How to automatically install iPhone and iPad software updates at night when you’re not using the device

In this article, we will go over how to set up your iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 or earlier to automatically install software updates overnight while you’re not using the device. This can be a convenient way to ensure your device stays up-to-date without interrupting your daily routine.

Auto-install iOS update at night on iPhone

Why install software updates at night?

Installing an update makes your iPhone or iPad unusable for several minutes, preventing you from using it during that time. Therefore, to ensure you face no downtime during the day while also getting the latest update, you can get your iPhone or iPad to automatically install the update at night when your device is not being used.

Schedule iPhone and iPad software updates to happen at night

The process is different in iOS 17 as compared to earlier versions of iOS.

On iOS 17

Here’s how to set your iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 to automatically install the software update at night:

1) Open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update.

2) Once the new update loads, tap Update Tonight.

Update Tonight button on iPad in iPadOS 17

3) Enter your device passcode and tap Done.

4) New iOS update will start downloading and then finish preparing.

Preparing update on iPad

5) Once the update is downloaded and prepared, it won’t install now, but you will see an option saying “Update Scheduled.” Just make sure your iPhone or iPad is locked and has over 50% charge at night for it to auto-install the update.

Update Scheduled with Update Now or Cancel Update options on iPad

If you change your mind, you can tap Update Now to start installing the update. And if you tap Cancel Update, you will see two self-explanatory options titled: Install Now and Install Tonight.

Install Now or Install Tonight buttons on iPad

On iOS 16 and earlier

1) Open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update.

2) If the update isn’t downloaded, tap Download and Install. Now, your device will start downloading the update, and after that, it will prepare it.

If you see Install Now, that means the update is already downloaded, and tapping it will start installing the new update.

3) Depending on the size of the update, it may take a few or several minutes for your iPhone or iPad to finish preparing the update. Once that’s done, you’ll see an alert. Tap Later instead of Install Now.

Download and install iOS update later at night

4) Enter your device passcode and tap done on the keyboard.

That’s all. Your iPhone or iPad will automatically install this update at night if it’s charging. So, before going to sleep, make sure you charge the device.

iPhone scheduled to install later at night

Note: Tapping the Remind Me Later option in step 4 will prompt the operating system to create a reminder to install the update

What time does your iPhone or iPad auto-install the software update?

There is no fixed time. It appears that the install time changes automatically based on how you use your device, as determined by iOS’s Proactive feature. As evidenced by the screenshot below taken on my iPod touch, Proactive has determined to auto-install the new firmware between 9 PM to 1 AM. On my iPhone, it has decided that it would be best to update the device between 4 AM to 5 AM.

Different night times when iOS auto-installs

What do you think of this handy feature?

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