Stop iTunes From Updating iOS Software

This guide shows you how to stop iTunes from automatically downloading and installing iOS updates on your iPhone or iPad. By changing a few settings, you can keep your device on the current iOS version until you are ready to update manually. No special tools are needed, just access to your computer and device settings.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC or Mac with iTunes installed (or the Finder app on macOS Catalina or later)
• Your iPhone or iPad with a USB cable
• Administrator access to your computer (to change iTunes settings)

Step-by-Step

1. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). On Windows, launch iTunes from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer, open Finder from the Dock.
2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Use a compatible USB cable. If prompted on the device, tap “Trust This Computer” and enter your passcode.
3. Select your device. In iTunes, click the device icon near the top-left corner of the window. In Finder, your device appears under “Locations” in the sidebar.
4. Open the Settings or Summary tab. In iTunes, click “Summary” in the left sidebar. In Finder, the Summary tab is shown by default when you select your device.
5. Locate the “Options” section. Scroll down until you see a checkmark labeled “Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected” and, more importantly, “Automatically update to the latest iOS version.”
6. Uncheck the automatic update box. Click the checkbox next to “Automatically update to the latest iOS version” to remove the checkmark. If the box was already unchecked, you’re good.
7. Apply the change. Click the “Apply” button in the bottom-right corner of the iTunes window (or just close the Finder window—changes are saved automatically there).
8. Disable automatic updates on the device itself (optional but recommended). On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn off both “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates.” This prevents the device from downloading updates over Wi-Fi, which can also trigger iTunes.
9. Eject your device safely. In iTunes, click the eject icon next to your device name. In Finder, click the eject arrow beside your device in the sidebar. Then unplug the cable.

Common Mistakes

• Only disabling updates on the device. If you turn off automatic updates on the iPhone but leave iTunes set to auto-update, iTunes can still push an update when you connect the device. Always uncheck the iTunes option as well.
• Forgetting to click “Apply” in iTunes. If you uncheck the box but don’t click Apply, the change is not saved. iTunes will revert to the previous setting.
• Using an outdated version of iTunes. Older versions may not have the exact checkbox. Make sure iTunes is updated to the latest version (or use Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
• Confusing “sync” with “update.” Unchecking “Automatically sync” does not stop iOS updates. You need to uncheck the specific update option.

Tips

• If you want to update manually later, simply connect your device, go to the Summary tab, and click “Check for Update” (or “Update” in Finder). iTunes will then download and install the latest iOS version.
• Keep your device’s storage in mind. Even with auto-updates off, iOS may download update files in the background if you haven’t disabled them in Settings. Turn off both toggles under Automatic Updates to be safe.
• If you are on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, the Finder handles device management. The same checkbox exists in the Finder window under “Options.”
• For Windows users, you can also disable the “iTunes Helper” startup service, which sometimes triggers updates in the background. Open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable “iTunes Helper” if present.

Troubleshooting

I unchecked the box, but iTunes still updates my device. This can happen if the device itself has automatic updates enabled. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn off both toggles. Also, restart your computer and reconnect the device to ensure the setting is saved.

I don’t see the “Automatically update” checkbox. In older versions of iTunes, the option might be under Edit > Preferences > Devices or under the device’s Summary tab but labeled differently. Update iTunes to the latest version. On macOS Catalina or later, use Finder instead of iTunes.

The checkbox is grayed out. This usually means your device is not connected properly or iTunes doesn’t recognize it. Try a different USB port, restart your device, or reinstall Apple’s USB drivers. In rare cases, the device may be supervised (managed by an organization), which restricts this setting.

My device still shows a notification about an iOS update. That’s normal—the notification is from the device itself, not iTunes. To remove it, you can either update manually or wait; the notification may reappear after a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this stop all iOS updates?

No, it only stops automatic updates via iTunes. Your device may still download updates over Wi-Fi if you haven’t disabled automatic updates in the device’s Settings. For full control, disable both.

Can I still update manually after disabling auto-update?

Yes. Connect your device, go to the Summary tab, and click “Check for Update” (or “Update” in Finder). iTunes will then download and install the latest iOS version when you choose.

Does this affect app updates or backups?

No. This setting only affects iOS software updates. App syncing and backups are controlled by separate options.

What if I’m using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later?

iTunes is replaced by Finder. Connect your device, open Finder, select your device under Locations, and uncheck “Automatically update to the latest iOS version” in the Summary tab.

Why does iTunes keep asking me to update even after I uncheck the box?

This can happen if the device itself has a pending update downloaded. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and delete the downloaded update if possible, or turn off automatic updates on the device.

Is it safe to disable automatic updates?

Yes, it is safe. You can still update manually when you’re ready. Just be aware that delaying updates means you won’t get the latest security patches immediately, so it’s best to update regularly on your own schedule.

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