Apple releases a new iOS version each year. Updating the iOS to the latest version will allow you to experience new changes, fix bugs, and improve performances, especially when some apps are incompatible with the current operating system. Normally, you can update iOS with iTunes. However, many people try to avoid iTunes since it takes hours to update an iPhone and overwrites the iPhone data during the process.
The good news is that more than one way can quickly update iOS without iTunes. If you don't mean to lose data, come on learning how to update your iPhone without iTunes in this post.
Whether you want to update your iPhone to the latest iOS 26 or the earlier iOS 18/iOS 17, you will get it done with iOS System Recovery in a few minutes. The cutting-edge self-developed algorithm will automatically detect the compatible iOS versions for your iPhone and display them on the computer for you to download. Besides, the software also enables you to downgrade the iOS version if you don't accustom to the iOS 26 features or performances.
The highlights of iOS System Recovery:
How can I update my iPhone without iTunes using iOS System Recovery?
Note: To avoid unnecessary data loss, please back up your iPhone before upgrading your iOS version. You can follow our guide to make a backup within minutes.
01Download iOS System Recovery on your computer
After installing this program on your PC, please open it and choose the iOS System Recovery module on the initial interface.
02Connect your iPhone to the computer
Plug your iPhone into the computer using a USB cable. If asked, tap "Trust" on your iPhone. Next, choose the "Start" button on the program to continue. When you reach the configuration screen, pick "Standard Mode" and then tap the "Optimize" button. The software will match the device information. If necessary, modify the information to the correct ones.
03Upgrade iPhone without iTunes
Then the software will show all the iOS versions your iPhone supports. Select one version from the list and tap "Next" to start downloading the firmware and upgrading your iOS version.
Another choice to install iOS on iPhone without iTunes updating over the air. To smoothly upgrade your iPhone without interruptions, ensure that you have connected your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network and there is enough storage left on your iPhone. As the process may last about 15 minutes, make sure your iPhone has enough power to finish the updating. You can plug your iPhone into a power source during the update.
How do I manually download the iOS update?
iPhone taking forever to update iOS 18/26? Learn why updates get stuck and follow proven fixes to speed up the update process safely.
IPSW is a website that provides all iOS versions for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products. You can download iPhone software without iTunes from IPSW for free and update it using iTunes later. Often, the downloading speed from IPSW is much faster than from Apple Store.
If you prefer this way, follow our steps below to get it done.
|
Methods
|
Requires Computer |
Difficulty Level |
Success Rate |
Best For |
|
iOS System Recovery Tool
|
Yes
|
Easy
|
High
|
Beginners and system issues
|
|
OTA Update
|
No
|
Very Easy
|
Medium
|
Regular users
|
|
IPSW Manual Update
|
Yes
|
Advanced
|
Medium–Low
|
Advanced users
|
Q1. Is it safe to update an iPhone without iTunes?
Yes, it is safe when using official or trusted methods. OTA updates and IPSW files are provided by Apple, while reputable recovery tools are designed to update iOS without damaging your device.
Q2. Why can't my iPhone update via OTA?
Common reasons include insufficient storage space, low battery, unstable Wi-Fi, or system glitches. In some cases, OTA updates may fail if the iOS system is already unstable.
Q3. Can I update my iPhone without Wi-Fi and iTunes?
In most cases, no. OTA updates require Wi-Fi. However, using a computer-based system recovery tool or IPSW file allows you to update iOS without Wi-Fi on the iPhone itself.
Q4. Will updating my iPhone without iTunes cause data loss?
Normally, no. OTA updates and standard updates preserve data. However, system-related issues or incorrect operations may still result in data loss, so backing up your iPhone beforehand is strongly recommended. (Lost All data on iPhone After Update?)
Q5. What should I do if my iPhone gets stuck during the update?
You can restart the iPhone and try again. If the problem persists, using an iOS system recovery tool or reinstalling iOS via IPSW may help complete the update successfully.
Updating your iPhone without iTunes is not only possible but often more convenient. Whether you choose an OTA update for simplicity, an iOS system recovery tool for fixing update issues, or a manual IPSW installation for more control, each method serves a different need. The key is to select the approach that matches your device condition and technical comfort level. Before updating, always ensure your iPhone is backed up to avoid unexpected data loss and ensure a smooth update process.
Related Articles:
How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes? 4 Easy Ways
Lost iPhone Contacts After Update? Here's How to Get Contacts Back
iPhone Won't Slide to Unlock? Here are the Fixes
4 Effective Ways to Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone without Backup
Feedback
Free Download for PC 
Free Download for Mac 
