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iOS 11 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 179
Article Title = iOS 11 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 16th May 2017
Article Last Updated = 27th September 2017
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?179

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple's iOS 11

WARNINGS!

  • 32-bit apps are no longer supported - to see a list of 32-bit apps that are installed on your iOS device go to Settings app > General > About > Applications. When you install iOS 11 your 32-bit apps are not removed but they will no longer launch/open/work.
  • Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Vimeo seamless iOS integration/direct sign-in has been removed - you can still use these services via individual apps, the internet and sharing "extensions" (the latter only if the individual app is installed and supports that feature - the sharing extensions feature was introduced with iOS 8 in 2014).
  • Once you have installed/upgraded to iOS 11 you cannot go back. You cannot downgrade to iOS 10. Be sure to read our FAQ and check compatibility of important software apps/hardware accessories before upgrading!
  • The newer Notes format is not compatible with iOS 9/OS X 10.11 or earlier - once you have upgraded your device to iOS 11 and you open the Notes app you will be required to "Upgrade Notes" or you can close the app, which will not upgrade the Notes but means you cannot use the new Notes app!
  • iOS 11 fixes a lot of security issues. These fixes will not come to iOS 10 or earlier or be made available for hardware that does not support iOS 11. If you do not upgrade or cannot upgrade you will not be properly secure especially using the internet. If security is a concern to you, unfortunately, your only option is to upgrade your hardware and run iOS 11!
  • iOS 11 requires iTunes 12.7 or later to sync to a computer which requires OS X 10.10.5 or later. However, if you are still running OS X 10.9.5 or earlier you either need to upgrade to OS X 10.10.5 or later of if you cannot upgrade you may still be able to use the iOS device with an older OS just be sure to only upgrade/update iOS Over-The-Air (OTA) and never via iTunes
  • iOS 11 authenticates USB cables so if you are using a non-Apple cable it's best to use the original Apple cable for upgrading and syncing!
  • If your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch is critical to your life in some way, e.g. for work, it's probably best to check that the apps that are critical to you have been updated/are compatible with iOS before you upgrade

Quick Links

iOS 11 Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 11 Using iTunes
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 11 Using iTunes
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 11 Over-The-Air
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 11 Over-The-Air

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When was iOS 11 launched?
A. iOS 11 is now available to download and install (as of 13th September 2016).
Q. How much does iOS 11 cost?
A. It is free, as in, a free download via the internet at ~2GB to ~3GB in size depending on your model of iPhone/iPad/iPod and whether you upgrade via iTunes or over-the-air (OTA).
Q. What do I need to run/upgrade to iOS 11?
A. The following iOS devices are compatible with iOS 11 but all of them may not support all special features: All other iOS devices including the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and the iPad 4th generation are not supported.
The following iOS devices originally came supplied with iOS 11.x:
Q. I have a compatible device so how do I get iOS 11? What do I need to download & install iOS 11?
A. You can download and upgrade to iOS 11 "over-the-air" directly on your device - follow our recommended instructions below.
A. Or you can download iOS on your computer and use iTunes to upgrade your device (iTunes 12.7/a> or later required to obtain iOS 11 - iTunes 12.7 is now available to download). Basic system requirements for iTunes 12.7 are:
  • An Apple Macintosh computer with an Intel processor + OS X 10.10.5 or later
  • or a PC with 1GHz Intel or AMD processor and 512MB of RAM + Windows 7 or later
Once you have iTunes 12.7 or later installed plug in your iDevice, click your device's icon in the top left of the iTunes window), then click "Check for update" on the right or better still follow our recommended instructions:
Click here for recommended instructions for upgrading to iOS 11 using iTunes.
Click here if you are having problems upgrading to iOS 11.
Q. What new features does iOS 11 have?
A. See Apple's iOS 11 web page. MacStrategy's recommended features to note are:
  • Photos
    • Improved Live Photos editing options
    • Improved face recognition
    • Face recognition syncs across devices (iCloud Photo Library required)
  • Siri
    • Translation - starting with 6 languages (English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German and Italian)
    • Siri data is synced and encrypted
    • Personal DJ (Apple Music subscription required)
    • Smarter including better predictions with News, QuickType and Safari
    • Type to Siri (via an Accessibility option - Settings app > General > Accessibility > toggle "Type to Siri" ON/OFF)
    • Confirmed appointments automatically added to your Calendar
  • Messages
    • Message history saved to iCloud - coming in a future update to iOS 11
    • Person to person Apple Pay (initially, USA only)
    • Quick access to apps/stickers with new app drawer
    • Business chat - customer service chat via iMessage
  • Maps
    • Indoor maps including airports - locations covered limited at launch. European airports available at launch:
      • Amsterdam AMS
      • Berlin TXL,SXF
      • Geneva GVA
      • London LHR,LHR
    • Lane guidance for satnav
    • One handed zoom
  • Camera
    • Photos now taken in HEIF format (High Efficiency Image File)
    • New professional-quality filters
    • Scan QR codes - feature can be turned ON/OFF in the Settings app
  • New features that are iPad only!
    • Dock
    • New multitasking
    • New app switcher
    • QuickType improvements including swipe down for additional characters on keys
    • Instant Notes - tap your Apple Pencil on the Lock screen and start taking notes immediately
    • Inline drawing
    • Scan and Sign - new Document Scanner in Notes automatically senses and scans a document, crops the edges, and removes any tilt or glare
    • Searchable handwriting (initially, English and Chinese only)
  • More secure trust system - iOS devices will require a tap to trust and their passcode to trust a computer that it has not been connected to before
  • New "Files" app - macOS Finder like application including access to third party storage services e.g. Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Drive, GoogleDrive
  • New customisable Control Center with 3D Touch
  • New App Store
  • HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding aka H.265)
  • Apple Pay "Cash" (initially, USA only)
  • Do not disturb while driving
  • Augmented Reality including ARKit for developers
  • Apple Music - share personal data such as playlists, what you like and what you are listening to (Apple Music subscription required)
  • Airplay 2
  • One handed keyboard - tap and hold the keyboard key and then select which keyboard you want (one handed left or right, centered)
  • Secure automatic setup (via camera) - hold your new iPhone or iPad near an iOS device or Mac you already own
  • Offload Unused Apps - saves space, apps' documents and data are saved
  • Emergency SOS (via Settings app > Emergency SOS > Auto Call) - dials emergency services if Sleep/Wake button is pressed five times
  • Drag and drop - fully featured on iPads / limited options on iPhone
  • Password autofill for third-party apps
  • Wi-Fi password sharing
  • Improved AirPods settings
  • Screen recording (via Control Center)
  • Enterprise network security
  • Advanced Wi-Fi analytics
  • Unified iCloud Drive trash
  • NFC reader mode for third parties (iPhone 7 or later required)
  • Redesigned Podcasts app
Q. What special new features are supported by which model?
A. See the table below:
Table 1: MacStrategy.com's iOS 11 new feature compatibility roundup
Feature iPhone 5s iPhone SE iPhone 6/6+
6s/6s+		 iPhone 7/7+ iPhone 8/8+ iPhone X iPad 5th Gen iPad Air iPad Air 2 iPad mini 2/3 iPad mini 4 iPad Pro 9.7"/12.9" iPad Pro 2nd Gen 10.5"/12.9" iPod touch 6th Gen
Keyboard Flick ✖︎︎✖︎︎✖︎︎✖︎︎✔✔✔✔✔✔✔9.7"✔✖︎︎
Person to person Apple Pay payments✖︎︎✔✔✔✔✔✔✖︎︎✔mini 3✔✔✔✖︎︎
Portrait Lighting ✖︎︎✖︎✖︎✖✔✔✖︎✖︎✖︎✖︎✖︎✖︎✖✖︎
Face ID ✖︎︎✖︎✖︎✖✖✔✖︎✖︎✖︎✖︎✖︎✖︎✖✖︎
Confirm Siri appointments
to Calendar		✖✖6s/6s+✔✔✔✔✖✔✖✔✔✔✖
Q. What features are available in my country?
A. Based on Apple's feature vs country availability list the following features are available in the United Kingdom:
  • News [iOS 9.1 or later required]
  • Apple Music [iOS 8.4 or later required]
  • Beats Radio [iOS 8.4 or later required]
  • Apple Pay [iOS 8.1 or later required]
  • Maps [iOS 6 or later required]
  • Maps > Standard
  • Maps > Satellite
  • Maps > Directions
  • Maps > Turn-by-Turn Navigation
  • Maps > Speed Limits
  • Maps > Flyover
    • Belfast
    • Birmingham
    • Blackpool
    • Edinburgh
    • Glasgow
    • Kingston upon Hull
    • Leeds
    • Liverpool
    • London
    • Manchester
    • Middlesbrough
    • Newcastle upon Tyne
    • Nottingham
    • Stoke-on-Trent
    • Stonehenge
  • Maps > Public Transport Transit Routes
    • Birmingham
    • Bristol
    • Cardiff
    • Glasgow
    • Leeds-Bradford
    • Liverpool
    • London
    • Manchester
    • Newcastle
    • Sheffield
  • Maps > 3D Buildings in Navigation
    • Birmingham
    • London
    • Manchester
  • Maps > Traffic
  • Maps > Business Reviews and Photos
  • Maps > Transit - Great Britain
  • Maps > Nearby
  • Maps > Indoor maps including airports [iOS 11 or later required]
    • London LHR
  • Siri [iOS 6 or later required]
  • Siri > Sports
  • Siri > Twitter integration
  • Siri > Facebook integration
  • Siri > Restaurant Information
  • Siri > Restaurant Reviews
  • Siri > Movie Information
  • Siri > Movie Reviews
  • Siri > Movie Showtimes
  • Siri > Dictionary
  • Siri > Calculations and Conversions
  • QuickType [iOS 8.1 or later required]
  • QuickType Keyboard > Language Support - English UK
  • QuickType Keyboard > Predictive Input - English UK
  • QuickType Keyboard > Dictation - English UK
  • QuickType Keyboard > Multilingual Typing - English UK
  • QuickType Keyboard > Contextual Predictions - English UK
  • QuickType Keyboard > Emoji Predictions - English UK
  • Spotlight Suggestions [iOS 8.1 or later required]
  • Apple CarPlay [iOS 7.1 or later required]
  • iTunes Store > music, movies and TV)
  • App Store > apps and games
Features specifically not available in the United Kingdom:
  • Maps > Lane Guidance
  • Siri > Restaurant Reservations
Q. I turn Wi-Fi/Bluetooth off but it keeps turning back on again. Why does this happen?
A. Apple changed the way you turn Wi-Fi/Bluetooth off. If you use Control Center to turn these off they are only turned off temporarily for certain features, they are not fully turned off and they will be turned back on again automatically. While Wi-Fi is disabled, auto-join for any nearby Wi-Fi networks will also be disabled until:
  • You turn on Wi-Fi in Control Center
  • You connect to a Wi-Fi network in Settings > Wi-Fi
  • You walk or drive to a new location
  • It's 5 AM local time
  • You restart your device
If Bluetooth is turned off, you won’t be able to connect your iOS device to your Bluetooth accessories until:
  • You turn on Bluetooth in Control Center
  • You connect to a Bluetooth accessory in Settings > Bluetooth
  • It's 5 AM local time
  • You restart your device
However, you can turn them off properly by using the ON/OFF switch in the Settings app.
Q. What are the standard Apple iOS apps?
A. Below is a list of standard Apple provided iOS apps included with iOS 11 that can now be removed hidden (not all apps are installed on all devices):
  • Calendar
  • Compass
  • Contacts†
  • FaceTime
  • Find My Friends
  • Home
  • iBooks
  • iCloud Drive
  • iTunes Store
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Music††
  • News
  • Notes
  • Podcasts
  • Reminders
  • Stocks
  • Tips
  • Videos
  • Voice Memos
  • Watch app††† (not included on iPads)
  • Weather (not included on iPads)
NOTE: Apps can only be re-downloaded unhidden or "updated" via your iOS device - you cannot use iTunes. This is because apps are not actually deleted from your device (only user data and necessary hooks are removed). The signed, secure version of the app remains on your device, just hidden. "Re-downloading" an app doesn't actually involve a download and instead simply "unhides" the app on your device.
† - You can remove hide the Contacts app from an iPhone only. If you remove hide Contacts, you won't lose your contact information. You can still find all of that information in the Phone app.
†† - If you remove hide the Music app, it won’t be available to use with CarPlay.
††† - If you try to remove hide the Watch app from an iPhone that's paired with an Apple Watch, an alert asks you to unpair your Apple Watch before you can remove the app.
Q. How do I remove hide the standard Apple iOS apps?
A. Locate the icon for the app you want to remove. Tap and hold until it jiggles and an x appears in the top left. Tap the x. Confirm you want to remove the app.
Q. How do I get a standard Apple iOS app back that I have removed hidden?
A. Go to the App Store on the device where it has been removed hidden. Search for the app you want in the App Store. Locate it and tap the cloud icon to reinstall/unhide it (it is not actually downloaded, it is simply unhidden).
Q. Can I get any manuals for iOS 11?
A. Yes. Apple provides official manuals via their iBook Store or on the web:
  • iOS 11 for iPhone Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store | web
  • iOS 11 for iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store | web
  • iOS 11 for iPod touch Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store | web
Q. I like the sound of some of the new special iPad features. Is there any more information about them?
A. Apple has made some tutorial videos available:
I heard there was an issue with the native iOS Mail app and email accounts hosted by Microsoft on Outlook.com or Office 365, or an Exchange Server 2016 running on Windows Server 2016. Is this still an issue?
A. Apple fixed this issue in the iOS 11.0.1 update.

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 11 Using iTunes

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 11 can take many hours (1-6 hours is common). Make sure you have a permanent connection to the internet and have the time to install the upgrade!
  1. Update your operating system to the latest version:
  2. Download the latest iTunes full installer (iTunes 12.7 or later required)
  3. Install iTunes manually
  4. Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard and monitor
  5. Startup your computer
  6. Shutdown your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until you get the "slide to power off" option and slide it to power your device off)
  7. Startup your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until the Apple logo appears)
  8. Attach your iPod/iPhone/iPad directly to your computer using an Apple USB cable (don't use any hubs or connect it to a monitor or keyboard)
  9. Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:
    • If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > (your account) > iCloud > iCloud Backup > tap "Back Up Now"
    • If you use macOS 10.15 or later go to the Finder > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the sidebar, under Locations, of any open Finder window) > click "Summary" at the top and then click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 12 or later open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the top left of the iTunes window) > click "Summary" at the top of the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click the "Back Up Now" button on the right
    • If you use iTunes 11 open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top > click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 10.7 or earlier open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left > click the "Sync" button in the bottom right
  10. (Open iTunes and) select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and then click "Check for update" on the right
  11. Follow the on screen instructions
  12. It is best that you do not use your computer while the upgrade is happening. Do not be tempted to browse the web, check email, play music or use your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
    13. NOTE: You need patience at this point as it can take a long time to upgrade (1-6 hours is common)!
  13. If you encounter problems check our troubleshooting list
  14. Once the upgrade has completed check for updated apps:
    • If you use iCloud for App downloads go to App Store app > tap "Updates" in the bottom right and then tap "Update All" in the top right
    • If you use iTunes for App downloads open iTunes, click on Apps in the list on the left (select Apps from the pop-up menu in the top left of the iTunes window) and then "Check for Updates" in the bottom right
  15. Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
  16. The upgrade is complete
  17. Check the following:
    • Bluetooth will be turned on again - if you want to turn it off go to Settings > Bluetooth
    • If you have an iTunes Match account it will probably be turned on by default - if you want to change that go to Settings > iTunes & App Store
    • If you used Photo Stream in iCloud you may need to resynchronise it - go to Settings > Photos & Camera and turn "My Photo Stream" OFF and then back ON again
    • Notification preferences for some apps may have changed/been updated - check apps under the Settings > Notifications
  18. Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 11 Using iTunes

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 11 everyone in the world is trying to upgrade at the same time. The best thing to do in this scenario is have patience and keep trying or simply wait for a day or two to let things settle down (do you really need to have iOS 11 right now?).
If you are having problems before or during the upgrade has completed try our troubleshooting steps.
If you are having problems after the upgrade has completed try Restoring Your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
Troubleshooting Problems Before Or During Upgrading To iOS 11
  1. Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard and monitor
  2. If you have not already done so, update your operating system to the latest version:
  3. Install all the latest updates for your operating system:
    • Macintosh > Go to the Apple menu > App Store… > Updates > install all listed updates. Repeat this step until there are no more updates to install.
    • Windows > install all high priority updates. Repeat until there are no more updates to install.
  4. Remove iTunes from your computer:
  5. Restart your computer
  6. Run standard maintenance routines on your computer:
  7. Download the latest iTunes full installer (iTunes 12.7 or later required)
  8. Install iTunes manually
  9. Restart your computer
  10. Shutdown your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until you get the "slide to power off" option and slide it to power your device off)
  11. Startup your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until the Apple logo appears)
  12. Attach your iPod/iPhone/iPad directly to your computer using an Apple USB cable (don't use any hubs or connect it to a monitor or keyboard)
  13. Make a manual backup of the old backups for your iPod/iPhone/iPad:
    • Macintosh > make a copy of/backup the Macintosh HD > Users > your home directory > Library > Application Support > MobileSync > Backup folder
    • Windows > make a copy of/backup the C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR_USER_NAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\SyncServices\Local folder
  14. Delete all old backups - Open iTunes and go to iTunes Preferences > Devices tab and delete all backups for the device you are trying to upgrade
  15. Create a fresh, new backup:
    • If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > (your account) > iCloud > iCloud Backup > tap "Back Up Now"
    • If you use macOS 10.15 or later go to the Finder > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the sidebar, under Locations, of any open Finder window) > click "Summary" at the top and then click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 12 or later open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the top left of the iTunes window) > click "Summary" at the top of the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click the "Back Up Now" button on the right
    • If you use iTunes 11 open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top > click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 10.7 or earlier open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left > click the "Sync" button in the bottom right
  16. Try upgrading again - (open iTunes and) select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (or click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window) and then click "Check for update" on the right
  17. Follow the on screen instructions
  18. It is best that you do not use your computer while the upgrade is happening. Do not be tempted to browse the web, check email, play music or use your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
    19. NOTE: You need patience at this point as it can take a long time to upgrade (1-6 hours is common)!
  19. If you still encounter problems you will need to Restore your iPod/iPhone/iPad
  20. If the upgrade completes successfully check for updated apps:
    • If you use iCloud for App downloads go to App Store app > tap "Updates" in the bottom right and then tap "Update All" in the top right
    • If you use iTunes for App downloads open iTunes, click on Apps in the list on the left (select Apps from the pop-up menu in the top left of the iTunes window) and then "Check for Updates" in the bottom right
  21. Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:
    • If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > (your account) > iCloud > iCloud Backup > tap "Back Up Now"
    • If you use macOS 10.15 or later go to the Finder > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the sidebar, under Locations, of any open Finder window) > click "Summary" at the top and then click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 12 or later open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the top left of the iTunes window) > click "Summary" at the top of the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click the "Back Up Now" button on the right
    • If you use iTunes 11 open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top > click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 10.7 or earlier open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left > click the "Sync" button in the bottom right
  22. The upgrade is complete
  23. Check the following:
    • Bluetooth will be turned on again - if you want to turn it off go to Settings > Bluetooth
    • If you have an iTunes Match account it will probably be turned on by default - if you want to change that go to Settings > iTunes & App Store
    • If you used Photo Stream in iCloud you may need to resynchronise it - go to Settings > Photos & Camera and turn "My Photo Stream" OFF and then back ON again
    • Notification preferences for some apps may have changed/been updated - check apps under the Settings > Notifications
  24. Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ
NOTE: Apple has some notes on resolving iOS update and restore errors in iTunes and information on specific iOS update and restore error numbers.

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 11 Over-The-Air

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 11 can take many hours (1-6 hours is common). Make sure you have a permanent connection to the internet and have the time to install the upgrade!
  1. Shutdown your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until you get the "slide to power off" option and slide it to power your device off)
  2. Startup your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until the Apple logo appears)
  3. Make sure you are connected to the internet using a wi-fi connection
  4. Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:
    • If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > (your account) > iCloud > iCloud Backup > tap "Back Up Now"
    • If you use macOS 10.15 or later go to the Finder > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the sidebar, under Locations, of any open Finder window) > click "Summary" at the top and then click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 12 or later open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the top left of the iTunes window) > click "Summary" at the top of the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click the "Back Up Now" button on the right
    • If you use iTunes 11 open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top > click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 10.7 or earlier open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left > click the "Sync" button in the bottom right
  5. Disconnect all external devices that may be connected to your iPhone/iPad/iPod
  6. Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod to a power supply
  7. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
  8. Tap "Download and Install"
  9. Follow the on screen instructions
  10. It is best that you do not use your iPhone/iPad/iPod while the upgrade is happening.
    11. NOTE: You need patience at this point as it can take a long time to upgrade (1-6 hours is common)!
  11. If you encounter problems check our troubleshooting list
  12. Once the upgrade has completed check for updated apps:
    • If you use iCloud for App downloads go to App Store app > tap "Updates" in the bottom right and then tap "Update All" in the top right
    • If you use iTunes for App downloads open iTunes, click on Apps in the list on the left (select Apps from the pop-up menu in the top left of the iTunes window) and then "Check for Updates" in the bottom right
  13. Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:
    • If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > (your account) > iCloud > iCloud Backup > tap "Back Up Now"
    • If you use macOS 10.15 or later go to the Finder > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the sidebar, under Locations, of any open Finder window) > click "Summary" at the top and then click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 12 or later open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad (click on it's icon in the top left of the iTunes window) > click "Summary" at the top of the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click the "Back Up Now" button on the right
    • If you use iTunes 11 open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left (go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list) > click your device's button in the top right of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top > click the "Back Up Now" button
    • If you use iTunes 10.7 or earlier open the iTunes application > select your iPod/iPhone/iPad in the list on the left > click the "Sync" button in the bottom right
  14. The upgrade is complete
  15. Check the following:
    • Bluetooth will be turned on again - if you want to turn it off go to Settings > Bluetooth
    • If you have an iTunes Match account it will probably be turned on by default - if you want to change that go to Settings > iTunes & App Store
    • If you used Photo Stream in iCloud you may need to resynchronise it - go to Settings > Photos & Camera and turn "My Photo Stream" OFF and then back ON again
    • Notification preferences for some apps may have changed/been updated - check apps under the Settings > Notifications
  16. Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 11 Over-The-Air

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 11 everyone in the world is trying to upgrade at the same time. The best thing to do in this scenario is have patience and keep trying or simply wait for a day or two to let things settle down (do you really need to have iOS 11 right now?). If you are having problems before or during the upgrade has completed try:
  • Try again - it may just be that Apple's servers are overloaded
  • Shutdown your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until you get the "slide to power off" option and slide it to power your device off)
  • Startup your iPhone/iPad/iPod (hold the sleep/on/off button on the top until the Apple logo appears)
  • Use a different internet connection (the wi-fi connection you are on could be flakey)
  • Try resetting the resetting and restoring Your iPod/iPhone/iPad:
Resetting and restoring Your iPod/iPhone/iPad e.g. if you are having problems after the upgrade has completed:
  • If you use iTunes for syncing your iPod/iPhone/iPad try restoring Your iPod/iPhone/iPad
  • If you use iCloud for syncing your iPod/iPhone/iPad:
    • WARNING: This process will wipe your iPod/iPhone/iPad completely clean, install a fresh copy of iOS 11 via the internet and then restore your data from your iCloud backup. Make sure you have a backup. It can also take a long time so be prepared and patient!
    1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content And Settings
    2. Once your iPod/iPhone/iPad has reinstalled iOS 11 via the internet you will get the setup new device options
    3. Select/tap "Restore from iCloud Backup"
    4. Select your most recent backup and restore
    5. If you still get problems try this process again but use an older backup from the list (if available)
    6. Once your upgrade has completed successfully check the following:
      • Bluetooth will be turned on again - if you want to turn it off go to Settings > Bluetooth
      • If you have an iTunes Match account it will probably be turned on by default - if you want to change that go to Settings > iTunes & App Store
      • If you used Photo Stream in iCloud you may need to resynchronise it - go to Settings > Photos & Camera and turn "My Photo Stream" OFF and then back ON again
      • Notification preferences for some apps may have changed/been updated - check apps under the Settings > Notifications
    7. Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ
NOTE: Apple has some notes on resolving issues with an over-the-air iOS update.

Article Keywords: iPod iPad iPadair Air iPadmini mini iPadPro Pro iPhone iTunes v11iOS iOS11 v12iOS iOS12 iOS 11 12

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