Work Around 'Not Enough Memory' Problem During iOS Update

Edited by Sean Zylow, Eng

During a wireless iOS update, you might see a message that says the update can't be installed because it needs more space than you have on your device. If you see this message, there are a few ways you can update your device:

  • Plug your device into your computer and update using iTunes.
  • Manually remove content from your device and try to update again.

UPDATE USING iTunes

UPDATE USING iTunes 62798.jpg

To download the latest version of iOS using iTunes, follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Install the latest version of iTunes here on your computer.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Plug your device into your computer.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    In iTunes, select your device.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    In the Summary pane, click Check for Update.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  5. 5
    Click Download and Update.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

If you see a different alert message during an update, learn how to resolve it.

DELETE CONTENT MANUALLY

Yassora manage-storage-1.png

If there isn't enough space to download and install an update, iOS 9 tries to make more space. It temporarily removes some downloadable parts of installed apps. You shouldn't need to remove or relocate any content. But in some cases, it's necessary to manually delete some content.

In the Usage Settings menu, you can see how much space your apps use and delete the ones you don't need. You can always re-download your purchased apps or other content later. Follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Tap Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage > Manage Storage.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Select any app to see how much space it uses, and tap Delete App to remove it
    .
    Some apps, such as Music and Videos, let you delete parts of their documents and data.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Install the iOS update again
    .
    Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

You can also reduce the size of your Photo Library by turning on iCloud Photo Library and Optimizing your device storage. Learn more about app storage space and content.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

Comments

Article Info

Categories : IPhone

Recent edits by: Sean Zylow

Share this Article:

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3 times.

x

Thank Our Volunteer Authors.

Would you like to give back to the community by fixing a spelling mistake? Yes | No