How to Block iOS Software Updates on iPhone and iPad

BY Andy

Published 16 Jun 2018

Block iOS Firmware Updates

One of the golden rules of jailbreaking is to stay where you are and avoid installing the latest iOS software update to improve your chances.

It is even more relevant these days as we seldom get the jailbreak for the latest iOS software update. However, you need a lot of patience, as Apple keeps reminding you to install the latest software update.

If you’re tired of dismissing the annoying popups that remind you to install the iOS software update, then the good news is that there is a simple solution to not only block the iOS software update.

You may also want to use this method if you’ve jailbroken your iPhone or iPad, as even though most modern jailbreaks block iOS software updates, in the case of semi-untethered jailbreaks like Electra Jailbreak, you still run the risk of accidentally installing the iOS software update in the un-jailbroken state.

This method not only blocks the latest iOS software update, it also stops the annoying iOS software update prompts and it prevents the iOS software update that end up taking up precious storage space from being downloaded in the background.

How to Block iOS Software Updates and Prompts on iPhone and iPad

STEP 1: Download the tvOS 11 beta configuration profile (.mobileconfig extension) from this link. You can also get it from Apple Developer website if you’re a developer. Please note that you need the tvOS beta profile and not the iOS beta profile.

When you click on the download link, it will prompt you to open the file in Mega app. Download the Mega app from the App Store, and click on the link again, then tap on OPEN IN MEGA APP option. Then tap Open. Here tap on the share button in the top right corner to save the file in iCloud Drive.

Then launch the Files app, and tap on the tvOS 11 beta configuration profile file to open it. Then tap on iPhone, when it prompts you to Choose a Device.

STEP 2: Tap on Install in the top-right corner as you can see below.

Install tvOS beta profile

STEP 3: Enter the passcode when prompted.

STEP 4: Tap on Install again on the Consent screen. And then tap on Install again from the popup.

Install tvOS beta profile - restart

STEP 5: The profile file will be installed instantly. However, it will prompt you to restart your iPhone or iPad to apply the changes. Tap Restart to continue.

Install tvOS beta profile - restart

STEP 6: That’s it. After your iPhone or iPad will restart, it will no longer prompt you to install the latest software update.

To confirm the tvOS beta profile has been installed, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. If it reports that the software (which is not the latest iOS software update) is up to date then it has worked.

You can also navigate to Settings > General > Profile. If the tvOS 11 Beta Software Profile is listed then it has worked. You should no longer get the prompts asking you to install the latest iOS software update. The latest iOS software update also won’t get downloaded automatically on your device and end up taking up precious storage space.

How to Revert the Changes to Install iOS Software Updates

If you want to revert the changes to install the iOS software updates, then all you need to do is delete the tvOS 11 beta configuration profile by following these steps.

  • Navigate to Settings > General > Profile.
  • Tap on tvOS 11 Beta Software Profile.
  • Tap Remove Profile.
  • Enter the passcode when prompted, and then tap Remove again.

If you’re eagerly waiting for iOS 11.3.1 jailbreak, then it may be a good idea to block iOS software updates, so you don’t accidentally end up installing the iOS 11.4 update.

Let us know how it goes in the comments.