How to download and install iOS 16.3.1 on your iPhone

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The latest version of iOS is here, so it's time to download it! Here's how.

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Apple's latest software update for iPhone, iOS 16.3.1 brings security updates and bug fixes to iOS 16. If you've got an iPhone then here's how to update to the latest software so you have the best experience possible with your Apple device.

What's new in iOS 16.3.1?

iOS 16.3.1 is focused on bringing security updates and bug fixes to the best iPhones on the market. There aren't many new features her but everyone should update to 16.3.1 to make sure your device is safe from any vulnerabilities.

Apple's release notes state that iOS 16.3.1 fixes an issue with unresponsive iCloud settings and a Siri bug which impacted Find My requests. The release also adds further Crash Detection optimization for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. 

iOS 16.3.1 release notes

  • This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including:
    • iCloud settings may be unresponsive or incorrectly display if apps are using iCloud
    • Siri requests for Find My may not work
    • Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models

How to install iOS 16.3.1 update using Software Update on your iPhone

The easiest way for most people to download iOS is over-the-air, directly on their device. It's fast, it's efficient, and it's simple to do.

How to download iOS 16.3.1 on iPhone

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  1. Make sure you have a recent iCloud backup

  2. Launch Settings from your Home screen

  3. Tap General

  4. Tap Software Update

  5. Tap Download and Install

  6. Enter your Passcode, if prompted

  7. Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions

  8. Tap Agree again to confirm

The download will begin automatically. If the download does not begin right away, you may see a notice: "Preparing to download." Give it a couple of minutes and the download should start.

How to install the iOS update using your Mac

If you have limited space on your device or Software Update isn't working for whatever reason, you can update using your Mac. Simply connect your iPhone via USB and head to Finder on MacOS Catalina and newer. 

  1. Make sure you have a recent backup
  2. Plug your iPhone in using your USB to Lightning
  3. Under Finder, click on the device icon at the top left to go to the device tab
  4. Click on Check for Update in the Summary pane
  5. Click on Download and Update
  6. Agree to the Terms and Conditions
  7. Enter the Passcode on your iPhone if prompted

As you can see, the process for getting iOS 16.3.1 on your iPhone is very easy and straightforward. The easiest way is definitely over-the-air, but it isn't always the fastest. If you want to get done sooner, then the fastest way is by updating with a Mac or PC through Finder/iTunes.

iOS 16 is filled with features that improve your iPhone experience, including Lock Screen customization and better Maps. Check out Everything you need to know about iOS 16 to learn more about what the latest major iPhone software has to offer. 

John-Anthony Disotto
John-Anthony Disotto
How To Editor

John-Anthony Disotto is the How To Editor of iMore, ensuring you can get the most from your Apple products and helping fix things when your technology isn’t behaving itself. Living in Scotland, where he worked for Apple as a technician focused on iOS and iPhone repairs at the Genius Bar, John-Anthony has used the Apple ecosystem for over a decade and prides himself in his ability to complete his Apple Watch activity rings. John-Anthony has previously worked in editorial for collectable TCG websites and graduated from The University of Strathclyde where he won the Scottish Student Journalism Award for Website of the Year as Editor-in-Chief of his university paper. He is also an avid film geek, having previously written film reviews and received the Edinburgh International Film Festival Student Critics award in 2019.  John-Anthony also loves to tinker with other non-Apple technology and enjoys playing around with game emulation and Linux on his Steam Deck.

In his spare time, John-Anthony can be found watching any sport under the sun from football to darts, taking the term “Lego house” far too literally as he runs out of space to display any more plastic bricks, or chilling on the couch with his French Bulldog, Kermit.