How to Update to iOS 6.1

Apple released iOS 6.1 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch today, giving users access to bug fixes and new features across the lineup of Apple devices.

iOS 6.1 is a small release, but it is one that most users will want to download to gain security fixes, new Siri features, iTunes Match enhancements and other fixes.

Perhaps the biggest new feature is that users can purchase movie tickets using Siri and Fandango in the U.S.

Updating to iOS 6.1 will likely take 15 to 30 minutes, not including backing up the iPhone.

iOS 6.1 is now available to install.

iOS 6.1 is a free update for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS, as well as the iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad 4. It is also available for the iPod touch 4th and 5th generation.

What to Do Before Updating to iOS 6.1

Before you update to iOS 6.1 it is a good idea to backup the iPhone or iPad to iTunes or iCloud. It is unlikely that something will go wrong, but it is best to have a recent update in case something happens. To do this, plug in to your computer and click on the iPhone in the upper right. Next, click on Back Up Now.

Back up the iPhone or iPad before iOS 6.1.

It is also a good idea to transfer purchases to the computer so it is faster to sync them back to the iPhone or iPad. To do this, click on File -> Devices -> Transfer Purchases From “iPhone Name”.

How to Update to iOS 6.1

Users can update to iOS 6.1 on their phone while connected to WiFi or by plugging in to their computer. The first method we will show allows users to update to iOS 6.1 from anywhere so long as they are connected to WiFi and have enough battery life.

On the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

While updating to iOS 6.1 you will not be able to use the iPhone, this includes making calls or sending messages.

Tap Settings.

Tap General.

Tap Software Update.

After selecting software update the iPhone or iPad will check for updates.

Tap to install iOS 6.1.

The iPhone should now show a iOS 6.1 download option. Tap download and let the update download to the device. When prompted, Tap Download and Install.

On a Mac or PC

To perform the update on a computer, follow these directions.

click her to start the iOS 6.1 update process.

Plug the iPhone or iPad in to the computer and open iTunes. In the upper right side, click on the iPhone icon. Next, click on Summary on the left side of the screen.

Click on summary for the update option.

From here, click on Check for Update. and wait for the prompt to appear showing that iOS 6.1 is available. This may take multiple tries.

Check for the iOS 6.1 update.

When available, click Download and Install to start the installation of iOS 6.1. Wait for the IOS 6.1 file to download and then iTunes will update the iPhone or iPad to iOS 6.1.

After the update is complete, users may need to enter their iCloud login information to keep using the phone with iMessage.