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iOS 7 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 99
Article Title = iOS 7 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 11th June 2013
Article Last Updated = 8th March 2016
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?99

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about iOS 7

Quick Links

iOS 7 Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 7 Using iTunes
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 7 Using iTunes
Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 7 Over-The-Air
Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 7 Over-The-Air

WARNINGS!

  • Once you have installed/upgraded to iOS 7 you cannot go back. You cannot downgrade to iOS 6. Be sure to read this FAQ and especially if you use your iPod/iPhone/iPad for business check compatibility of important software/hardware accessories before upgrading!
  • Native Instruments are citing issues with audio apps and accessories such as TRAKTOR DJ.
  • iOS 7 fixes a lot of security issues. These fixes will not come to iOS 6 or earlier or be made available for hardware that does not support iOS 7. 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 7!
  • iOS 7 requires iTunes 11.1.0 or later to sync to a computer. However, if you are still running a PowerPC Mac the maximum iTunes you can run is 10.6.3 so iOS 7 devices cannot be synced to PowerPC Macs!
  • iOS 7 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When was iOS 7 launched?
A. iOS 7 is now available to download and install (as of 18th of September 2013).
Q. How much does iOS 7 cost?
A. It will be free (as in, a free download via the internet).
Q. What do I need to run/upgrade to iOS 7?
A. The following iOS devices are compatible with iOS 7 but all of them may not support all features: All other iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch products are not supported.
Q. I have a compatible device so how do I get iOS 7? What do I need to download & install iOS 7?
A. You can download and upgrade to iOS 7 "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 11.1.0 or later required to obtain iOS 7 - iTunes 12.8.3 is available to download from Apple). Basic system requirements for iTunes 11.1.0 are:
  • An Apple Macintosh computer with an Intel processor and Mac OS X version 10.6.8 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, 32/64-bit editions of Windows 7 or later or 32/64-bit editions of Windows 8
Once you have iTunes 11.1.0 or later installed plug in your iDevice, select it 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), then click "Check for update" on the right or better still follow our recommended instructions:
Click here for recommended instructions for upgrading to iOS 7 using iTunes.
Click here if you are having problems upgrading to iOS 7.
Q. What new features does iOS 7 have?
A. See Apple's iOS 7 What's New web page . MacStrategy's recommended features to note are:
  • Control Center - quick and easy access to common settings and features
    • Airplane mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Do Not Disturb
    • Brightness
    • Music controls and sound volume
    • Airdrop and Airplay
    • Flashlight, timer, calculator and camera
  • Smarter multitasking
    • iOS 7 learns when you like to use your apps
    • iOS 7 can update content before you launch an app
    • Press the Home button twice to see preview screens of the apps you have open
    • Schedules updates during power-efficient times e.g. when your device is on and connected to Wi-Fi
    • Better battery life
  • Camera (not all devices support all features)
    • 4 cameras in one: still, video, square or panoramic pictures
    • Live filters
    • New Photos app including smart groupings by years, collections and Moments
    • Enhanced iCloud photo sharing
  • Airdrop (not all devices support all features)
    • Share things with other, nearby Airdrop users
    • Quickly and easily share photos, videos, contacts
    • Share anything else from any app with a Share button
    • Transfers are encrypted
    • No need to "bump" devices
    • User control over whether you are available on Airdrop
    • Transferred items can be chosen to be saved (and saved automatically to correct place)
  • Safari
    • Better full-screen view
    • Unified smart search field
    • New tab view
    • iCloud Keychain support with password generator (to be launched later in 2013 probably with the release of OS X 10.9 Mavericks)
  • iTunes Radio (USA only at launch)
    • iTunes Radio will be built into iOS 7, iTunes for Mac and PC plus Apple TV (black models only)
    • 300+ genre stations
    • Create your own "featured stations" based on your music with on-the-fly editing - these are stored in the Cloud so they will be available on all your devices
    • Easily skip songs
    • Free with ads. Ad-free for iTunes Match subscribers
    • Starting first in the USA
    • Apple's common questions about iTunes Radio
  • Siri (not all devices support all features)
    • New look, new smoother voices and new capabilities
    • Utilises more data sources for answering questions such as Bing, Wikipedia and Twitter
    • New system functions like controlling brightness and switching facilities on-off e.g. Bluetooth
    • Can return calls, play voicemail, search photos and control iTunes Radio
  • App Store improvements
    • New Kids category spotlights the best apps for children based on age
    • "Apps Near Me" - find popular apps based on your current location
    • Apps can be updated automatically in the background
  • New security with an activation lock
    • If your iPhone is stolen it cannot be used without your Apple ID and password
    • Works via Find My iPhone even if the if iPhone is wiped
    • Turning off Find My iPhone or erasing your device requires your Apple ID and password
  • Maps improvements
    • Turn-by-Turn walking directions
    • Night mode
    • Bookmark syncing via iCloud
  • iOS in the Car - seamlessly integrates your iOS device and experience with your in-dash system
  • Notifications sync across devices
  • FaceTime audio only calls
  • FaceTime gets its own App
  • Home screen folders can have multiple pages - swipe left or right to access different pages within a folder
  • Fine control over Apps' use of Cellular data
  • User permission now required for Apps to access the Microphone
  • iTunes Gift Card redemption via scanning
  • Wi-Fi HotSpot 2.0 - automatically seeks out Wi-Fi subscriber services and joins them if required
  • Call blocking
  • Mobile Safari do not track facility
  • Third party game controller support - MFi (Made For iOS) certification scheme
  • Panoramic wallpaper option that goes across multiple screens
  • New ringtones, alerts and system sounds
  • iMessage/SMS Time Stamps - pull to the left within on a speech bubble within the app to see when a text or message was sent or received
  • Improvements for Business - see Apple's web site
    • Managed open in - control which apps/accounts are used to open documents/attachments
    • Per app VPN - apps can now be configured to automatically connect to VPN when they are launched
    • App Store license management - assign apps to users while keeping full ownership and control
    • New MDM configuration options - MDM protocol includes new commands, queries and config options
    • Streamlined MDM enrolment - devices can be automatically enrolled in MDM during activation
    • Enterprise single sign on - authenticating into corporate apps is now as simple doing it once
    • Third-party app data protection - all third-party apps now have data protection enabled automatically
    • Improved Mail - a whole new design and use of new systemwide gestures make Mail easier to use than ever
    • Caching Server 2 supports iOS 7 - a local Mac running OS X Mavericks Server can cache data
Q. What special new features are supported by which model?
A. See the table below:
Table 1: MacStrategy.com's iOS 7 new feature compatibility roundup
Feature iPhone 4 iPhone 4s iPhone 5/5s/5c iPad 2 iPad 3 iPad 4 iPad mini iPod Touch (5th Gen)
Panoramic PhotosNOYesYesNONONONOYes
Square/video formats + swipe to captureYesYesYesNOYesYesYesYes
Filters in Camera appNONOYesNONONONOYes
Filters in Photos appYesYesYesNOYesYesYesYes
AirDropNONOYesNONOYesYesYes
SiriNOYesYesNOYesYesYesYes
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. I see Apple released iOS 7.1 (on the 10th of March 2014). Does it have any new features and what's the benefit?
A. It does have new features. 7.1 also speeds up operations especially on an iPhone 4. There are numerous security patches included. Apple has a dedicated page about the update but here's a quick list:
  • CarPlay
    • iOS experience designed for the car
    • Simply connect your iPhone to a CarPlay enabled vehicle
    • Supports Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, and 3rd-party audio apps
    • Control with Siri and the car's touchscreen, knobs, and buttons
  • Siri
    • Manually control when Siri listens by holding down the home button while you speak and releasing it when you're done as an alternative to letting Siri automatically notice when you stop talking
    • New, more natural sounding male and female voices for Mandarin Chinese, UK English, Australian English, and Japanese
  • iTunes Radio
    • Search field above Featured Stations to easily create stations based on your favorite artist or song
    • Buy albums with the tap of a button from Now Playing
    • Subscribe to iTunes Match on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to enjoy iTunes Radio ad-free
  • Calendar
    • Option to display events in month view
    • Country specific holidays automatically added for many countries
  • Accessibility
    • Bold font option now includes the keyboard, calculator, and many icon glyphs
    • Reduce Motion option now includes Weather, Messages, and multitasking UI animations
    • New options to display button shapes, darken app colors, and reduce white point
  • New Camera setting to automatically enable HDR for iPhone 5s
  • iCloud Keychain support in additional countries
  • FaceTime call notifications are automatically cleared when you answer a call on another device
  • Fixes a bug that could occasionally cause a home screen crash
  • Improves Touch ID fingerprint recognition
  • Improved performance for iPhone 4
  • Fixes display of Mail unread badge for numbers greater than 10,000
  • Continued user interface refinements
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. iOS 7 looks nice(/awful) but the text is quite thin/small/grey. Is there anything I can do?
A. Yes, go to Settings > General > accessibility and adjust the following as required:
  • Larger Type
  • Bold Text
  • Increase Contrast
A. If you've installed the 7.1 update or later go to Settings > General > accessibility and adjust the following as required:
  • Larger Text
  • Bold Text
  • Button Shapes
  • Increase Contrast
Q. I don't like the new Parallax effect of the background/wallpaper. Can I turn it off?
A. Yes. Tap Settings > General > Accessibility and switch "Reduce Motion" to ON.
Q. My old background/wallpaper does not fit the screen anymore and the edges are missing. If I try and adjust it I cannot get the whole wallpaper on the screen. What's going on?
A. iOS has a new Parallax effect for background/wallpaper. This means it zooms in on the image by 200 pixels all around so that the edges can be used for the motion effect. If you want your images to fit properly e.g. you have ICE information on them you will need to adjust your images. The sizes need to be (including 200 pixels on each edge):
  • iPad (Retina) - 2448 x 1936 pixels
  • iPad (non-Retina) + iPad mini - 1424 x 1068 pixels
  • iPhone 4/4S/4s - 1360 x 1040 pixels
  • iPhone 5/5s/5c + iPod touch (5th gen) - 1536 x 1040 pixels
Q. iOS 7 doesn't have on/off labels which is really annoying. Any way to change that?
A. Yes. Tap Settings > General > Accessibility and switch "On/Off Labels" to ON.
Q. Where are all the new sounds in iOS 7?
A. Tap Settings > Sounds and set your sounds as required. When you access sounds the new sounds will be listed. The old sounds are now listed under "Classic".
Q. How do I access the new "Control Center"?
A. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (including the lock screen) to access Control Center.
Q. Surely "Control Center" could be a security risk if it's accessible on the lock screen?
A. You can switch off Control Center being available on the lock screen and/or when you are using an app (tap Settings > Control Center).
Q. How do I access the new Camera modes?
A. When you are in the Camera app swipe the screen to switch between Video, Photo, Square and Panoramic modes.
Q. How do I access the new Camera filters?
A. If your hardware supports Camera filters when you are in the Camera app tap on the coloured dots at the bottom of the screen.
Q. What languages are the new smoother Siri voices available in?
A. New female and male voices will be available initially in US English, French and German (tap Settings > General > Siri > Voice Gender). Additional voices for Mandarin Chinese, UK English, Australian English and Japanese were added in iOS 7.1.
Q. Talking of languages anything else new?
A. Yes. You can now download and use additional language dictionaries for use when writing text. Select some text > tap your selection > tap Define > tap Manage (bottom left) > download additional dictionaries as required.
Q. Can the automatic updates of apps (in the background) be switched off?
A. Yes, this can be switched on/off in Settings > iTunes & App Stores.
Q. Can the Apple Newsstand app/icon finally be put in a folder?
A. Yes.
Q. Where's the ".com" button gone on Safari's keyboard?
A. Tap and hold the full stop/dot/period button instead.
Q. Where's the search/Spotlight facility gone?
A. To access search just swipe down on the home screen and a search box with keyboard will open.
Q. Some apps continue to run in the background and update their content automatically. Can I change this behaviour?
A. Yes. Tap Settings > General > and switch Background App Refresh OFF.
Q. My battery is running out quicker now I have iOS 7. What can I do?
A. iOS 7 now allows apps to run in the background and even update themselves regularly which will be a bigger drain on the battery. So the first thing to do is go to Settings > General > and either switch "Background App Refresh" OFF or adjust which apps can/can't refresh in the background.
Q. In the old multi-tasking facility I use to tap and hold and icon to reveal a '-' badge to close it. What do I do now to close an application?
A. Double click the home button to access multi-tasking in the normal way, swipe left/right to the screen of the app you want to close and then simply swipe up to close the app.
Q. I'm connecting my iPhone/iPad/iPod to a charger/computer and I'm getting asked whether I "Trust the currently connected computer?". I've not seen that before. What is it?
A. There is a security vulnerability that could allow malicious chargers to access your iPhone/iPad/iPod when connected. Apple has fixed this vulnerability in iOS 7 so that when the malicious device tries to access your iPhone/iPad/iPod iOS will ask if you trust the device. If the device is not your own computer then tap "Don't trust".
Q. Can I use any third party game controller?
A. No. It must be certified by Apple's MFi (Made For iOS) standard.
Q. Will all games support third party game controllers?
A. No. The game must (be updated to) support the new Game Controller framework API. The first game supporting this appears to be AVP: Evolution updated on 16/09/2013.
Q. Are there any official third party game controllers?
A. We've put together a list:
    NOTE: Check iPhone/iPad/iPod touch model and iOS / Apple TV and tvOS version compatibility before purchasing.
  • SteelSeries Nimbus - coming soon…
  • Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • SteelSeries Stratus XL - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • Hori HoriPad - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • SteelSeries Stratus - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • Gamevice for iPad mini - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • Gamevice for iPhone 6 - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • Gamevice for iPad Air - coming soon…
  • MOGA Rebel MFi - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • MOGA Ace Power - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
  • Logitech PowerShell - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
    • NOTE: The iCade Mobile game controller below is not an Apple certified Made For iOS (MFi) controller but it does work with many specialist games on iPhone/iPad/iPod touch and is very popular so we have listed it below for reference:
  • Ion iCade Mobile - buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
Q. I use Private Browsing but that system setting has disappeared. Can I still browser privately?
A. Yes. It's now controlled directly in Safari. When you open a new Safari tab/window tap the "Private" button to start a private browsing session.
Q. How do I block calls/numbers/messages/people?
A. You can block calls, messages and/or FaceTime requests. Tap Settings > Phone/Messages/Facetime > Blocked and add contacts to the block list to block them.
Q. Safari is supposed to have a new "do not track" facility. Where is the setting for that?
A. Tap Settings > Safari > and switch "Do Not Track" to ON.
Q. How does this new "activation lock" work?
A. See Apple's help document on the subject.
Q. What should I do if I've upgraded to iOS 7 and want to give/sell my iPhone/iPad/iPod to someone else?
A. Follow the steps in this Apple help document.
Q. Can I get any manuals for iOS 7?
A. Yes. Apple provides manuals in downloadable PDF format (which you can also add to iTunes > Books or iBooks and sync to your device):
  • iOS 7.1 for iPhone Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store
  • iOS 7.1 for iPad / iPad mini Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store
  • iOS 7.1 for iPod touch Buy it now on the Apple iBook Store
Q. I've heard you can use iOS 7 to easily setup an Apple TV. Is this true?
A. Yes. Some iOS 7 devices can quickly and easily setup an Apple TV (black - 3rd generation). See this Apple help document for iOS devices supported and instructions.
Q. I print from my iOS device but when I print now I can't find the Print Center (it used to be in the multitasking bar). Where is it now?
A. Once you are printing something it's still in the multi-tasking area (double-press the home button) but now you need to swipe all the way to the right to view it. Print Center is always to the left of your Home screen / app windows - tap on it to open your print queue and alter any settings as required.
Q. Can I now open and view zipped archives?
A. Yes. When you receive a zip file in Mail, tap it and it will unzip the archive and show a list of individual documents within the archive that you can swipe through. The folder icon at top can be used to (go back to and) view all the included files. Tap on an individual file and view/use it in the normal way.
Q. I don't like iOS 7. Can I go back/downgrade?
A. Sorry, no you can't.
Q. I've heard something about an iOS 7.1 update but my iPhone/iPad/iPod only has iOS 7.0?
A. Apple has released a (security) update for iOS 7. You should update as soon as possible:
  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 > 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
  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 may take some time to update (30 minutes is common)!

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 7 Using iTunes

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 7 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 11.1.0 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 > 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
  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. 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. If you have upgraded from iOS 5.x Apple has removed some previously included Apps which are now available separately:
  16. Sync your device (to create a new and latest backup and also to sync your updated/new apps)
  17. The upgrade is complete

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 7 Using iTunes

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 7 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 7 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 7
  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 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 (iTunes 11.1.0 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 > 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
  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. If you have upgraded from iOS 5.x Apple has removed some previously included Apps which are now available separately:
  22. 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
  23. The upgrade is complete - check out our FAQ

Recommended Instructions For Upgrading To iOS 7 Over-The-Air

NOTE: Upgrading to iOS 7 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 > 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
  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. If you have upgraded from iOS 5.x Apple has removed some previously included Apps which are now available separately:
  14. 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
  15. The upgrade is complete - check out our FAQ

Troubleshooting Problems When Upgrading To iOS 7 Over-The-Air

Most errors are due to the fact that upon the release of iOS 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 iPadair Air iPadmini mini iPhone v7iOS iOS 7 iTunes

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