How to update an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to iOS 6

Description:Upon its release, iOS 6 came with over 200 features including a new, redesigned maps, Facebook integration and redesigned iTunes stores. Devices eligible for iOS include the iPad 2 and new iPad, the iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S and 5 and the iPod Touch 3rd and 4th generation. The install is easy and can be done directly from the device. This guide is a walkthrough of the process.

  1. Tap the Settings icon on the home screen.
    iPad Home Screen, Settings Icon
  2. By default, the General tab will be selected. If it is not, select it. Then, tap Software Update.
    iPad Settings, General, Software Update
  3. If the device qualifies, iOS 6 will be listed. Read through the new features if desired, then tap Download and Install to begin the update process.
    iPad Software Update, General, Download and Install
  4. The terms and conditions will appear. Read through these then tap Agree in the top right.
    iPad Software Update, Terms and Conditions
  5. A prompt will appear recommending the device be plugged into a power source during this process. Once plugged in, tap OK.
    iOS Reminder to Connect Power
  6. The download will begin. It is quite a large file. Depending on the internet speeds, it could take upwards of an hour. The device can still be used regularly during this time.
    iOS Update Downloading
  7. Once the download is completed, it will verify the update and reboot. It will switch to an install mode where no actions can be completed. A white bar will indicate the progress.
    iOS Update Verifying
  8. Once completed, the device will reboot on its own to the iOS 6 Welcome Screen. Slide to unlock like normal to continue.
    iOS 6 Update Screen
  9. An update confirmation page will appear indicating the update was successful, as well as stating a few more steps are required. Tap Continue to proceed.
    iOS 6 Update Completed
  10. It will ask to enable or don't enable Location Services. This allows Maps and other applications to use the devices location. Select an option and tap Next.
    iOS 6 Allow Location Services
  11. A sign in screen will appear, prompting you to sign into your Apple Account (the same one used for iTunes, App Store, etc). Type in the password and tap Next.
    iOS Apple ID Sign In
  12. iCloud terms and conditions are next. Read through these and tap Agree in the bottom right to continue. Another box will appear. Tap Agree in this box as well.
    iOS Update Terms and Conditions
    iOS Update Agree to Terms and Conditions
  13. It will verify the update and proceed to a final page, explaining that iOS is configured and ready to use.
    iOS Update Complete, Start Using iPad

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