Learn · iPhone & iPad
Turn on automatic updates on your iPhone
3 min · essential
Why this matters. Phones are attacked through web pages and messages, and Apple regularly fixes flaws that are already being used. An iPhone that updates itself overnight is protected days or weeks sooner than one waiting for its owner to tap 'Update'.
1
Open Automatic Updates
Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates. Turn on both downloading and installing iOS updates.
9:41
‹ Software Update
Automatic Updates
Automatically download
iOS Updates
Automatically install
iOS Updates
Install, not just download
2
Turn on quick security fixes
On iOS 26.1 and later: Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Background Security Improvements, then turn on Automatically Install. On older iOS this is 'Security Responses & System Files' under Automatic Updates.
9:41
‹ Privacy & Security
Background Security Improvements
Automatically Install
Lightweight security fixes for Safari and system components between updates.
On
Check your understanding
When do automatic updates install?
Overnight, while the phone is charging and on Wi-Fi.
Want a checklist that tracks this for your whole family? Sign in to HomeOS.
Checked against:
Apple: Update your iPhone or iPad · Apple: About Background Security Improvements
· last reviewed 2026-09