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iOS 12 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 199
Article Title = iOS 12 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 5th June 2018
Article Last Updated = 30th January 2020
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?199

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple's iOS 12

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 12 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 12 you cannot go back. You cannot downgrade to iOS 11. 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 12 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 12 fixes a lot of security issues. These fixes will not come to iOS 11 or earlier or be made available for hardware that does not support iOS 12. 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 12!
  • iOS 12 requires iTunes 12.8 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 12 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 12 Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 12 Using iTunes
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 12 Using iTunes
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 12 Over-The-Air
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 12 Over-The-Air

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will iOS 12 be released?
A. iOS 12 is now available to download and install (as of 17th September 2018).
Q. How much does iOS 12 cost?
A. It is free, as in, a free download via the internet at ~2.5GB to ~4GB 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 12?
A. The following iOS devices are compatible with iOS 12 (the same models as 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 12.x:
Q. I have a compatible device so how do I get iOS 12? What do I need to download & install iOS 12?
A. You can download and upgrade to iOS 12 "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 12.8 or later required to obtain iOS 12 - iTunes 12.8 is now available to download). Basic system requirements for iTunes 12.8 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 12.8 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 12 using iTunes.
Click here if you are having problems upgrading to iOS 12.
Q. What new features does iOS 12 have?
A. See Apple's iOS 12 web page. MacStrategy's recommended features to note are:
  • Group FaceTime (up to 32 people at the same time) + integration into Messages - requires iOS 12.1 or later or macOS 10.14.1 or later
  • Better performance on older hardware
  • Enhanced Do Not Disturb - set for meetings, time and/or location
  • Siri Shortcuts - create voice controlled, automated scripts of multiple actions over multiple apps including third-party apps using a new Shortcuts app
  • Screen Time - track and control app usage:
    • App usage/time reports
    • Limit app usage/time
    • Features work with Parental Controls including viewing usage/time reports on parent's iDevices
  • Updated "Voice Memos" app (including iCloud syncing of files and availability on iPads)
  • New App "Measure" - an Augmented-Reality measuring tape
  • Apple "iBooks" app renamed to "Books" and updated/new features
  • Continuity Camera - Photos app can access still shots and video captured from a nearby iOS device
  • New USDZ Augmented Reality File Format - Pixar Graphics Technologies USDZ File Format Specification document
  • Ability to disable USB access when an iPhone hasn't been unlocked for more than one hour
  • iPhone X new app switcher
  • New Siri voices (Irish + South African)
  • "Alternate Appearance" support for Face ID
  • Option to automatically install iOS updates
  • (Customisable) group notifications including on the lock screen
  • Scan QR code option in the Control Center
  • Memoji - create your own Animoji
  • New Animojis - koala, tiger, ghost, and T. rex
  • Animoji tongue and wink detection
  • Longer Animoji messages - now max 30 seconds
  • New Camera Effects
  • Stickers in Messages can now appear as effects
  • Call and FaceTime shortcuts in Messages
  • Easy photo sharing via Messages (iCloud Photo Library required)
  • Improved Photos search (suggestions, events, places and multiple keyword)
  • RAW editing support
  • Favicons in Safari tabs (iPad only)
  • Redesigned Stocks app
  • Autofilling of SMS security codes
  • Third-party navigation apps in CarPlay
  • Contactless student ID cards via Wallet (very limited locations at first, primarily in the USA)
  • More in-depth, battery information
  • New iPad gestures - You can now go to the Home screen by swiping anywhere on the Dock. Get to Control Center more conveniently with a swipe from the top-right corner.
  • New dictionaries - Arabic and English bilingual dictionary, a Hindi and English bilingual dictionary, and a Hebrew dictionary
  • English Thesaurus
  • Third-party apps can access your Health app data (only with your permission)
Q. What special new features are supported by which model?
A. See the table below:
Table 1: MacStrategy.com's iOS 12 new feature compatibility roundup
Feature iPhone 5s iPhone SE iPhone 6/6+ iPhone 6s/6s+ iPhone 7/7+ iPhone 8/8+ iPhone X iPhone Xʀ iPhone Xs 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
Group FaceTime† Audio
Only		✔Audio
Only		✔✔✔✔✔✔✔Audio
Only		✔Audio
Only		✔✔✔Audio
Only
RAW editing support ✖︎︎✔︎︎✖︎︎✔︎︎✔✔✔✔✔✔✖︎︎✖✖✖✔✔✖︎︎
ARKit support ✖︎︎✔︎︎✖︎︎✔︎︎✔✔✔✔✔✔✖︎︎✖✖✖✔✔✖︎︎
Siri Suggestions for Shortcuts ✖︎︎✖︎︎✖︎︎✔︎︎✔✔✔✔✔✔✖︎︎✔✖✔✔✔✖︎︎
† - this feature requires iOS 12.1 or later
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. What are the standard Apple iOS apps?
A. Below is a list of standard Apple provided iOS apps included with iOS 12 that can now be removed hidden (not all apps are installed on older devices):
  • App Store
  • Books
  • Calculator (not included on iPads)
  • Calendar
  • Camera
  • Clock
  • Compass (not included on iPads)
  • Contacts†
  • FaceTime
  • Files
  • Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod
  • Find My Friends
  • Health
  • Home
  • iTunes Store
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Measure
  • Messages
  • Music††
  • News
  • Notes
  • Phone (not included on iPads)
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Settings
  • Siri
  • Stocks
  • Tips
  • TV
  • Voice Memos
  • Wallet (not included on iPads)
  • Watch††† (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. How do I use the new Siri Shortcuts feature as there's nothing in the Settings app for this?
A. These are not created and controlled by the Settings app. You need to download and install the new new Shortcuts app from Apple.
Q. How do I use the new ability to disable USB access when an iPhone/iPad/iPad Touch hasn't been unlocked for more than one hour?
A. Settings app > Touch ID & Passcode > under 'ALLOW ACCESS WHEN LOCKED:' > turn OFF "USB Accessories".
Q. I didn't configure Screen Time during the setup process. How do I configure it now?
A. Settings app > Screen Time.
Q. Can I get any manuals for iOS 12?
A. Yes. Apple provides official manuals via their Book Store or on the web:
  • iOS 12 for iPhone Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store | web
  • iOS 12 for iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store | web
  • iOS 12 for iPod touch Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store | web
Q. What's this I've heard about an iOS 12.1 update?
A. The iOS 12.1 update was released on 30th October 2018 and includes:
Q. I don't like iOS 12. Can I go back/downgrade?
A. Sorry, no you can't.

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 12 Using iTunes

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 12 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 12.8 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. NOTE: You may need to let iTunes install a small software update before you can begin the iOS upgrade process. Once iTunes has quit and installed the update, go back two steps to continue with the iOS upgrade.
  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 you will get the "setup" screens:
    • There is a new "Keep Your iPad/iPhone/iPod touch Up to Date" screen – clicking the "Continue" button will enable the new automatic iOS updates feature of iOS 12 – this is probably something you do not want to do, so tap the small "Install Updates Manually" text option at the bottom of the screen instead
    • The new "Screen Time" setup screen will enable the new Screen Time feature of iOS 12 – this might be something you DO want to do, so tap "Continue" to do so, or tap the small "Set Up Later in Settings" text option at the bottom of the screen instead to turn this feature off
  15. Once you have completed the upgrade "setup", 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
  16. Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
  17. The upgrade is complete
  18. 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
  19. Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 12 Using iTunes

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 12 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 12 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 12
  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 12.8 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 12 Over-The-Air

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 12 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 you will get the "setup" screens:
    • There is a new "Keep Your iPad/iPhone/iPod Up to Date" screen – clicking the "Continue" button will enable the new automatic iOS updates feature of iOS 12 – this is probably something you do not want to do, so tap the small "Install Updates Manually" text option at the bottom of the screen instead
    • The new "Screen Time" setup screen will enable the new Screen Time feature of iOS 12 – this might be something you DO want to do, so tap "Continue" to do so, or tap the small "Set Up Later in Settings" text option at the bottom of the screen instead to turn this feature off
  13. Once you have completed the upgrade "setup", 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
  14. 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
  15. The upgrade is complete
  16. 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
  17. Now, if you haven't already, why not check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 12 Over-The-Air

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 12 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 12 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 12 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 12 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 v12iOS iOS12 iOS 12

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