Unlike other smartphones, Apple’s iPhones periodically install updates to keep their performance at the top. However, if your iPhone receives the latest updates but does not show the download and install button, it could be due to a more extensive problem.
But in case your iPhone is not showing updates at all, read our article on how to fix the iOS 26 update not showing up.
Here are seven ways to fix iOS 26 download and install option not showing up on iPhone.
Solution #1. Is the update not showing? Check how long it takes to have iOS 26 Notifications.
Remember, not every country receives iOS updates at the same time. Apple usually releases iOS updates in stages, gradually making it available in every region over some time. However, many factors are behind it, such as device compatibility, server capacity, and geographical location.
Initially, Apple made it available to limited regions to ensure no significant bugs or issues. If no issues are found during initial releases, they make it available for every user.
Besides this, iOS updates depend on various factors, such as device model, carrier, region, and more. Thus, some users receive early updates, while others may receive them later.
To check iOS update release timing in your country, read our article on how to fix iOS 26 update not showing up.
Solution #2. Check your iPhone Network
A corrupted and unstable network connection might be the reason the iOS download and install option is not showing on the iPhone. In this scenario, the solution is quite handy. All you need to do is ensure your iPhone has a fairly reliable network. For this, follow the steps below.
- Head to the Settings App.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network that offers greater strength.
However, if cellular data offers better strength than Wi-Fi, it’s better to stay connected to cellular data.
Solution #3. Check for iOS 26 compatibility
An appropriate reason for my iPhone won’t download and install updates is that your flagship is incompatible with the latest iOS. For this, you must first confirm what iPhone model you’re using. You can see the back side of the iPhone box that came with it. Once you get it, below is the list of iPhone models compatible with iOS 26, so kindly cross-verify it.
- iPhone 26 (Pro, Max)
- iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE
- (2nd generation or later)
Solution #4. Clear iPhone Storage to update iOS 26
One of the most common reasons for downloading and installing does nothing on your iPhone flagship is insufficient storage space. Remember that you must at least have double storage for the total iOS update size.
For instance, if the update size is 2 GB, then your iPhone must have at least 8 GB of available space cause of all the new Apple intelligence added into the iOS 26 firmware. To check available space, follow the steps below.
- Head to the Settings App.
- Navigate to General.
- On the next screen, tap on iPhone Storage.
- Check the available storage space; if it’s lower than the total required, that’s certainly why the iOS 26 download and install option is not showing on iPhone.
Tip: To clear Storage on your iPhone, read our article on how to free-space on an iPhone running latest iOS.
The affordable solution for low storage space is creating a backup and storing it on your PC. However, you can also upgrade to iCloud+, but it’s quite expensive.
Solution #5. Delete Beta Profile
- Head to the Settings App.
- Tap on General.
- Select VPN & Device Management.
- In the Configuration menu, tap on the Profile you have multiple.
- Hit on Remove Profile and enter the passcode.
- At last, hit on Remove to confirm.
- Select Restart to finish the procedure of removing the iOS Beta Profile.
- After this, let your device turn on and then head to Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Now, let your iPhone check for updates.
- If available, tap on Download And Install.
If the issue continues after deleting the Beta profile, move to the following solution.
Solution #6. Force Restart iPhone
To resolve, download and install doesn’t do anything on your iPhone; you must try force restarting your device. For this, follow the steps below.
- Press and quickly release the Volume UP Button.
- Press and quickly release the volume Down Button.
- Press and hold the Side Key.
- When the Apple logo shows, let out the Side Button.
That’s It!
Solution#7. Reset Network Settings
Try resetting network settings on your iPhone by following the steps below.
- Head to the Settings App.
- Select General.
- Scroll the screen to tap on Transfer & Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter the lock screen passcode and tap on Reset Network Settings.
Once the procedure is finished, retry updating iOS and check for issues.
Solution#8. Update your iPhone using Finder/iTunes
If none of the solutions worked for you, you can try updating iOS 26 using Finder/iTunes to fix the download and install option not showing on iPhone. A Finder/iTunes is comparatively more reliable than directly updating from an iPhone. For this, we have created a separate article. Learn our article on how to iPhone to latest iOS using iTunes/Finder.
Solution#9. Still, issue continues? You must contact the Apple Support Team
Hopefully, any of the solutions mentioned above in the article helped you to fix it. But if not, then it’s high time to Contact the Apple Support Team. That’s because they will help you to diagnose the issue, and accordingly, they will offer you a solution.
Final Thought!
I hope the troubleshooting tips here helped you to fix the problem of being unable to download and install iOS updates. If you want further assistance, please comment in the box.
