Trying to update your iPhone 11 Pro Max but keep getting a “Software Update Failed” error? You’re not alone. While iOS updates are usually smooth, they can sometimes run into problems — especially if your internet is unstable, storage is low, or a random glitch gets in the way.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix your iPhone 11 Pro Max when it won’t update.
1. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can clear up minor software glitches that may be interfering with the update.
To restart:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off the phone.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.
If your phone is stuck or unresponsive, do a force restart:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
2. Refresh Your Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the most common causes of update failures.
Try these:
- Toggle Wi-Fi off and back on:
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > turn off Wi-Fi, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. - Use the Airplane Mode trick:
Go to Settings > Airplane Mode > turn it ON, wait 10 seconds, then turn it OFF. - Forget and reconnect to your Wi-Fi:
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the “i” next to your network > Forget This Network, then reconnect. - Restart your router:
Unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to reconnect.
3. Check Storage Space
You need enough free space to download and install iOS updates — usually at least 3–5 GB.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Delete unused apps, large videos, or cache-heavy files if needed.
4. Turn Off Content & Privacy Restrictions
Restrictions may block updates in some cases.
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enter your Screen Time passcode (if prompted).
- Toggle Content & Privacy Restrictions OFF.
- Restart your phone, then try updating again.
5. Reset All Settings
Bad settings can sometimes block updates. This reset won’t delete your data — just your system preferences.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Once your iPhone restarts, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try the update again.
6. Update Using iTunes or Finder
If over-the-air updates keep failing, use a computer to install the update manually.
Here’s how:
- Plug your iPhone into a Mac or PC using a Lightning cable.
- Open Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows or older macOS).
- Select your iPhone when it appears.
- Click Check for Update, then click Download and Update.
- Follow the prompts and enter your passcode if required.
This method often succeeds when OTA updates fail.
7. Do a Factory Reset and Fresh Install (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a factory reset can wipe out stubborn bugs and install a fresh copy of iOS.
⚠️ Back up your iPhone first. This will erase all your data.
- Open iTunes or Finder and connect your iPhone.
- Choose Restore iPhone from the Summary panel.
- Confirm and let the process complete.
After the restore, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from your backup.
Still Not Updating?
If you’re still seeing update errors:
- Check Apple’s System Status page to see if the update server is down.
- Try again later — update servers can get overloaded, especially on release day.
- Contact Apple Support for further help.