Still Rocking an iPhone 6s? Here’s How to Update to iOS 15!

Many users still rely on the dependable iPhone 6s. While Apple has moved on to newer models, the iPhone 6s holds a special place for its durability and functionality. If you’re among those faithful users, you might be wondering if you can still get the latest iOS updates. The good news is: Yes, you can! The iPhone 6s is compatible with iOS 15, bringing a host of new features and improvements to your trusty device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of updating your iPhone 6s to iOS 15, ensuring a smooth and successful upgrade.

Why Update to iOS 15?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly recap why updating to iOS 15 is a good idea, even on an older device like the iPhone 6s:

* **New Features:** iOS 15 introduces several exciting features, including Focus mode, improved FaceTime calls with SharePlay, enhanced Spotlight search, Live Text for copying text from images, redesigned notifications, and improvements to Safari.
* **Security Updates:** Perhaps the most crucial reason to update is security. Apple regularly releases security patches to protect your device from vulnerabilities and malware. Staying on an older iOS version makes your iPhone 6s more susceptible to security threats.
* **Performance Improvements:** While newer iOS versions can sometimes slow down older devices, Apple generally optimizes its software to run efficiently on compatible models. iOS 15 includes performance enhancements that can improve responsiveness and battery life on your iPhone 6s.
* **App Compatibility:** As time goes on, app developers increasingly focus on supporting the latest iOS versions. Updating to iOS 15 ensures that you can continue using your favorite apps and access new ones as they’re released. Some apps might eventually stop supporting older iOS versions, making an update necessary to continue using them.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Updating your iPhone 6s to iOS 15 is generally a straightforward process, but it’s essential to take a few precautions before you start to minimize the risk of data loss or other issues. Here’s a checklist of things to do:

1. **Check Compatibility:** While we’ve already confirmed that the iPhone 6s is compatible, it’s always a good idea to double-check. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are both supported.

2. **Back Up Your iPhone:** This is the MOST IMPORTANT step. Backing up your iPhone ensures that you can restore your data if anything goes wrong during the update process. You can back up your iPhone using two methods:

* **iCloud Backup:**
* Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
* Go to **Settings** > **[Your Name]** > **iCloud**.
* Scroll down and tap **iCloud Backup**.
* Tap **Back Up Now**. Make sure **iCloud Backup** is toggled on. This will automatically back up your device when it’s locked, connected to power, and on Wi-Fi.

* **iTunes (or Finder) Backup:**
* Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
* If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open **Finder**. If you’re using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or a Windows PC, open **iTunes**.
* In Finder or iTunes, select your iPhone from the list of devices.
* Click **Back Up Now**. You can choose to encrypt your backup for added security, which is highly recommended. If you encrypt the backup, you will need to remember the password to restore it later.

3. **Ensure Sufficient Storage Space:** iOS 15 requires a certain amount of free storage space on your iPhone. Check your available storage by going to **Settings** > **General** > **iPhone Storage**. You should aim to have at least 6GB to 8GB of free space for a smooth update. If you’re running low on space, you can free up storage by:

* Deleting unnecessary apps.
* Deleting old photos and videos (after backing them up to iCloud or your computer).
* Clearing your Safari browsing history and website data (**Settings** > **Safari** > **Clear History and Website Data**).
* Removing downloaded music or podcasts you no longer listen to.

4. **Charge Your iPhone:** Make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery life before starting the update. It’s best to plug it into a power source during the entire process to avoid interruptions due to a low battery.

5. **Stable Wi-Fi Connection:** A stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for downloading the iOS 15 update. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be unreliable and potentially insecure.

Updating to iOS 15: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve prepared your iPhone, you’re ready to start the update process. Follow these steps:

1. **Go to Settings:** On your iPhone’s home screen, tap the **Settings** app.

2. **Navigate to General:** In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap **General**.

3. **Select Software Update:** In the General menu, tap **Software Update**.

4. **Wait for the Update to Appear:** Your iPhone will automatically check for available software updates. It may take a few moments for iOS 15 to appear.

5. **Download and Install:** Once iOS 15 appears, you’ll see the option to **Download and Install**. Tap this button to begin downloading the update.

6. **Enter Your Passcode:** You may be prompted to enter your iPhone’s passcode to confirm the update.

7. **Agree to the Terms and Conditions:** After the download is complete, you’ll be presented with Apple’s terms and conditions. Read them carefully, and then tap **Agree** to proceed.

8. **The Update Process:** Your iPhone will now begin installing iOS 15. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your internet speed and the overall size of the update.
* **Important:** During the installation process, your iPhone will restart several times. **Do not interrupt the process by turning off your iPhone or disconnecting it from the power source.** Interrupting the update can cause serious problems and potentially render your iPhone unusable.

9. **Activation:** Once the installation is complete, your iPhone will restart and display the Apple logo with a progress bar. This indicates that the system is booting up and activating the new iOS version.

10. **Welcome Screen:** After the activation is finished, you’ll be greeted with the welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone and restore your data (if necessary).

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

While the update process is generally smooth, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

* **”Unable to Check for Update” Error:** This error usually indicates a problem with your internet connection or Apple’s servers. Try the following:
* **Check your Wi-Fi connection:** Make sure you’re connected to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi network.
* **Restart your iPhone:** A simple restart can often resolve temporary connection issues.
* **Try again later:** Apple’s servers might be experiencing high traffic during peak update times. Wait a few hours and try again.
* **Reset Network Settings:** This should be a last resort, as it will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Transfer or Reset iPhone** > **Reset** > **Reset Network Settings**.

* **”Not Enough Storage” Error:** If you encounter this error, you’ll need to free up more storage space on your iPhone. Refer to the “Ensure Sufficient Storage Space” section above for tips on how to do this.

* **Update Stuck on “Preparing Update” or “Verifying Update”:** This issue can be caused by a slow internet connection or a problem with the downloaded update file. Try the following:
* **Check your Wi-Fi connection:** Ensure you have a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection.
* **Restart your iPhone:** A restart can sometimes clear temporary glitches.
* **Delete the downloaded update and try again:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **iPhone Storage**. Find the iOS update file in the list and delete it. Then, go back to **Settings** > **General** > **Software Update** and download the update again.

* **iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo After Update:** This is a more serious issue that can indicate a problem with the update process. Try the following:
* **Force Restart Your iPhone:**
* Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
* Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
* Press and hold the Side (Power) button until you see the Apple logo.
* **Restore Your iPhone in Recovery Mode:** This is a more advanced troubleshooting step that will erase all data on your iPhone. You’ll need to have a backup of your data to restore it afterward. Connect your iPhone to your computer and follow these steps:
* **Mac with macOS Catalina or later:** Open Finder.
* **Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or Windows PC:** Open iTunes.
* Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode (the steps vary depending on your iPhone model; search online for specific instructions for putting an iPhone 6s into Recovery Mode).
* In Finder or iTunes, you’ll see a message indicating that your iPhone needs to be updated or restored. Click **Restore**.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your iPhone to its factory settings. Once the restore is complete, you can restore your data from your backup.

* **Battery Draining Faster Than Usual After Update:** It’s normal for your battery to drain slightly faster than usual in the days following a major iOS update, as your iPhone re-indexes data and optimizes performance. However, if the battery drain is excessive, try the following:
* **Check Battery Usage:** Go to **Settings** > **Battery** to see which apps are using the most battery power.
* **Adjust Background App Refresh:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Background App Refresh** and limit the apps that can refresh in the background.
* **Disable Location Services for Unnecessary Apps:** Go to **Settings** > **Privacy** > **Location Services** and disable location services for apps that don’t need them.
* **Reset All Settings:** This will reset all your settings to their defaults, but it won’t erase your data. Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Transfer or Reset iPhone** > **Reset** > **Reset All Settings**.

After the Update: Exploring iOS 15 Features on Your iPhone 6s

Congratulations! You’ve successfully updated your iPhone 6s to iOS 15. Now it’s time to explore the new features and improvements. Here are a few things to check out:

* **Focus Mode:** Reduce distractions by filtering notifications and customizing your home screen for different activities. Go to **Settings** > **Focus** to set up Focus modes for work, personal time, sleep, and more.

* **FaceTime Enhancements:** Enjoy improved audio and video quality in FaceTime calls. Use SharePlay to watch movies, listen to music, or share your screen with friends and family during FaceTime calls.

* **Live Text:** Copy text from images in your Photos app, Safari, or Camera app. Simply tap and hold on the text in an image to select, copy, and paste it.

* **Redesigned Notifications:** See a more streamlined and informative notification summary each morning and evening.

* **Safari Improvements:** Enjoy a redesigned Safari interface with a more compact tab bar and improved tab management features.

Conclusion

Updating your iPhone 6s to iOS 15 is a great way to breathe new life into your device and take advantage of the latest features and security updates. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a smooth and successful upgrade. Enjoy your updated iPhone 6s!