How to Install iOS 8.1.3 Update on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

iOS 8.1.3 logo

Apple has just released iOS 8.1.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, which bug fixes, increased stability and performance improvements.

If you need help in installing the iOS 8.1.3, then follow our step-by-step guide below.

Compatibility

Please note iOS 8.1.3 is available as a free upgrade for the following iOS devices:

  • iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and iPhone 4s
  • iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad 3 and iPad 2
  • Retina iPad mini, 1st gen iPad mini
  • 5th generation iPod touch

Backup your iOS Device:

It is always a good idea to take a backup of your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch before updating it with the latest iOS software update. (Note that if you choose to encrypt your backup using iTunes, along with normal data, secure information like passwords etc. are also backed up.)

You can back up your iOS device using iTunes or iCloud. If you need help, follow our step-by-step guide by clicking on the appropriate link below.

icloud backup

Jailbreakers

Jailbreakers should avoid the iOS 8.1.3 update as Apple has patched the exploits used by the TaiG jailbreak and PP Jailbreak, which means it can’t be used currently to jailbreak iOS 8.1.3.

➤ iOS 8.1.3 kills TaiG Jailbreak; most likely PP Jailbreak as well

➤ iOS 8.1.3 release: 7 Things Jailbreakers should know

How to install iOS 8.1.3 update wirelessly Over the Air (OTA):

Before you start the download, plug in your device so the battery doesn’t drain during the update process. It can take anywhere from a few mins to an hour for the update to download and install, depending on how Apple’s servers are handling the load and your internet connection. You may also want to connect your iPhone to your local WiFi network, so you don’t get charged for downloading the update over your cellular connection.

Once you are plugged in and connected via Wi-Fi, open the Settings app and tap on General > Software Update. iOS will automatically check for available updates and will inform you that iOS 8.1.3 software update is available.

iOS 8.1 software update OTA

Tap Download to download the update. Wait for the download to complete and then tap Install to apply the update. If you get tired of waiting for the download to finish (it could take a while) then go do something else. Your iPhone or iPad will continue to download the update and will send you a notification when the update is ready.  Go back to Settings > General > Software Update and then tap Install Now to install the now downloaded iOS update file.

Note: Jailbreakers should install the update using iTunes, as OTA updates are known to give problems while jailbreaking an iOS device with Pangu jailbreak.

How to install iOS 8.1.3 update using iTunes:

If you’re not getting the OTA, then you can download the iOS 8.1.3 software update from the official download links provided below and use iTunes to update your iOS device.

Before you plug in your iOS device. take a moment to make sure you are using the latest version of iTunes. Click on iTunes in the menu bar and then click  on “Check for updates.”

Once iTunes is all squared away, it’s time to turn your attention to your iOS device and follow these instructions:

Step 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer using an USB cable. Wait for iTunes to open and connect to your device.

Step 2: Click on device button to the left of the iTunes Store button in the top right corner in iTunes.

Step 3: Click on the “Check for Update” directly without using holding down on the Option key or the Shift key. If the iOS 8.1.3 update is available it will automatically download and update your device to iOS 8.1.3.

Step 4: You will get a popup message informing you the new update is available. Click on Download and Update button. If it says iOS 8.1.3 is the latest version then download the appropriate firmware file using download links provided in step 5.

Step 5: Skip this step if you iOS 8.1.3 was available in Step 3 and 4.

Download the firmware file for your device from our download page for the respective devices [Note the download file is around 1.5GB to 2.0 GB depending on your device]:

Note: If you’re downloading the firmware file using Safari then ensure that auto unzip feature is disabled or use Chrome or Firefox.

After downloading the firmware file, hold the Option key (Mac) or the Shift key (Windows) and  click on the “Check for Update”. Important: Remember to click on the Check for Update button, and not the Restore iPhone button to avoid restoring your iPhone and setting up your device all over again.

Step 6: If you get a popup message informing you that iTunes will update your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch to iOS 8.1.3 and will verify with Apple. Click on the Update button.

Step 7: It will then show you the release notes for iOS 8.1.3. Click on the Next button. Then click on the Agree button for the terms and conditions.

Step 8: iTunes will now download the firmware file (which can take a long time depending on your internet connection as it can be as big as 2.0 GB). After downloading the file, it will process it, extract the software, prepare the device for software update, and install the update.

Step 9: Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished. It can take a few minutes. Your device will be updated to iOS 8.1.3 and reboot once or twice during the process. You will see while Hello screen after it is successfully update. Follow the on-screen instructions to start using the device.

Let us know how it goes. If you need help or have any questions, please use the iOS 8 – iOS 8.1.3 forums. It is the fastest way to get a response from us or someone from the community.

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  • gaucho

    Congratulations Gautam excellent article with all this detailed explanation will be difficult the User have problems updating

  • Grex_Vibra

    Sir, any solution to get back 2G/3G/LTE toggle option in iPhone 6 – 64GB, Airtel India (Assam) ?

  • Peter

    hi, downloaded ios 8.1.3 and the phone is showng me a picture of a charger and a arrow pointing to a itunes logo.
    i will ahave no way of connecting my phone to pc until tonight, is there any way to get my iphone to work?

    • Reza

      Hi Peter, I’d downloaded the same version (8.1.3) but have problem same as your problem(charger and itunes logo). but i have not any previous backup on itunes…
      It may lost all of My important datas???!!!!!!

    • Kanika

      I’m facing the similar problem and not able to figure out the solution to this issue. i have tried updating the system software through iTunes, but it didn’t work. What else can be done. Please help.

      • Gautam

        It looks like you’re stuck in recovery mode. What error are you getting when you try to update through iTunes.

        • Amit Anaghan

          I’d downloaded the same version (8.1.3) but have problem same
          as your problem(charger and itunes logo)……

  • Sandeep Roy

    Ah ! Again. Will wait for 8.2 🙂

  • fastow2012

    by this time with all technological advancement, we should be able to get updates that will not take that much time…by april they’ll be back with something else…

  • bruce

    why is my update saying it will take 8 hours to download??

    • Gautam

      You can use iTunes to update your device. It also depends on the size of the update and your internet connection.

  • Sandyl

    Hi. Completely computer illiterate but wondering why my daughters iPhone is not prompting me to upgrade to IOS 8.1.3 it says there are no updates required and is currently running 7.1.2?????

    • Gautam

      That’s because your daughter’s device may not be compatible with iOS 8.1.3. It needs to be one of the iOS devices mentioned in the article to be eligible for the update.

  • Alan

    I’ve tried updating my iPhone 5 to iOS 8.1.3, twice on wifi and once on iTunes. On all occasions it doesnt work saying my phone is carrupt. Any help or suggestions?

  • BRENDAN-77

    hey i have an iphone 4s and im updating it to iOS 8.1.3 and its taking already 15 hrs and still going.I’m using a wi-fi connection to do the update, could this be why???? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!