How to Fix iOS 7 “Software Update Failed/Unavailable” Error [PIC]

Just under an hour ago iOS 7 was released to the masses, which meant everybody started to download the over-the-air update right from the iPhones, iPads or iPod touch units. That crushing demand seems to overwhelm Apple’s servers year after year.

Thus, many users have started to experience “Software Update Failed” messages which say “An error occurred download iOS 7.0”, as seen below:

IMG 2697

How to fix this? The answer is patience and persistence. Keep trying to download the update again, or if you can, wait until later on in the day when initial demand dies down. You’ll eventually get through and the update will finished downloading and install. Of course, you could also try installing the update via iTunes as well, but that’s no fun!

Update: Direct download links for iOS 7 are right here.

Update 2: Many are also experiencing a “Software Update Unavailable” error after trying to verify their update. This is also related to Apple’s servers being slammed due to high traffic and demand. Keep trying or hold off and come back after a couple hours (images below via @paulast0lf0):

software update unavailable

ios-7-verifying-update

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Chrome262
Chrome262
12 years ago

its actually better for iTunes to download it first, especially if there are server issues, that way its fully downloaded over time and ready to go.

nonameusa
nonameusa
Reply to  Chrome262
12 years ago

Maybe I’ll try the iTunes download overnight.

Chrome262
Chrome262
Reply to  nonameusa
12 years ago

I got it to work finally, after multiple tries. I even had issues installing it, as it would give me errors as well, even though it was downloaded. But finally got it and its amazing.

guest
guest
Reply to  nonameusa
12 years ago

I tried downloading with iTunes overnight. It failed as well. 🙁

elitegamesnadosoftwares.blogsp
elitegamesnadosoftwares.blogsp
Reply to  Chrome262
12 years ago

Yepp i’ve downloaded it from itunes and i need to update soon

nonameusa
nonameusa
12 years ago

My favorite feature so far is the “Software Update Failed” feature.

Gary
Reply to  nonameusa
12 years ago

LOL

Judy B
Judy B
Reply to  Gary
12 years ago

Yeah, it rocks!!????

Mikef2007
Mikef2007
12 years ago

got mine!

peeps
peeps
Reply to  Mikef2007
12 years ago

fucker…

Judy B
Judy B
12 years ago

The updated downloaded, it just won’t INSTALL! What’s THAT about?!?!:(

Mike
Mike
Reply to  Judy B
12 years ago

Same here, DLed, prepped then said update not available(iPhone 4)

Stroodle
Stroodle
Reply to  Mike
12 years ago

same here, but after trying again it did go through (4S)

Mike
Mike
Reply to  Mike
12 years ago

rebooted phone and it started install after a few seconds, just finished and is welcoming me with words that I will assume are hello in various languages;)

bob
bob
12 years ago

didn’t take long 6th try it worked

Fernando Fonseca
12 years ago

Was able to download but now I’m getting a brand new “feature” :
“Software Update Unavailable: Software Update is not available at this time. Please try again later”
iOS 7 is living up to the expectations of bringing a new whole user experience, that starts immediately BEFORE you install it.

WatDah
WatDah
Reply to  Fernando Fonseca
12 years ago

Have patience, I got that 7 times, and now I’m at the Apple logo screen updating. It will go through eventually. And I started everything at 10:02 this morning. Keep in mind millions of people around the world are doing this at the same time.

Fernando Fonseca
Reply to  WatDah
12 years ago

I think that Apple, not me, should have kept that in mind and act accordingly before releasing the update 😉

WatDah
WatDah
Reply to  Fernando Fonseca
12 years ago

And they’re doing a pretty good job considering the amount of people clicking at the same time.
I’m done updating btw. Good luck and enjoy!

AppleFails
AppleFails
Reply to  Fernando Fonseca
12 years ago

You figure they would be smart enough to expand their servers because of this. Year after year this occurs and it is stupid.

kodakumis
kodakumis
12 years ago

Wow, awesome. What a totally useful and informative article.

jay
jay
12 years ago

Mine worked first try, starter at 10am was installed about 10:30am no errors and went through flawless as per usual. Great job apple!

EHopkins
EHopkins
12 years ago

watch?v=pNMAmqYq6ik

Jason
Jason
12 years ago

I tried like 20 times, once I turned off wifi and used 3G, it worked!!

MikeJenkinson
MikeJenkinson
12 years ago

The best thing is to always wait until the next day, as the Day 1 server crashing is just too frustrating. Or install the GM release a week before. 🙂

Gary
Reply to  MikeJenkinson
12 years ago

That’s cheating lol

MikeJenkinson
MikeJenkinson
Reply to  Gary
12 years ago

I prefer to think of it as getting a head start so I can hand-hold the rest of my family through all the changes. 🙂

elitegamesnadosoftwares.blogsp
elitegamesnadosoftwares.blogsp
12 years ago

this should be fixed soon! getting very angrry over here!!!!!!!

Gneiss
Gneiss
12 years ago

When I tried to download the new iOS it factory reset my phone deleting all my apps and it didn’t even have the new iOS adterwards

Surd
Surd
12 years ago

Toggle between wifi/3G to try ur luck!!
At least worked for meo/

Grrrrr
Grrrrr
12 years ago

How do you open itunes?

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