your device. Open Settings, 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 18.2" and the file size in gigabytes. Tap it, then tap Delete Update.
After you delete it, your device will not install that version unless you download it again. You can check for updates later by going back to Settings > General > Software Update. If a newer version has been released, you will see that instead.
Pause a download that is still in progress
If the update is actively downloading, you have two quick options. Restart your device by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on. The download will pause. Alternatively, turn off Wi-Fi in Control Center — swipe down from the top right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) and tap the Wi-Fi icon to disable it.
The download will resume automatically once your device reconnects to Wi-Fi and the conditions are right — usually when your device is plugged in and locked. If you want to prevent it from resuming, delete the partial download from iPhone Storage as described above.
What happens if installation has already started
Once your device restarts and displays the Apple logo with a progress bar, the installation is underway and cannot be stopped. Forcing a restart, unplugging power, or turning off Wi-Fi at this stage can corrupt the installation and leave your device unable to boot. Let the installation complete, even if it takes an hour or more.
If the installation fails or gets stuck on the progress bar for more than two hours, you can try a forced restart: on most iPhones, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the power button until you see the recovery screen. This is a last resort and should only be done if the device appears completely frozen.
Postpone updates instead of canceling them
If you want to delay an update rather than delete it, go to Settings > General > Software Update. When an update is available, you will see an option to "Remind Me Later" or "Install Tonight". Tap "Remind Me Later" to postpone the update. iOS will remind you again in a few days, and you can postpone again up to 35 days total.
After 35 days, iOS will begin forcing the update. Your device may restart automatically to install it, or you may see persistent notifications that cannot be dismissed. If you need more time, the only option at that point is to delete the update from iPhone Storage and wait for the next version to be released.
Why you might want to cancel or delay an update
Some people cancel updates because they want to avoid bugs in a newly released version, prefer the current iOS version, or need their device to remain stable during work or travel. Others delay updates to wait for a second or third point release — iOS 18.1, then 18.2 — which often have more bugs fixed than the initial 18.0 release.
Keep in mind that older iOS versions eventually stop receiving security patches. If you delay an update indefinitely, your device becomes more vulnerable to known security flaws. Apple typically supports the current version and the two previous versions with security updates, so staying more than two versions behind carries real risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop an iOS update once it starts installing?
No. Once your device restarts and shows the Apple logo with a progress bar, the installation cannot be stopped. Attempting to force a restart or cut power can damage the installation. Let it complete, which usually takes 15 minutes to an hour.
Will my device automatically update if I do nothing?
Not immediately. iOS will remind you to update, but you can postpone for up to 35 days. After 35 days, your device may restart automatically to install the update, or you may see notifications you cannot dismiss. Deleting the update file from iPhone Storage will prevent automatic installation until the next version is released.
What if I delete an update and then change my mind?
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download it again. Your device will download the same version if it is still current, or a newer version if Apple has released one since you deleted it.
Does canceling an update affect my data or apps?
No. Deleting a downloaded update or postponing one does not affect your photos, messages, apps, or any other data on your device. The update file itself is separate from your personal data.
Why does my device keep trying to update even after I postpone it?
iOS is designed to keep reminding you because updates contain security fixes. If you postpone repeatedly, after 35 days the system will begin forcing the update. To stop the reminders entirely, delete the update file from iPhone Storage, but be aware that your device will then lack security patches until you update or a new version is released.