How to Download and Install iOS 13

How to Download and Install iOS 13 – iOS 13.7 on iPhone

BY Gautam Prabhu

Published 19 Sep 2019

Apple released iOS 13, the thirteenth major release of the iOS software update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in September 2019. Since then it has released 13 updates for iOS 13. Here’s how to download iOS 13 – iOS 13.7 and install it on your iPhone to enjoy the hundreds of new features such as Dark Mode, new Photo & Video editor, new Reminders app, Improved Maps app with the Google Maps Street View like Look Around feature, performance improvements and lots more.

Before you download the iOS 13.7 update on your iPhone, let us go through the steps required to install the update on your iPhone.

iOS 13 Compatible Devices
Prepare for iOS 13 update
Backup iOS Device
How to Download & Install iOS 13 Wirelessly Over the Air (OTA)
How to Download & Install iOS 13 Using Mac or PC

iOS 13 Compatible Devices

iOS 13 – iOS 13.7 supports the following devices:

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE
iPod Touch 7th generation

Prepare for iOS 13 update

Before you update your iPhone with iOS 13, we strongly recommend you to check our post on how to prepare for iOS 13 release on your iPhone where we have provided tips on what you should do before upgrading so that the process is as smooth as possible.

Backup iOS Device

It is always a good idea to take a backup of your device before updating it with the latest iOS software update. (Note that if you choose to encrypt your backup using iTunes, along with normal data, secure information like passwords, etc. are also backed up.)

You can back up your iOS device using iTunes or iCloud. If you need help, follow our step-by-step guide by clicking on the appropriate link below.

How to backup using iCloud

How to backup using iTunes

Note: Since this is a major iOS software update, I would strongly recommend taking an iTunes backup so you have the option to restore back with iOS 12 compatible backup data.

Download and Install iOS 13 – iOS 13.7 Wirelessly

Before you start the download, connect your device to a power source so that the battery doesn’t drain during the update process. It can take anywhere from a few mins to an hour for the update to download and install, depending on how Apple’s servers are handling the load and your internet connection. You may also want to connect your iPhone to your local Wi-Fi network, so you don’t get charged for downloading the update over your cellular connection.

STEP 1: Once you are plugged in and connected via Wi-Fi, open the Settings app, and tap on General > Software Update. iOS will automatically check for available updates and will inform you that iOS 13.7 software update is available.

Note: If you’re interested in jailbreaking then you should install the update using iTunes, as OTA updates are known to give problems while jailbreaking.

STEP 2: You will be presented with a screen that provides details about all the new features and improvements in iOS 13.7. Tap Download and Install to download iOS 13.7 and install it on your iPhone or iPad.

If you get tired of waiting for the download to finish (it could take a while) then go do something else. Your iPhone or iPad will continue to download the update and will send you a notification when the update is ready. Go back to Settings > General > Software Update and then tap Install Now to install iOS 13.7 on your device.

Download and install iOS 13 – iOS 13.7 using Computer

If you’re not getting the iOS 13 software update via over-the-air (OTA) as mentioned above, then you can install it manually by downloading the software update from the official download links provided below and use iTunes to manually update your iOS device. You may also need to install the update using iTunes if you don’t have enough storage space on your device for the OTA update.

On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. If you are using iTunes, then please ensure that you are using the latest version.

STEP 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable. Wait for iTunes to open and connect to your device.

STEP 2: If you are using iTunes, click on the device button to the left of the iTunes Store button in the top right corner in iTunes. If you’re using Finder, check on your device under Locations.

STEP 3: Click on the Check for Update directly without using holding down on the Option key or the Shift key. If the iOS 13.7 update is available it will automatically download and update your device to iOS 13.7.

STEP 4: You will get a popup message informing you the new update is available. Click on Download and Update button. At times it takes some time for the software update to be rolled out on all the servers, so if it says the older iOS version is still the latest version then download the appropriate firmware file using download links provided in step 5.

STEP 5: Skip this step if iOS 13.7 was available in Step 3 and 4.

Download the firmware file for your device by clicking on the iOS 13.7 IPSW Download link for your iPhone [Note the download file is around 2.0 GB depending on your device].

Note: If you’re downloading the firmware file using Safari then ensure that auto unzip feature is disabled or use Chrome or Firefox.

iOS 13.7 IPSW Download Links for iPhone

After downloading the firmware file, hold the Option key (Mac) or the Shift key (Windows) and click on the “Check for Update”. Important: Remember to click on the Check for Update button, and not the Restore iPhone button to avoid restoring your iPhone and setting up your device all over again.

STEP 6: You will get a popup message informing you that iTunes will update your device to iOS 13.7 and will verify with Apple. Click on the Update button.

STEP 7: It will then show you the release notes for iOS 13.7. Click on the Next button. Then click on the Agree button for the terms and conditions.

STEP 8: iTunes will now download the firmware file (which can take a long time depending on your internet connection as it can be as big as 2.0 GB). After downloading the file, it will process it, extract the software, prepare the device for the software update, and install the update.

STEP 9: Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished. It can take a few minutes. Your device will be updated to iOS 13 and reboot once or twice during the process. You will see while Hello screen after it is successfully updated. Follow the on-screen instructions to start using the device.

If you are looking for the older version of the iOS 13 firmware file to downgrade, then you can check our iOS firmware page for the direct download links.

You can check out our post for the list of all the awesome new iOS 13 features and improvements for the iPhone so you can make the most of the iOS 13 software update.

If you’re wondering what about the update for the iPad, then please note that Apple has also released iPadOS 13.7.

Let us how it goes in the comments. If you need help or have any questions, please free to drop us a line in the comment section below, and we will revert back to you as soon as possible.

This post was last updated on September 2, 2020.

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