You can delay iOS updates, but you cannot permanently block them
Apple does not offer a way to turn off iOS updates entirely. Your iPhone or iPad will eventually push you to install the latest version — Apple considers security updates mandatory. What you can do is postpone the update, remove it from your device's storage, and adjust when and how notifications appear. The longest delay is usually a few weeks, after which the system will prompt you again or install the update automatically during the night.
If you are trying to avoid an update because of a known problem with that version, check Apple's security updates page or tech forums to see whether a newer patch has already been released. Sometimes waiting a week or two means the next version arrives with the bug fixed, and you skip the broken one entirely.
Key Takeaways
- You can postpone an iOS update by declining the notification and deleting the update file from Settings > General > Storage, which buys you time but not a permanent block.
- Turning off automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates prevents the system from installing overnight, but manual prompts will still appear.
- Disabling Wi-Fi and cellular data when an update notification arrives can delay the download, though the system will retry when you reconnect.
- Keeping your device on an older iOS version leaves it vulnerable to security flaws, which is why Apple eventually forces the update.
How to delete a pending update from your device
The fastest way to stop an update from installing is to remove the update file that has already downloaded to your phone. Open Settings, tap General, then Storage. Scroll down until you see the iOS version number listed as an app (for example, "iOS 18.2"). Tap it, then tap Delete. This removes the downloaded file and stops the automatic installation that night.
The update notification will return after a few days or a week, and the file will download again. You can repeat this process each time, but eventually — usually after two to four weeks — Apple will force the installation or stop allowing you to delete it. This method works best if you are waiting for a point release (like 18.2.1) that fixes a problem in the version you are currently running.
Turning off automatic installation
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Toggle off Install iOS Updates. This stops your device from installing updates in the background while you sleep or are not using it.
With this setting off, you will still receive notifications asking you to update, and you can still choose to install manually by going back to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Install Now. The difference is that your phone will not force the installation at 2 a.m. without your permission. You remain in control of the timing, though Apple will eventually make the update mandatory.
Preventing the update from downloading
iOS downloads updates automatically when your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in, usually overnight. If you want to prevent the download from starting, you can disconnect from Wi-Fi when you see the notification. However, your phone will attempt to download again the next time you connect to Wi-Fi, so this is a temporary measure.
A more practical approach is to keep your device on a metered Wi-Fi network or use only cellular data. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network you use most, and toggle on Low Data Mode. This tells iOS to avoid large downloads like system updates over that network. The update will still try to download over cellular or when you connect to a different Wi-Fi network, so this is not a permanent solution either.
Why Apple forces updates and what happens if you resist
iOS updates contain security patches that close vulnerabilities hackers can exploit. Apple treats these patches as non-negotiable because an unpatched iPhone is a security risk not just to you but to anyone you communicate with. If your device is compromised, it can be used to send malware to contacts or intercept your data.
If you keep refusing an update for months, Apple will eventually lock you out of certain features or services. Your device may stop connecting to iCloud, the App Store may refuse to open, or you may be unable to make purchases. In rare cases, Apple has remotely installed critical security updates on devices that users refused to update manually. The company does this only for zero-day vulnerabilities — flaws that are actively being exploited in the wild.
Checking what version you are currently running
Before you decide whether to delay an update, find out what version of iOS you have. Go to Settings > General > About. Look for the line that says Software Version. That number tells you whether the pending update is a major release (like 17 to 18) or a smaller patch (like 18.1 to 18.1.1).
Major releases sometimes introduce bugs or compatibility problems with older apps. Patch releases usually fix those problems. If you are on version 18.1 and the update is to 18.1.1, it is almost certainly safe to install. If you are on 18.0 and the update is to 19.0, you might want to wait a week or two to see whether users report problems.
Using a Mac or computer to manage updates
If you have a Mac, you can connect your iPhone to it and use Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (on older Macs) to see pending updates and choose when to install them. Open Finder or iTunes, select your device, and go to the General tab. You will see the current iOS version and any available updates. You can choose to install now or skip for now.
This method gives you slightly more control over timing because you are using a computer interface rather than the phone itself. However, the same rules apply: you can delay, but you cannot permanently refuse. After a certain period, the update becomes mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I downgrade to an older iOS version?
No. Apple does not allow downgrading to previous iOS versions. Once you install an update, you are locked to that version or newer. This is why some people delay updating — they want to stay on a version they know is stable. However, you cannot go backward.
Will my iPhone stop working if I refuse to update?
Not immediately, but over time your device will become less compatible with apps and services. The App Store may refuse to open, iCloud may disconnect, and apps may stop launching. Apple does this to push users toward current versions for security reasons.
What if I update and the new version has a bug?
Apple usually releases a patch version within a week or two. If you encounter a serious bug, you can report it through Settings > General > About > Regulatory Info, or visit Apple's feedback page. In the meantime, you can try restarting your device, clearing cache, or reinstalling affected apps.
Does disabling automatic updates affect security?
Turning off automatic installation does not reduce security if you install updates manually within a week or two of their release. The risk comes from delaying for months. Security patches are released for a reason — they close holes that hackers are actively exploiting.
Can I use an older iPhone to avoid updates?
Older iPhones stop receiving updates after five to seven years. An iPhone 6S, for example, maxes out at iOS 12. However, using an unsupported device is a security risk. If you want to avoid frequent updates, a mid-range current iPhone is safer than an old one that no longer receives patches.