Checking Compatibility of Your iPad
Before we start updating your older iPad to iOS 14, let us first check the compatibility of your device with this latest operating system from Apple. Not all iPads can run the latest iOS version. In fact, some of the older models may not support it at all. So, let us find out if your iPad is one of them.
To check your iPad’s compatibility with iOS 14, you need to identify the type and model number of your device. To do this, you can go to your iPad’s “Settings” and then tap on “General.” Find and select the “About” option and look for your iPad’s “Model” name and number.
Once you have identified your iPad’s model, you can cross-check it with the list of compatible devices for iOS 14, which we have provided below:
- iPad 7th generation
- iPad 6th generation
- iPad 5th generation
- iPad Air 3rd generation
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Mini 5th generation
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Pro (all models)
If your iPad model is not listed above, it means that your device is too old to support iOS 14. In this case, you can still update your iPad to the latest version of iOS available for your device. However, you may not get all the features that come with iOS 14.
For instance, if your iPad model is an iPad Mini 2 or 3, you can only update to iOS 12.5.4, which is the latest version supported by these models. This means that you cannot get the latest widgets, App Library, or other features exclusive to iOS 14. However, you can still enjoy the updated security features and bug fixes available in iOS 12.5.4.
If your iPad model is one of those listed above, congratulations! You can now proceed with updating your older iPad to iOS 14. In the next section, we will guide you through the steps for downloading and installing iOS 14 on your iPad.
Backing Up Your Data Before Update
Updating your iPad to the latest version of iOS is an exciting moment. It is an opportunity to experience new features and improvements in performance. However, before you dive into updating your device, it is essential to back up your data. This is because updating your iPad can result in data loss if something goes wrong during the process. Below is a guide on how to back up your data before updating your iPad to iOS 14.
1. Backing up Your iPad Using iCloud
iCloud is a great way to back up your data. It can back up your iPad automatically, and you do not need a computer to use it. To back up your iPad using iCloud, follow the steps below:
- Connect your iPad to a Wi-Fi network
- Tap on ‘Settings’ on your home screen
- Tap your name, then ‘iCloud’
- Tap ‘iCloud Backup’
- Toggle the button to turn on ‘iCloud Backup’
- Tap ‘Back Up Now’
It is essential to ensure that your iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi network as backing up your device using iCloud can consume a lot of data.
2. Backing up Your iPad Using iTunes
Backing up your iPad using iTunes is more like backing up to your computer. To get started, you will need a computer with iTunes installed, and a lightning cable to connect your iPad to the computer. Follow the steps below to back up your iPad using iTunes:
- Connect your iPad to your computer using a lightning cable
- Launch iTunes on your computer. If your computer has not updated to the latest version of iTunes, you should update it first.
- Click on the iPad icon at the top of the iTunes window
- In the ‘Summary’ tab, click on ‘Back Up Now’
- Wait for the process to complete
Once the backup process is complete, you can view your backup by clicking on ‘iTunes’ > ‘Preferences’, then ‘Devices’.
3. Tips for a Seamless Backup Process
Backing up your data before updating your iPad to iOS 14 should be a simple process. However, to avoid any issues, you should follow these tips:
- Ensure that you have enough storage space to back up your data. If you are backing up to iCloud, sign in to iCloud.com and check your available storage space. If you are backing up to iTunes, you should check the available space on your computer.
- Make sure that your iPad is connected to a power source during the backup process. If your battery dies during the backup process, your data backup may become corrupted.
- Always strive to have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. An outdated version of iTunes can cause issues during the backup process, resulting in data loss.
Backing up your data is a vital step before updating your iPad to iOS 14. With a backup, you can rest assured that your data is safe and that you can restore your device in the event of data loss during the update process. Using iCloud or iTunes, you can easily back up your iPad data, and by following the tips above, you can have a smooth backup process.
Updating iPad to iOS 14 via iTunes
If you have an older iPad and want to upgrade it to iOS 14, you can do so using iTunes. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need before you get started. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Back up your iPad
Before you start the update process, it’s important to back up your iPad. This will ensure that all of your important data is safe in case something goes wrong during the update. To back up your iPad, connect it to your computer and open iTunes. Select your iPad in the left-hand menu and then click on “Back Up Now.” Make sure that you give the backup enough time to complete before proceeding.
Step 2: Download and install iTunes
If you don’t already have iTunes installed on your computer, you’ll need to download and install it before you can update your iPad to iOS 14. You can download iTunes for free from the Apple website. Follow the installation instructions to install the software on your computer.
Step 3: Connect your iPad to your computer
Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable that came with it. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to unlock your iPad and enter your passcode to give your computer permission to access your device.
Step 4: Select your iPad in iTunes
Once your iPad is connected to your computer, it should appear in the left-hand menu of iTunes. Click on the iPad icon to select it.
Step 5: Check for updates
In the main iTunes window, you should see an “Updates” section. Click on “Check for Updates” to see if an iOS 14 update is available for your iPad. If an update is available, you’ll see a button that says “Download and Update.” Click on this button to start the update process. If you don’t see an update, your iPad may not be compatible with iOS 14.
Step 6: Start the update process
Once you’ve clicked on the “Download and Update” button, the update process will start. It should take around 30 minutes to complete. During this time, your iPad will restart a few times as the update is installed. Make sure that you don’t disconnect your iPad from your computer or turn it off while the update is in progress.
Step 7: Set up your iPad
Once the update is complete, your iPad will restart and you’ll be prompted to set it up again. You’ll need to enter your Apple ID and password, and then follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPad.
Updating your iPad to iOS 14 via iTunes is a simple process, but it’s important to make sure that you follow these steps carefully to avoid any issues. If you encounter any problems during the update process, you can refer to the Apple support website for more information or seek help from a professional technician.
Updating iPad to iOS 14 via Wi-Fi
Updating your iPad to the latest version of iOS 14 is an important step that ensures you have the latest features, security patches and bug fixes. There are different ways to update your iPad to iOS 14, and one of them is via Wi-Fi. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Check if your iPad is compatible with iOS 14
The first step in updating your iPad to iOS 14 via Wi-Fi is to make sure that your iPad is compatible with iOS 14. iOS 14 is compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad Air 2 and later
- iPad mini 4 and later
- iPad 5th generation and later
- iPad Pro (all models)
To check if your iPad is compatible with iOS 14, go to the Settings app on your iPad and tap on “General”, then tap “Software Update”. If your iPad is compatible with iOS 14, you’ll see a message that says “iOS 14 is available”.
Step 2: Back up your iPad
Before you update your iPad to iOS 14, it’s important to back up your iPad. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important data or information in case something goes wrong during the update process. To back up your iPad, go to the Settings app on your iPad and tap on “General”, then tap “Software Update”, and select “Back Up Now”.
Step 3: Connect your iPad to Wi-Fi
Make sure that your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi before you start the update process. To connect your iPad to Wi-Fi, go to the Settings app on your iPad and tap on “Wi-Fi”. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password if prompted.
Step 4: Update your iPad to iOS 14
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’re ready to update your iPad to iOS 14. Here’s how:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPad and tap on “General”
- Tap on “Software Update”
- Your iPad will check for new updates and will display the message “iOS 14 is available”. Tap on “Download and Install”
- Enter your passcode if prompted and agree to the terms and conditions
- Your iPad will start downloading and installing the iOS 14 update. This may take some time depending on your Wi-Fi speed and the size of the update
- Once the update is downloaded, your iPad will restart automatically. You can view the progress of the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update
Final thoughts
Updating your iPad to iOS 14 via Wi-Fi is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Make sure that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, back up your iPad, and follow the update process carefully to ensure a smooth update. By updating your iPad to iOS 14, you’ll have access to new features, security patches, and bug fixes, which can improve your iPad’s performance and overall user experience.
