"I keep trying to delete the latest iPhone update by going to my iPhone storage and clicking 'delete update'. But whenever I click that it doesn't go away, it just keeps appearing. I've tried shutting my phone off and turning it back on but the update is still there. I'm confused as to why the update said 7MB because when I downloaded the update it was a couple GB. Does anyone know how to successfully delete the update? Because clicking the 'delete update' button isn't working."
- from Apple Community
With Apple's latest iOS 26 release, many users have noticed that their iPhones and iPads automatically download the update — even if they're not ready to install it yet. These iOS update files can quietly occupy several gigabytes of storage space, slowing down your device or preventing new apps and media from being saved.
If you prefer to stay on your current version or simply want to free up storage, knowing how to delete iOS update safely and completely is essential. In this complete guide, we'll show you several effective methods to remove iOS update files.
One of the easiest ways to delete an iOS update file is through your device's built-in Settings app. This method is simple, safe, and doesn't require a computer or external software. Depending on your iOS version, the steps may differ slightly.
For iOS 11 or Earlier:
In older iOS versions, update files are stored in a different menu. Follow these steps to delete them manually:
Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and navigate to "General".
Step 2. Tap on "iPhone Storage". (iPhone storage not loading?)
Step 3. Find and select the iOS software update that's bothering you.
Step 4. Tap "Delete Update", then confirm your choice to remove it.
For iOS 11 Later:
On iOS 11 and later versions, such as iOS 17, iOS 18, and the latest iOS 26, deleting an update file has become even more straightforward. Here is how to delete iOS update 26:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage".
Step 2. Wait for the system to analyze your storage.
Step 3. Scroll down to find the downloaded software update and tap on it.
Step 4. Tap it, then choose "Delete Update".
Step 5. Confirm your choice to remove the file.
If your device has already installed the latest iOS 26 but you wish to roll back to an older version, deleting the downloaded update file won't help. Instead, you'll need to use iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs) to restore your iPhone/iPad to a previous iOS version.
Make sure you have backed up your important iOS data. This way, after uninstalling the iOS update, you can restore from the archived backup.
Here is how to uninstall iOS update 26 with iTunes:
Step 1. First, ensure that iTunes is updated to the latest version. Then, connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2. You'll need to put your device into recovery mode, and the steps for this may vary depending on the iPhone model you have. (iPhone stuck in recovery mode?)
Step 3. Once the recovery window pops up, select "Restore" to erase your device and revert to the original iOS version. The restore process may take several minutes to complete.
Step 4. Afterward, sign in with your Apple ID and password to disable the activation lock.
Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone, making sure to restore from an earlier backup that matches the previous iOS version.
While the above methods can delete iOS updates, they might not remove hidden system caches or leftover files. If you want a complete and secure cleanup, the best option is to use a professional tool like Coolmuster iOS Eraser.
Coolmuster iOS Eraser is a dedicated iPhone cleaning and data-erasing tool designed to permanently delete unwanted files, including iOS updates, system junk, cache, app leftovers, and more. It ensures your device stays fast, private, and clutter-free. The tool works on both Windows and Mac and supports the latest iPhone 17 and iOS 26.
Key features of iOS Eraser:
Here is how to delete iOS updates on iPhone/iPad using iOS Eraser:
01Connect your iDevice to your computer using a USB cable. The software will automatically detect the device, and once connected, the main interface will load, ready to begin the erasure process.
02Click the "Erase" button, choose your desired security level (Low, Medium, or High), and confirm by selecting "OK".
03When prompted, type "delete" to confirm, then click "Erase" again. A final confirmation will pop up; click "OK" to proceed with the permanent deletion.
04Once the process is complete, all data on your device will be permanently erased and cannot be recovered. You can now set up your iDevice as new.
Video Tutorial:
Q1. Why can't I delete the iOS update file?
Possible reasons include:
You can try restarting your device and then revisit the iPhone Storage page to attempt the deletion again.
Q2. How do I stop iOS from automatically downloading updates?
To disable automatic iOS updates:
This will stop your device from automatically downloading future updates.。
Q3. Can you undo a software update on an iPhone?
If you've already installed the new system, you can only restore an older iOS version through iTunes or third-party tools (as long as the old version is still signed). Otherwise, you cannot directly "undo" the update.
Q4. Will deleting the iOS update affect my phone's data?
No. Only the update package will be deleted, and it won't affect your photos, contacts, or other personal data.
Q5. Can I download the update again after deleting it?
Of course. You can always go back to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" to download the latest system version again.
Knowing how to delete iOS update gives you full control over your iPhone or iPad, especially now that updates like iOS 26 can automatically download in the background. If you only need to free up storage space, deleting the update through Settings is quick and effective. For users wanting to downgrade to an older iOS, iTunes provides the solution.
But if you want to completely erase iOS update files, including all hidden caches and remnants, Coolmuster iOS Eraser is the best and safest choice. It not only removes iOS update files permanently but also keeps your iPhone clean, private, and optimized for the best performance.
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