I’m not sure if I accidentally initiated the download or if it happened automatically, but I have the latest iOS over-the-air update stored on my device. If the storage space used isn’t anything to worry about, what bothers me the most is that my iPhone now prompts me every morning to install that update, something I don’t want to do or be reminded of at this time.
Deleting an over-the-air update downloaded to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is an easy thing to do. If you want to regain a few MB of storage, or if, like me, you don’t like to be asked to install that update every day, follow these simple directions.
How to remove downloaded software updates
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings and tap General.
- Select iPhone Storage or iPad Storage.
- Locate and tap the downloaded iOS software update.
- Select Delete Update and confirm you do want to delete it.
Of course, deleting that software update doesn’t prevent you from downloading it again when you want to. To do so, you will have to go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Sometimes, when the iOS update is stuck on the preparing update screen, you can delete the fully or partially downloaded iOS update and restart the download.Similarly, if your iOS update fails mid-way, delete the incomplete iOS update file. After that, restart your iPhone and re-download the update.
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