How to Delete an iOS Software Update from iPhone or iPad

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When there’s a new software update available for your iOS device, it will be automatically downloaded when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. While this is not a big issue, the most annoying part is that you will receive constant reminders and popups to update your device to the latest firmware.

Additionally, some iOS updates consume a lot of space so if you’re running low on storage, then keeping these updates on your device is not an option. Luckily, there is a way to delete the downloaded software updates from your iPhone and iPad and put an end to the constant reminders, as well as free up some space.

Here’s how to delete an iOS update from your iPhone or iPad.

How to Delete an iOS Software Update from iPhone or iPad

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to General > Storage & iCloud Usage.

delete ios software update

Step 3: Tap on Manage Storage.

delete ios software update

Step 4: Here you’ll find a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone or iPad as well as the storage space that they consume. The downloaded software update will be displayed on this list as well. Find and tap on it to open.

delete ios software update

Step 5: Now tap on the Delete Update button to remove the downloaded software update from your device.

Once you delete it, you’ll no longer receive the annoying update prompts and popups. However, the downside is that the update will be downloaded again the next time you connect to Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, you cannot disable the automatic download of software updates, but there is a workaround.

How to Disable Automatic Download of iOS Software Updates

While Apple doesn’t allow you to disable the automatic download of software updates, you can block the Apple Software Update Domains from your router. This prevents your iPhone from connecting to Apple servers for downloading the update. Keep in mind, updating your iPhone in good practice, so we can’t recommend blocking updates, but it is possible.

The method for blocking the Apple Software Update Domains differs for each router. Basically, you open your router’s web-based control panel or interface and look for an option called “Domain Blocking” or “Domain Block”. There you’ll enter the following two domains:

  • appldnld.apple.com
  • mesu.apple.com

This will prevent your iOS device from connecting to the above domains when there’s an update available, thereby preventing the software update from being downloaded.

Keep in mind that by blocking these domains on your router, any Apple device connected to your network will not be able to download the software updates. However, you can remove these domains at any time from your router’s configuration.

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