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iOS 6 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 91
Article Title = iOS 6 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 13th June 2012
Article Last Updated = 8th March 2016
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?91

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about iOS 6

Quick Links

iOS 6 Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 6 Using iTunes
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 6 Using iTunes
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 6 Over-The-Air
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 6 Over-The-Air

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is iOS 6 being launched?
A. Apple released iOS 6 on the 19th September 2012.
Q. How much will iOS 6 cost?
A. It is free (as in a free download via the internet).
Q. What do I need to run/upgrade to iOS 6?
A. The following iOS devices are compatible with iOS 6 but all of them may not support all features: All other iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch products are not supported.
Q. What special new features are supported by which model?
A. See the table below:
Table 1: MacStrategy.com's iOS 6 new feature compatibility roundup
Feature iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 iPhone 4S iPhone 5 iPad 2 iPad 3 iPod Touch (4th Gen) iPod Touch (5th Gen)
Flyover and Turn-by-Turn NavigationNONOYesYesYesYesNOYes
SiriNONOYesYesNOYesNOYes
Shared Photo StreamYesYesYesYesYesYesNOYes
FaceTime over cellularNONOYesYesNOYesNOYes
VIP ListYesYesYesYesYesYesNOYes
Offline Reading ListNOYesYesYesYesYesNOYes
Made for iPhone Hearing AidsNONOYesYesn/an/an/an/a
PanoramaNONOYesYesNONONOYes
Q. I have a compatible device so how do I get iOS 6? What do I need to download & install iOS 6?
A. You can download and upgrade to iOS 6 "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 10.7.0 or later required to obtain iOS 6 - iTunes 12.8.3 is available to download from Apple). Basic system requirements for iTunes 10.7.0 are:
  • An Apple Macintosh computer with an Intel processor, Mac OS X version 10.6.8 or later and Safari 4.0.3 or later
  • or a PC with 1GHz Intel or AMD processor and 512MB of RAM + Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, 32/64-bit editions of Windows Vista, or 32/64-bit editions of Windows 7 or later
Once you have iTunes 10.7.0 or later installed plug in your iDevice, select it in the list on the left and click "Check for update" on the right or better still follow our recommended instructions:
Click here for recommended instructions for upgrading to iOS 6 using iTunes.
Click here if you are having problems upgrading to iOS 6.
Q. What new features does iOS 6 have?
A. See Apple's iOS 6 feature list and Apple's iOS 6 Upgrade notes. MacStrategy's recommended features to note are:
  • Maps (may not be available in all countries/locations)
    • No longer reliant on Google
    • Turn-by-Turn Navigation (not available on all devices)
    • Flyover (not available on all devices)
    • Real-time traffic information
  • Siri (not available on all devices)
    • More languages and dialects
    • Ask Siri more: sports, restaurants, movies (may not be available in all countries/locations) - England's Premier League football has specifically been mentioned as being supported)
    • Use Siri to post to Facebook or Twitter and even launch apps
    • Local search for businesses and services will also be available outside of the USA
  • Facebook integration - deep and thorough
    • Sign in once in Settings and post directly from Camera, Photos, Safari, Maps, App Store, iTunes, Game Center, Notification Center and Siri
    • Get updates via Notifications
    • Facebook events in your Calendar
    • Facebook friends in your Contacts
  • Passbook
    • Store boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons and loyalty cards
    • Scan your iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie or redeem a coupon
  • Phone improvements for devices with cameras
    • When you decline an incoming call, you can instantly reply with a text message or set a callback reminder
    • Do Not Disturb option - suppress all incoming calls and notifications (scheduling and rules available)
  • Mail improvements
    • VIP list/inbox (not available on all devices)
    • Flagged email mailbox
    • Swipe down to refresh mailboxes
    • Insert photos and videos when composing email
    • Per account signatures
  • Safari improvements
    • iCloud tabs
    • Full screen landscape mode
    • Offline reading list (not available on all devices)
  • Photo Stream Sharing - Choose who you want to share your photos with (not available on all devices)
  • FaceTime - Use it over cellular (not available on all devices/networks)
  • Improved privacy controls for Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Photos and data shared over Bluetooth
  • Custom vibrations for alerts on iPhone
  • Clock app for iPad
  • Clock alarm with song
Q. What features are available in my country?
A. Apple has published a feature vs country availability list.
Q. What features will specifically be available in the United Kingdom?
A. We know the following features will be 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. iOS 6 includes Siri (Voice Control) so does it work on all supported devices?
A. No. Siri only works on newer iOS devices (see the chart above).
Q. Can Siri be used at any time?
A. No. Siri requires an internet connection (3G/4G or Wi-Fi).
Q. What languages does Siri understand?
A. iOS 6's Siri will support the following languages:
  • English (American)
  • English (Australian)
  • English (British)
  • English (Canadian)
  • French
  • French (Canadian)
  • French (Swiss)
  • German
  • German (Swiss)
  • Japanese
  • Italian
  • Italian (Swiss)
  • Korean
  • Mandarin (Mainland China)
  • Mandarin (Taiwan)
  • Cantonese (Mainland China)
  • Cantonese (Hong Kong)
  • Spanish
  • Spanish (American)
  • Spanish (Mexican)
Q. I've upgraded but I'm getting a "Can't connect to iTunes Store" error in either the App Store or Passbook apps. What can I do?
A. Try this:
  1. Go to Settings > General > Date and Time > switch 'Set Automatically' to "Off".
  2. Set the date one year ahead.
  3. Now try to update your apps again or press the button from Passbook.
  4. If you get an error message, go back to the settings. Correct the date and time (e.g. switch 'Set Automatically' to "on") then go back and try again.
Q. I've upgraded but some/a lot of my device's memory is being taken up with "Other". What is "other" and what can I do about it?
A. This is a common problem since the iOS 5 upgrade originally came out, where there is an issue during the iOS update process and your media library (music, photos, etc) never gets transferred back properly after the OS gets updated so it just gets listed as "other". The best remedy for this is to backup, then restore the iPad/iPhone/iPod and select your recent backup as part of the restore process. This process basically cleans out the memory of the device, installs iOS and then transfers all your data from your backup and your media from iTunes/iCloud back to the device.
Q. The new Apple maps is awful. Can I go back to Google maps?
A. Apple's maps are brand new - they will take some time to be as good as Google Maps but will be constantly updated. Apple has stated they are already working hard on making the maps better. Apple has now posted an open letter regarding their maps app. Google launched Google Maps for iOS on 13/12/2012 and it can be downloaded from the App Store Get it now on the App Store
Q. Apple's Maps are wrong. Can I report the problem?
A. Yes and you should. In Apple Maps when you spot a problem, tap the paper curl at the bottom right of the screen, then tap "Report a problem".
Q. The new "Do not disturb" option sounds great. How do I configure it?
A. Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb to switch it on/off. Go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb to configure your required options.
Q. Are there any specific Passbook options for UK users?
A. The following apps support passbook in the UK:
  • British Airways Get it now on the App Store
  • Harvester Restaurants Get it now on the App Store
  • iHotel - Hotel Search Get it now on the App Store
  • Odeon Cinemas Get it now on the App Store
  • Starbucks Get it now on the App Store
  • Subway Get it now on the App Store
Apple also has a basic list on the UK iOS App Store.
Q. Are there any specific Passbook options for flying?
A. The following companies apps have been updated to support passbook:
  • Air Berlin Get it now on the App Store
  • Air China Get it now on the App Store
  • Air Canada Get it now on the App Store
  • American Airlines Get it now on the App Store
  • British Airways Get it now on the App Store
  • Lufthansa Get it now on the App Store
  • Nok Air Get it now on the App Store
  • United Airlines Get it now on the App Store
  • Virgin Atlantic Get it now on the App Store
  • Virgin Australia Get it now on the App Store
Q. I've heard find my iPhone/iPad/iPod now includes a "Lost Mode". What is that and what does it do?
A. If the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch you want to locate is running iOS 6 the Find My iPhone app also includes Lost Mode. Lost Mode locks your missing device with a 4-digit passcode and can display a contact phone number right on the lock screen. And while in Lost Mode, your device will keep track of where it has been and display its recent location history when you check in with the Find My iPhone app. Please note that Find My iPhone must be enabled in the iCloud settings on your device for you to locate it with this app.
Q. I have no need for the VIP mailbox. Can I remove it?
A. No, you can't remove it but you can move it to the bottom of the list - in the main Mailboxes view tap Edit and then drag VIP to the bottom of the list.
Q. Where are the new improved Privacy controls?
A. Go to Settings > Privacy. Outside of any applications you don't want accessing your personal data, important ones to note are in Location Services > System Services (at the bottom!) e.g. "Diagnostics & Usage" and "Location-Based iAds".
Q. Improved accessibility options are great but are any of them useful for normal people?
A. Yes. There are actually some useful facilities e.g. go to Settings > General > Accessibility:
  • Vision > Voiceover ON + Triple-click Home ON - In hands free environments quickly triple clicking the home button allows voiceover to speak messages, etc.
  • Vision > Zoom - allows you to quickly zoom in and out of the screen to see things easier.
  • Vision > Speak Selection ON - In any app that lets you highlight text select some text, a new "Speak" option now appears (you may have to tap the right arrow to view more options), tap it and your iOS device will read the text aloud.
  • Hearing > LED Flash for Alerts - these will work even if the phone is muted.
  • Physical & Motor > Incoming Calls - allows you to send incoming call audio directly to headset or speaker.
  • Physical & Motor > Home-click Speed - allows you to control how fast you need to click the Home button (Default, Slow or Slowest).
Q. How do I access the new custom vibrations?
A. Go to Settings > Sounds and set as required.
Q. I would like to access the (extra) emoticons that some people use?
A. These are not turned on by default. To access them go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard and then tap "Emoji". This will add the extra emoticons via the keyboard button whenever you are typing in iOS 6.
Q. Siri and Passbook sound like great features but aren't they available from the lock screen?
A. Yes. For better security if desired, go to Settings > General > Passcode Lock (enter your passcode if required) and under "Allow Access When Locked" switch OFF Siri and/or Passbook.

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 6 Using iTunes

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 6 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
  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 (in iTunes 11 or later 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 (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or 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. Download new Apple iOS 6 apps as required:
    • Cards - discontinued 10/09/2013
  16. Apple has removed some previously included Apps which are now available separately:
  17. Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
  18. The upgrade is complete

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 6 Using iTunes

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 6 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 6 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 6
  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 > Software Update and install all listed updates. Repeat 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.
  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
  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 (in iTunes 11 or later 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
  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 (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or 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. Download new Apple iOS 6 apps as required:
    • Cards - discontinued 10/09/2013
  22. Apple has removed some previously included Apps which are now available separately:
  23. 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
  24. The upgrade is complete - check out our FAQ

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 6 Over-The-Air

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 6 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 (in iTunes 11 or later go to View menu > Show Sidebar to see this list or 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. Download new Apple iOS 6 apps as required:
    • Cards - discontinued 10/09/2013
  14. Apple has removed some previously included Apps which are now available separately:
  15. 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
  16. The upgrade is complete - check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 6 Over-The-Air

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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)

Article Keywords: iPod iPad iPhone v6iOS iOS 6 iTunes

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If this information helped you or saved you time and/or money why not donate a little to us via PayPal?
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.

Go to this
web page
to donate to us.