Check for and Install iPadOS Updates

Questions

  • How do I update my Bowdoin iPad to the latest iPadOS?
  • How do I check what version of iPadOS my iPad is running?
  • My iPad keeps asking me to update — what should I do?
  • Why can't I install the latest iPadOS update on my Bowdoin iPad?
  • How do I know if my iPad needs a software update?
  • The Software Update button is greyed out on my iPad — why?
  • Is it safe to update my Bowdoin-issued iPad?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin College students and faculty using a college-issued iPad running iPadOS 18 or iPadOS 26. Software updates on Bowdoin iPads are managed through Jamf, Bowdoin's Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. Jamf controls which iPadOS versions are available and may delay updates until they have been tested and approved for the Bowdoin environment.

Resolution

Check your current iPadOS version

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General, then tap About.
  3. Your current iPadOS version is shown next to iPadOS Version.

Check for and install an available update

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General, then tap Software Update.
  3. Your currently installed version is shown. If an update is available and approved by Bowdoin IT, you will see a Download and Install or Install Now button — tap it to proceed.
  4. Enter your iPad passcode if prompted and agree to the terms.
  5. Keep your iPad connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power while the update downloads and installs. The iPad will restart automatically during the process.
Tip: If you received a notification that an update is ready to install, you can tap Install Tonight to let it run automatically overnight while your iPad is charging.

Why an update may not be available yet

Bowdoin IT uses Jamf to test and approve iPadOS updates before making them available to managed devices. A new version released by Apple may not appear on your iPad right away — this is intentional and not a malfunction. Other common reasons an update may not appear or install:

  • The update has not yet been approved and pushed by Bowdoin IT.
  • Your iPad does not have enough free storage to download the update. See Managing iPad Storage Space in the Related Articles section.
  • Your iPad is not connected to Wi-Fi. iPadOS updates cannot be downloaded over cellular or Ethernet without Wi-Fi.
  • A VPN connection is active. VPN or proxy connections can sometimes prevent your iPad from reaching Apple's update servers. Try disconnecting from GlobalProtect before checking for updates.
Update prompt won't go away? If your iPad repeatedly shows an update notification but the update fails to install or the option is greyed out after trying the steps above, contact the Service Desk. There may be an MDM configuration issue that requires IT to resolve.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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Related Articles (1)

Managing iPad Storage Space
How to check and manage storage space on a Bowdoin-issued iPad. Covers checking how much storage is used and what is using it, freeing up space by offloading or deleting apps, managing photos and videos, and clearing browser and app caches.