Apple Support Unable to Figure Out Why My ipad Won't Update Software

Question

Level 1

4 points

Apple Support Unable to Figure Out Why My ipad Won't Update Software

My ipad is not updating any software or apps. My ipad has enough storage on the device, I have excellent internet connection, and my ipad generation is still eligible to update (meaning the ipad isn't too old).

I contacted Apple support through chat, and the person purposefully ended the chat (probably because they couldn't figure it out), so I had to contact support again, and that person wasn't able to figure it out either. They tried to run a diagnostic test, and that option wasn't even showing up on my device. The first person said to uninstall and reinstall beta, but my device didn't have the beta option or something like that so I wasn't able to do that either. They tried so many different things and nothing worked.

As I said before, my device has plenty of storage available, my internet connection is good, and my ipad is still able to receive the software updates (it's not too old). If anyone knows what to do, I would so very much appreciate your advice.

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 16, 2025 12:09 PM

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Answer 1

sberman

Level 10

271,570 points

Aug 16, 2025 01:03 PM in response to MelodicMango

MelodicMango wrote:

My ipad has enough storage on the device,

Perhaps "enough" is not defined correctly.

At least 6GB of iPad storage must be free at all times.

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

271,570 points

Aug 16, 2025 01:49 PM in response to MelodicMango

Your iPad model was released by Apple nearly six years ago, so it may well have hardware issues. A factory reset couldn’t hurt. Consider trying that and if it fails:

iPad Repair and Service - Apple Support

The charging issue combined with the update issue strongly suggest a hardware problem.

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Answer 3

sberman

Level 10

271,570 points

Aug 16, 2025 12:53 PM in response to MelodicMango

MelodicMango wrote:

I don't know what focus is.

This explains - from the iPad User Guide.

Set up a Focus on iPad - Apple Support

But admittedly if you see "buffering', Focus is likely not the issue.

Instead, are you using VPN on your network? Or Anti-Virus? Or a Hotspot? You should answer "No." to all these.

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Answer 4

sberman

Level 10

271,570 points

Aug 16, 2025 12:14 PM in response to MelodicMango

There are many facts pertaining to your situation you have not told us. A few examples:

What iPad model?
What current iPadOS version?
Has it ever used beta software?
Has it been physically damaged?
What error messages appear?
- When updating iPadOS?
- When updating apps?
- Is the error message the same for each and every app?
Have there been region or country changes for this iPad?
Is the iPad managed by a school or employer?
Is the iPad restricted by Focus?

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Answer 5

MelodicMango Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 16, 2025 12:41 PM in response to sberman

ipad 7th generation. Model number MW742LL/A. Current version 18.3.2. No beta software. Not physically damaged. There are no error messages. It just stays buffering...circle going around and around. No region or country changes. Not managed by school or employer. I don't know what focus is.

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Answer 6

MelodicMango Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 16, 2025 01:23 PM in response to sberman

I confirmed with the support that I had enough storage available. More than 11GB. Could it be that there is an issue with the ipad itself? Because it takes an extremely long time to fully charge too. Right now it is at 15% and has taken more than a couple of hours to get that high of a percentage. What do think about doing a factory reset? Would that make a difference?

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Answer 7

MelodicMango Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 16, 2025 02:16 PM in response to sberman

Oh gosh, sorry. For some reason it wasn't showing that my question was going through. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to help me. I really, really appreciate you. I will do as you have suggested.

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