General and system
Automatic Updates
Most people call this letting iOS update itself overnight.
You can allow iOS to download updates automatically, install them automatically, or both, with installation happening overnight while charging.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 14 and later
- Settings
- General
- Software Update
- Automatic Updates
What it does
Download and Install are separate switches. Security Responses and System Files is a third, covering urgent fixes delivered between full releases.
What changes
When it is on
Updates install by themselves overnight.
When it is off
Nothing installs until you start it.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Security fixes land promptly.
- Installation happens while you sleep.
Good reasons to turn it off
- You want control over major version changes.
- A work app breaks on new releases.
Battery
No real change
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
Costs you something
Out of the box: On for security responses. Full automatic installation is offered during setup.
Questions people actually ask
- Can I get security fixes without full updates?
- Yes. Keep Security Responses and System Files on and turn off automatic iOS updates.
If it is not working
- Installation needs charge, Wi-Fi and a locked phone.
- Leave Security Responses on even if you turn off automatic full updates.