How to Update to iOS 27 on Your iPhone (and Fix Update Problems)

To update to iOS 27, back up your iPhone, plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings, General, Software Update and tap Update Now. Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026, and it is free for the iPhone 11 and later and the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later.

The whole update usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. Below are the steps, plus fixes if the update is stuck or will not install.

Can your iPhone get iOS 27?

Some Apple Intelligence and new Siri features need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, even though older supported iPhones can install iOS 27.

To find your model, go to Settings, then General, then About, and look at Model Name.

Before you update

1. Back up your iPhone. Go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. You can also back up to a computer.
2. Charge it. Keep it plugged in, or make sure the battery is above 50 percent.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi. A strong connection is faster and more reliable.
4. Free up space. The update needs several GB of free storage. Check in Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage.

How to update to iOS 27

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General, then Software Update.
3. If you see iOS 26 updates first, look for an option to Upgrade to iOS 27 at the bottom.
4. Tap Update Now or Download and Install.
5. Enter your passcode and agree to the terms.
6. Wait for the download, then tap Install Now.

Your iPhone will restart and show the Apple logo with a progress bar. Do not unplug it or force it off during this time.

Update overnight

After the download, you can tap Install Tonight. Plug your iPhone in before bed, and it will install while you sleep.

Turn on automatic updates

Go to Settings, General, Software Update, then Automatic Updates, and turn on Download and Install for iOS updates.

Fixes for common iOS 27 update problems

iOS 27 is not showing up

• Make sure your iPhone is supported (iPhone 11 or newer, or SE 2nd generation or newer).
• Restart your iPhone and check again.
• Make sure you are on Wi-Fi, not a VPN.
• Remove any beta profile in Settings, General, VPN & Device Management if you used beta software before.

Not enough storage

• Delete apps you do not use, or turn on Offload Unused Apps.
• Move photos and videos to iCloud or a computer.
• Clear large message attachments.

Our guide on clearing space when phone storage is full has more tips.

Update is stuck on "Preparing" or "Verifying"

• Wait at least 30 minutes. Release day can be slow.
• Make sure Wi-Fi is working.
• If it is still stuck, restart the iPhone and try again.

Update failed or "Unable to Install Update"

1. Go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage, find the iOS 27 update, and tap Delete Update.
2. Restart the iPhone.
3. Download the update again.

iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo

• Wait, since some installs take longer.
• If it has not moved for more than an hour, force restart: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• If it still will not start, use a Mac or PC to update or restore it, or contact Apple Support.

After the update

• Battery may drain faster for a day or two while the iPhone re-indexes photos and data. This usually settles down.
• Your phone may feel warm for a short time for the same reason. If it stays hot, see what to do when an iPhone overheats.
• Update your apps in the App Store so they work well with iOS 27.
• Restart once if anything feels slow.

If the phone will not charge properly after updating, our guide on an iPhone that won't charge can help. If it restarts on its own, see fixes for an iPhone that restarts by itself.

The bottom line

To update to iOS 27, back up your iPhone, plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and go to Settings, General, Software Update. iOS 27 is free for the iPhone 11 and later and the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. If the update does not show up, fails, or gets stuck, restart the phone, free up storage, and delete and re-download the update.