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How to Install iOS 7.1

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This guide will show users how to install iOS 7.1 on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. iOS 7.1 is a free update for any device running iOS 7 or patched versions of iOS 7.

We will show users how to prepare for the iOS 7.1 update and how to install the iOS 7.1 update on supported Apple products. It is a good idea to perform the iOS 7.1 update when at home to avoid ending up with an unusable iPhone if something goes wrong. This is a very slim chance for major issues when performing the iOS 7.1 upgrade, but it is a good idea to avoid doing it at work or while mobile.

The iOS 7.1 release arrived Monday March 10th at 1PM eastern as an over the air update that users can download to the iPhone or iPad directly and as a download that users can apply in iTunes.

Prepare for the iOS 7.1 Update

The iOS 7.1 update is available to install right now, but before you hit download you should take a few steps to make sure things go smoothly. We have a list of 7 things to do before you install iOS 7.1, which is recommended reading.

The biggest steps are to backup the iPhone or iPad and to check with IT if you are using a work issued iPhone or iPad to make sure that there are no issues with custom and work specific software and apps.

How Long Does the iOS 7.1 Update Take

There is no single answer to how long the iOS 7.1 update takes to install, but in our experience the update installs and completes in about 15 to 20 minutes. On one of the test iPhones in at Gotta Be Mobile the update is still going after 40 minutes, but this appears to be an outlier. We suggest users plan on at least 30 minutes to download and install iOS 7.1, but it could take longer so unless you have time to spare it is best to wait until you can dedicate the right amount of time.

How to Install iOS 7.1

There is no need to plug in to the computer to upgrade to iOS 7.1 update, though it is an option if the iPhone or iPad does not see any updates available.

The most important thing to remember before starting to install iOS 7.1 is that during the actual installation process you can not use the iPhone or iPad in any way. This means you will not be able to surf the web, use email, make a phone call or send a message. You can perform these activities while downloading the update, but when the phone reboots to install iOS 7.1 you will not be able to use the phone for a period of 10 to 15 minutes.

Open Settings to start the iOS 7.1 update.

Open Settings to start the iOS 7.1 update.

1. Open the Settings App. On the home screen of the iPhone you should see a Settings icon which will allow you to open the main settings page.

How to install iOS 7.1

How to install iOS 7.1

Next tap on General and then on Software Update. On this screen the iPhone or iPad will search for an update. It may take a minute or two to find that there is an iOS 7.1 update available.

Tap on Download and Install to start installing iOS 7.1

Tap on Download and Install to start installing iOS 7.1

2. Tap on Download and Install. Once found tap on the Download and Install button at the bottom of the screen. this will start the update. On our devices the size of the iOS 7.1 update ranged from 265MB to 1.4GB. You will need to download this update over a WiFi network and will need at least 50% power to download and install iOS 7.1.

Wait for the iOS 7.1 download to complete before installation starts.

Wait for the iOS 7.1 download to complete before installation starts.

3. After tapping Download and Install wait while the iOS 7.1 update downloads. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your connection speed, demand on Apple’s servers and other factors. During this time you can continue to use the iPhone or iPad, but be prepared for a pop up letting you know that iOS 7.1 is ready to install.

You will see this screen at least once before the iOS 7.1 update is finished.

You will see this screen at least once before the iOS 7.1 update is finished.

4. Wait for the Install to complete. When the iPhone or iPad reboots to install iOS 7.1 you will see a small Apple icon on the screen and a progress bar under it. This may complete twice before the device is ready to use. When the iPhone or iPad reboots to the lock screen the iOS 7.1 update is complete and the device is ready to use.

How to Install iOS 7.1 in iTunes

If you cannot update to iOS 7.1 through the settings and an over the air update you will need to plug into iTunes. This will install the same iOS 7.1 file, so either way will get you the new iOS 7.1 features and fixes. If you run into trouble, plug the iPhone into a computer and open iTunes.

If needed allow the iPhone or iPad to complete a backup and sync. When this is done, click on the iPhone icon in the upper right. On this screen you should see an option to Check for Update. Click that.

You can use iTunes to install iOS 7.1.

You can use iTunes to install iOS 7.1.

iTunes should find the iOS 7.1 update and prompt the user to download and install iOS 7.1 for the iPhone or iPad. This process will take about 15 to 30 minutes on average, though it could take a bit longer. Plan to leave the iPhone or iPad connected until the update is complete.

If you run into any iOS 7.1 update problems leave a comment below.

24 Comments

24 Comments

  1. matt

    03/10/2014 at 7:08 pm

    wasn’t there supposed to be an optional natural sounding voice pack fro siri that i was supposed to download manually ?

  2. Julianne

    03/10/2014 at 7:44 pm

    I could not get it to download onto my 4s. I do not have a computer currently to plug in to. Thanks for your help!

  3. Jon

    03/10/2014 at 8:52 pm

    Ditto same as above can’t get it to download

  4. Maria

    03/10/2014 at 9:15 pm

    My iPhone keeps changing from 7 to 12 hours help

  5. Herman

    03/10/2014 at 9:30 pm

    How do we activate carplay?

  6. aiwann

    03/10/2014 at 11:38 pm

    my ipad mini is 7.0.6 and it says your software is up to date……

  7. James

    03/11/2014 at 3:08 am

    It has been more than one hour and still cannot get iPad to turn on

  8. Frank

    03/11/2014 at 4:58 am

    Cannot access iTunes after update?

  9. swaroop

    03/11/2014 at 9:49 am

    i was able to download and install with wifi but after rebooting iOS 7.1 is not available it is still iOS 7.0.X.. please help… fyi I am using iPhone4

  10. Paul B.

    03/11/2014 at 1:03 pm

    Iphone4, updated to ios7.1, phone now seams to be in a loop, buzz twice, shows apple icon, goes blank, icon comes back on, off again, ping sound, then ping sound, ping sound… For over 3hours now. Tried to reboot, get apple icon, the the above repeats. Traveling, so I have no computer to connect to. This message sent from my iPad Air, which updated to ios7.1 with no problem.

  11. Dennis A

    03/11/2014 at 1:21 pm

    have the same problem as Paul B…but on ipad 2

  12. Vincent

    03/11/2014 at 4:47 pm

    The update was only 152 mb on my iphone 4..
    Was this the same for anyone else?

  13. Shani

    03/11/2014 at 10:09 pm

    Did they fix WIFI issues in 7.1 ? The major issue was wifi in iso 7 every user of iphone is suffering by this issue…..

  14. Shani

    03/11/2014 at 10:12 pm

    We are so frustrated by apple and secared to update any new update as the old update messed up all users of apple. kindly this is my request to all users to console with app to fix wifi issues in new update ASAP thxx

  15. Shani

    03/11/2014 at 10:19 pm

    We are so frustrated by apple and secared to update any new update as the old update messed up all users of apple. kindly this is my request to all users to console with app to fix wifi issues in new update ASAP thxx plz let me know

  16. Paul B.

    03/13/2014 at 12:10 pm

    It’s been days and iPhone still not working, thought I might get some help from this site, guess I was wrong. Still traveling with no computer access available.

  17. Dawn F

    03/16/2014 at 7:35 am

    My phone will not come back on? Any suggestions?

  18. Martin

    03/16/2014 at 4:17 pm

    My iPad, when going to the update, tells me it needs 1.6 GB to install and that I don’t have enough space available. I had 13.5 GB’s but upgraded with 20 GB’s more. Still the same message. ; (

  19. Rob

    03/17/2014 at 9:35 am

    Downloaded 7.1 onto 4S and the wifi stopped working.
    followed every possible suggestion on the net but still not working.
    i am extremly frustrated at Apple.
    I contatced them in the USA and my phone does not even appear on their register even though it was purchsed from an SP.

  20. Paul B.

    03/17/2014 at 9:52 am

    Advice to bloggers, this sight has no value, other than a site to B*tch. No responses of any kind, GottaBeMobile is a waste of time. Goodbye!!

  21. gllgbnaf69

    03/20/2014 at 7:46 pm

    how the f.ck can we down grade to iOS 7.0.6???? 7.1 is so screwed up

  22. Eyong Delphine Ebangha

    06/18/2014 at 10:03 pm

    Cannot fine the download and install under settings and general when using wifi and cannot also fine iTunes tool bar when using a landline connecton

  23. Anna

    07/04/2014 at 8:57 pm

    It has been over three hours and the download on my 4s is still not complete. Is this normal?

  24. Alicia

    07/10/2014 at 2:14 pm

    I have iphone 5, and downloading it now, when I agree to it, it completely shut down where all you can see is the apple sign and the loading line, it’s been over 2 hours, and I can`t seem to be able to shut my phone down or do anything with it. Help.

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