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10 Tech How-To

How to Check Which iOS Version You’re Running

Guide 10-16477 · Updated · Step by step

Knowing your iPhone or iPad’s iOS version is essential for troubleshooting, checking app compatibility, and deciding whether to update. This guide shows you several quick ways to find your current iOS version, including the Settings app and iTunes/Finder, and explains what to do if the information looks wrong.

What You’ll Need

  • Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  • If using a computer: a Mac or Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later)
  • A USB cable if you plan to check via a computer

Step-by-Step

  1. Unlock your device and go to the home screen.
  2. Open the Settings app – it’s the gray gear icon.
  3. Tap “General” – usually near the top of the list.
  4. Tap “About” – it’s about halfway down the General screen.
  5. Find the line that says “iOS Version” – the number next to it (e.g., 17.5.1) is your current version. You’ll also see the model name and number just above it.

That’s the primary method. If you’re on an older iOS (before iOS 16), the steps are identical – the About screen has always shown the version. If you prefer checking from a computer:

  1. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open Finder on a Mac (if you’re on macOS Catalina 10.15 or later) or open iTunes on Windows or older macOS.
  3. Click your device’s icon – in Finder it appears in the sidebar under Locations; in iTunes it’s a small phone icon near the top-left.
  4. Look at the Summary or General tab – the version is shown next to “iOS” or “Software Version” in the device information panel.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the model number with the iOS version – the model number (like A2487) is hardware, not software. The iOS version always looks like a number with dots (e.g., 16.7.2).
  • Looking at the carrier settings version – the About screen also lists “Carrier” and “Modem Firmware” – these are not iOS versions.
  • Assuming the latest update is installed – just because you see an iOS version doesn’t mean it’s the newest. Check for updates separately in Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Mistaking the build number for the version – the build number (like 21F90) appears when you tap the version number – that’s not the user-facing version.

Tips

  • Write it down – if you’re contacting support or checking compatibility, note the full version (e.g., 17.4.1) not just the major number (17).
  • Check for updates while you’re there – go back to General and tap Software Update to see if a newer version is available.
  • Use the Settings search – on iOS 16 and later, pull down on the Settings main screen and type “About” to jump directly to that screen.
  • Beta versions – if you’re on a beta, the version will include a suffix like “(21F90)” or a letter like “17.6 beta” – that’s expected.

Troubleshooting

If the About screen is blank or shows “No Version”: This is rare but can happen after a failed restore. Try restarting your device (hold the power button and either volume button, then slide to power off). If that doesn’t help, connect to a computer and use Finder/iTunes to restore – but this will erase your data, so back up first.

If you can’t find the Settings app: It’s always on the home screen, but if you have many pages, swipe down from the middle of the screen and search for “Settings” using Spotlight.

If the version number looks wrong (e.g., it says 1.0): This could indicate a corrupted system file. Try a force restart: quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. If it still shows an odd version, restore via a computer.

If you’re checking for a friend or family member remotely: Ask them to follow the steps above – there’s no way to check remotely without them sharing the info.

If the computer doesn’t recognize your device: Make sure the cable is genuine or MFi-certified, try a different USB port, and unlock the device (trust the computer when prompted).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What iOS version am I on if I have an iPhone 6?
A: The iPhone 6 supports up to iOS 12.5.7. If it’s never been updated, it could be running iOS 8 or later – check Settings > General > About.

Q: Is the iOS version the same as the software update number?
A: Yes, the version shown in About is the same number you see when an update is available. For example, if an update says “iOS 17.5.1”, that’s the version you’ll see after installing.

Q: Can I check my iOS version without unlocking the phone?
A: No, you need to unlock and go into Settings. However, if the phone is connected to a computer and trusted, you can see it in Finder/iTunes without unlocking.

Q: Why does my iOS version have a letter at the end like 16.6.1?
A: The final number (the “1” in 16.6.1) is a minor update number. Apple uses it for small bug fixes and security patches. It’s still part of the version.

Q: How do I know if my iOS is up to date?
A: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If it says “iOS is up to date”, you have the latest version your device supports.

Q: Will checking my iOS version tell me if my phone is compatible with an app?
A: It tells you the version, but app compatibility also depends on the device model. Check the App Store listing for the minimum iOS requirement – if your version is equal or higher, it should work.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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