iOS 10 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 159
Article Title = iOS 10 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 13th June 2016
Article Last Updated = 24th August 2017
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?159

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about iOS 10

WARNINGS!

Once you have installed/upgraded to iOS 10 you cannot go back. You cannot downgrade to iOS 9. Be sure to read this 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 10 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 10 fixes a lot of security issues. These fixes will not come to iOS 9 or earlier or be made available for hardware that does not support iOS 10. 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 10!
iOS 10 requires iTunes 12.5.1 or later to sync to a computer which requires OS X 10.9.5 or later. However, if you are still running OS X 10.8.5 or earlier you either need to upgrade to OS X 10.9.5 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 10 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
PPTP VPN support

Quick Links

iOS 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 10 Using iTunes
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 10 Using iTunes
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 10 Over-The-Air
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 10 Over-The-Air

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When was iOS 10 launched?

A. iOS 10 is now available to download and install (as of 13th September 2016).

Q. How much does iOS 10 cost?

A. It is free, as in, a free download via the internet at ~1.8GB to ~2.7GB 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 10?

A. The following iOS devices are compatible with iOS 10 but all of them may not support all special features:

All other iPhone, iPad and iPod touch products including the original iPhone 4s are not supported.
The following iOS devices originally came supplied with iOS 10.x:

iPhone 7/7+

Q. I have a compatible device so how do I get iOS 10? What do I need to download & install iOS 10?

A. You can download and upgrade to iOS 10 "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 12.5.1 or later required to obtain iOS 10 - iTunes 12.5.1 is now available to download). Basic system requirements for iTunes 12.5.1 are:

An Apple Macintosh computer with an Intel processor and OS X version 10.9.5 or later
or a PC with 1GHz Intel or AMD processor and 512MB of RAM + Windows 7 or later

Once you have iTunes 12.5.1 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 10 using iTunes.
Click here if you are having problems upgrading to iOS 10.

Q. What new features does iOS 10 have?

A. See Apple's iOS 10 web page. MacStrategy's recommended features to note are:

Improved Messages

Bubble effects and animations
Invisible ink for sending hidden messages that are revealed by swiping
Full-screen effects to celebrate special moments
Tapback for six standard quick responses
Basic handwriting support
Digital Touch for hand annotations and drawing
Predictive Emoji button highlights text than can be quickly convereted to Emoji
Rich multi-media links
Developer access support/API for third party messaging features including new iMessage App Store with apps, games and stickers

Improved Siri - new functionality to work with:

Messaging apps
VoIP apps
Photos apps
Ride service apps
Payment apps
Fitness apps
CarPlay automaker apps

Improved Maps

Redesigned
Proactive suggestions for places you’re likely to go next, based on your routine or appointments in Calendar
Home, work, favorite locations, and locations from upcoming Calendar events are displayed on the map
Displays where your car is parked via CarPlay or Bluetooth
Weather for the currently viewed area
Ability to make bookings directly from the map e.g. restaurants and ride services (where supported)
Search along your route for gas stations, food, and coffee shops
Option to avoid tolls and highways
Developer access support/API

Improved Photos

Automatic facial recognition (carried out by the device itself)
Automatic object + scene recognition including ability to search by the people or things in them
Places album to see all your photos, videos and Live Photos on a map
Automatic "Memories" highlights forgotten events, trips, and people, and presents them in a beautiful collection
Brilliance control applies region-specific adjustments to brightness, highlights and contrast

Homekit

New "Home" app + access to settings via Control Centre or even Siri
Now supports multuiple accessories including lights, locks, thermostats, window shades, security, garage doors, humidifiers, fans, outlets, cameras, doorbells, air purifiers, air conditioners and sensors
New "Works with Apple HomeKit" certification and labelling
Scenes to control groups of accessories with just a tap
Rich Notifications with quick actions to control accessories
Optionally share home access with family and friends
Remote access and automation of accessories with Apple TV or iPad
Works/synchronises with iCloud - all devices must be running iOS 10 or later

Apple Music - redesign with focus on "My Music" and "Apple Music"
News app - enhancements including "subscriptions" + new personalized Today View widget lets you keep up with the latest stories throughout the day
Raise to Wake
Rich notifications - view photos and videos or respond to a message right in your notifications
Redesigned Today view now supporting new widgets for apps like Weather, Up Next, Maps, Stocks
Redesigned Control Center
Expanded use of 3D Touch
Contextual predictions - enhanced QuickType including world/internet/current based suggestions and also multi-language capabilities without switching keyboards
Voicemail transcription - beta version included with initial release of iOS 10
Developer access support/API "CallKit" for third party VOIP apps
Apple Pay via Safari
View two pages at once using Split View in Safari on iPad
Notes supports collaborative features - requires iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later
Markup support in Messages, Photos and PDFs stored in Notes - requires iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later
Bedtime option in the Clock app with a daily "Wake Alarm"
Health app includes an option to sign-up to a national organ donor registry (USA only at the moment?)
Copy and Paste via Continuity to all devices/macOS (requires macOS 10.12 or later)
When used with macOS 10.12 or later iCloud Drive has access to files on the Mac Desktop and Documents folders
Ability to ~~remove~~ hide standard Apple iOS applications
New lock screen including 3D Touch support
Option to automatically archive music that is not listened to often via iCloud storage

Q. What special new features are supported by which model?

A. See the table below:

Table 1: MacStrategy.com's iOS 10 new feature compatibility roundup
Feature	iPhone 5/5s/5c	iPhone SE	iPhone 6/6+ 6s/6s+	iPhone 7/7+	iPad 4th Gen	iPad Air	iPad Air 2	iPad mini 2/3	iPad mini 4	iPad Pro 9.7"/12.9"	iPod touch 6th Gen
Raise To Wake	✖︎	✔	6s/6s+	✔	✖	✖	✖	✖	✖	✖	✖
Rich Notifications	5s︎	✔	✔	✔	✖	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✖
Depth Pictures†	✖︎︎	✖︎	✖︎	7+†	✖︎	✖︎	✖︎	✖︎	✖︎	✖︎	✖︎
AirPods compatible	✔︎	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

† - this feature requires iOS 10.1 or later

Q. What are the standard Apple iOS apps?

A. Below is a list of standard Apple provided iOS apps included with iOS 10 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. 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've heard iOS 10 includes something called "differential privacy". What is it?

A. Recode have an excellent article about it. Basically, starting with macOS 10.12 Sierra/iOS 10 Apple will begin collecting certain types of data - specifically, the decision to allow Apple to use your data will be up to you and require your opt-in consent. At the moment Apple are stating that differential privacy in iOS 10 will initially be limited to four specific areas:

New words that users add to their local dictionaries
Emojis typed by the user (so that Apple can suggest emoji replacements)
Deep links used inside apps (provided they are marked for public indexing)
Lookup hints within notes

Q. My device no longer has "slide to unlock". Can I get that back?

A. No - it's gone. But if you have a device that supports Touch ID you can do the following so you don't need to actually press the home button twice:

Go to the Settings app
Tap General > Accessibility > Home Button
Turn "Rest Finger to Open" ON

Now it's just one press - when your device is sleeping click the home button once and keep your finger on the home button to unlock it. If you don't have a device with Touch ID you're SOL.

Q. The new iMessage App Store with apps, games and stickers sounds great. How do I access it?

A. Follow these instructions to get going:

Go to Messages app
Tap on an existing conversation or start a new conversation
Tap on the App Store "A" icon (which is next to the box where you type - if it's not visible tap the ">" button first)
If necessary tap on the four dots button to open your app drawer
Tap the "+" icon to go to the iMessage App Store
Under 'Featured' you can tap "Get" / "Install" to buy/download a sticker pack (not all sticker packs are free!)
Under 'Manage' you can see a list of purchased stickers backs as well as any of your iOS applications that include a sticker pack with them - toggle individual items to add the sticker pack to your Messages app or toggle "Automatically Add Apps" to automatically add stickers packs that come with your iOS apps

Apps, games and stickers will only work in message conversations where all the other people involved in the conversation also have iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later.

Q. The new Bubble Effects sound great. How do I use them?

A. Follow these instructions:

Go to Messages app
Tap on an existing conversation or start a new conversation
Type a message (the microphone icon will change to an up arrow icon)
Tap or Force Touch the arrow icon to select your desired bubble effect under the "Bubbles" heading
Messages will show you a preview of the effect
Tap the arrow icon to send the message with the chosen effect

Bubble effects will only work properly in message conversations where all the other people involved in the conversation also have iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later. If they don't they will get the message but it will say something like "(sent with Slam Effect)" after it.

Q. The new Screen Effects sound great. How do I use them?

A. Follow these instructions:

Go to Messages app
Tap on an existing conversation or start a new conversation
Type a message (the microphone icon will change to an up arrow icon)
Tap or Force Touch the arrow icon to select your desired screen effect under the "Screen" heading
Messages will show you a preview of the effect
Tap the arrow icon to send the message with the chosen effect

Screen effects will only work properly in message conversations where all the other people involved in the conversation also have iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later. If they don't they will get the message but it will say something like "(sent with Shooting Star)" after it.

Q. Bubble/Screen Effects are not working. What's wrong?

A. to view Bubble/Screen Effects you must:

have iOS 10 or later
OR macOS 10.12 or later
AND if you have an iOS device "Reduce Motion" must be turned OFF if you are not running iOS 10.1 or later - check Settings app > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion

Q. Tapback responses sound great. How do I use them?

A. Follow these instructions:

Go to Messages app
Tap on an existing conversation
Tap and hold on the message bubble you want to respond to (Tapback icons will be displayed)
Choose the Tapback icon you want to send

Tapbacks will only work properly in message conversations where all the other people involved in the conversation also have iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later. If they don't the other person/people in the conversation will get a message back stating your name + XXX + the part of the message Tapbacked e.g. text or an image - where XXX is the Tapback icon chosen:

Heart = loved
Thumbs Up = liked
Thumbs Down = disliked
Haha = laughed at
Exclamation Mark = emphasized
Question Mark = questioned

Q. The new Messages basic handwriting support sounds great. How do I use it?

A. Follow these instructions:

Go to Messages app
Tap on an existing conversation or start a new conversation
If you are using an iPhone you must turn the phone into landscape mode
Tap the handwriting button in the bottom right of the keyboard
Write what you want to write with your finger(s) or tap one of the included written phrases at the bottom
Tap "Done"
Your handwritten message now appears as an image in your message box
Tap to send the message in the normal way

Handwritten messages will only work properly in message conversations where all the other people involved in the conversation also have iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later. If they don't the other person/people in the conversation will simply receive a static image of the final handwritten message.

Q. The new digital Touch for hand annotations and drawing feature sounds great. How do I use it?

A. Follow these instructions:

Go to Messages app
Tap on an existing conversation or start a new conversation
Tap on the "heart with two fingers" Digital Touch icon (which is next to the box where you type - if it's not visible tap the ">" button first)
If you want to annotate a picture click the camera icon on the left to take a picture
If you want to change the drawing colour tap the colour circle on the left
Draw what you want to draw with your finger(s) or tap one of the included quick drawings to the right
Tap the arrow icon to send the message

Digital touch messages will only work properly in message conversations where all the other people involved in the conversation also have iOS 10 or later / macOS 10.12 or later. If they don't the other person/people in the conversation will simply receive a static image of the final drawing.

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. I don't like the Raise To Wake feature. Can I turn it off?

A. Yes. Go to the Settings app > Display & Brightness > turn Raise to Wake OFF.

Q. How do I use the new access to my Mac's Desktop and Documents folders via iCloud Drive?

A. Follow these instructions:

On your iOS device go to Settings app > iCloud > make sure the iCloud Drive option is turned ON
On your Mac go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > make sure the iCloud Drive option is turned ON and then click Options… > Documents tab and make sure "Desktop & Documents Folders" are ticked

WARNING: This will copy the entire contents of your Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud and from then on that data will be synchronised to your local storage. Make sure you have enough storage in your iCloud account to handle this copy. Some applications, such as Microsoft Office 2011, store their entire data set in the Documents folder so not only will that data be copied to iCloud just opening Microsoft Office 2011 applications will require internet access, potentially large data transfers and could cause slow downs in the software if you are on a slow internet connection.

The Desktop and Documents folders will now be visible in your account on icloud.com
On your iOS device go to iCloud Drive app
Your Desktop and Documents folders should now be accessible in the iCloud Drive app

Q. Which Macs support Handoff, Instant Hotspot, and Universal Clipboard?

A. Apple has officially confirmed that the following Macs are compatible with Handoff, Instant Hotspot, and Universal Clipboard:

MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
MacBook Pro 13" (2012 or newer)
MacBook Pro 15" (2012 or newer)
MacBook Air (2012 or newer)
Mac mini (2012 or newer)
iMac (2012 or newer)
Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

NOTE: No MacBook Pro 17" model supports these features.
NOTE: Handoff requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later. Instant Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity with a Lightning connector and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.

Q. How do I disable Handoff / Universal Clipboard / Synced Calls / Synced Messages?

To disable Handoff:

On a Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices"
On an iPhone/iPad/iPod touch, go to the Settings app > General > Handoff > turn OFF "Handoff"
On an Apple Watch, go to the Apple Watch app (on your iPhone) > General > turn OFF "Enable Handoff"

To disable Synced Calls:

On a Mac, open the FaceTime application > FaceTime menu > Preferences… > Settings tab > UNTICK "Calls From iPhone"
On an iPhone, go to the Settings app > Phone > Calls on Other Devices > turn OFF "Allow Calls on Other Devices"
On an iPad/iPod touch, go to the Settings app > FaceTime > turn OFF "Calls from iPhone"

To disable Synced Messages:

On an iPhone, go to the Settings app > Messages > Text Message Forwarding > turn OFF text message forwarding for devices as required

Q. Can I get any manuals for iOS 10?

A. Yes. Apple provides official manuals via their iBook Store or on the web:

iOS 10 for iPhone | web
iOS 10 for iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro | web
iOS 10 for iPod touch | web

Q. What's this I've heard about an iOS 10.3 update?

A. The iOS 10.3 update was released on 28th March 2017.

Q. What's this I've heard about an iOS 10.2 update?

A. The iOS 10.2 update was released on 12th December 2016.

Q. What's this I've heard about an iOS 10.1 update?

A. The iOS 10.1 update was released on 24th October 2016.

Q. I don't like iOS 10. Can I go back/downgrade?

A. Sorry, no you can't.

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 10 Using iTunes

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 10 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!

Update your operating system to the latest version:

Macintosh:

Windows:

Download the latest iTunes full installer (iTunes 12.5.1 or later required)
Install iTunes manually
Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard and monitor
Startup your computer
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)
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)
Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:

If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tap "Back Up Now"
If you use iTunes 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 left of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top and click the "Back Up Now" button

(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
Follow the on screen instructions
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.

NOTE

patience

If you encounter problems check our troubleshooting list
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

Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
The upgrade is complete
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

Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 10 Using iTunes

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 10 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 10 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 10

Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard and monitor
If you have not already done so, update your operating system to the latest version:

Macintosh:

Windows:

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 > Go to the Start menu > Windows Update and install all listed updates. Repeat until there are no more updates to install.

Remove iTunes from your computer:
- Macintosh > Mac OS X
- Windows > Windows 7 or later
Restart your computer
Run standard maintenance routines on your computer:

Macintosh:

Perform a Safe Boot to clear caches and check the boot disk
Repair your boot disk's permissions
If you have utilities like Onyx, DiskWarrior or TechTool Pro you may want to run those

Windows Performance and maintenance and System repair and recovery (click on the Windows pop-up menu on the right to select your version of Windows)

Download the latest iTunes full installer (iTunes 12.5.1 or later required)
Install iTunes manually
Restart your computer
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)
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)
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

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
Create a fresh, new backup:

If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tap "Back Up Now"
If you use iTunes 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 left of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top and click the "Back Up Now" button

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
Follow the on screen instructions
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.

NOTE

patience

If you still encounter problems you will need to Restore your iPod/iPhone/iPad
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

Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:

If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tap "Back Up Now"
If you use iTunes 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 left of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top and click the "Back Up Now" button

The upgrade is complete
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

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 10 Over-The-Air

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 10 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!

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)
Make sure you are connected to the internet using a wi-fi connection
Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:

If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tap "Back Up Now"
If you use iTunes 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 left of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top and click the "Back Up Now" button

Disconnect all external devices that may be connected to your iPhone/iPad/iPod
Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod to a power supply
Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Tap "Download and Install"
Follow the on screen instructions
It is best that you do not use your iPhone/iPad/iPod while the upgrade is happening.

NOTE

patience

If you encounter problems check our troubleshooting list
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

Backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod:

If you use iCloud for backups, on the device go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tap "Back Up Now"
If you use iTunes 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 left of the iTunes window, then click "Summary" along the top and click the "Back Up Now" button

The upgrade is complete
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

Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 10 Over-The-Air

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 10 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 10 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 10 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!

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content And Settings
Once your iPod/iPhone/iPad has reinstalled iOS 10 via the internet you will get the setup new device options
Select/tap "Restore from iCloud Backup"
Select your most recent backup and restore
If you still get problems try this process again but use an older backup from the list (if available)
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

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 v10iOS iOS10 iOS 10

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