This step-by-step guide shows you how to turn on automatic updates if you use an iMac & MacBook, and iPhone & iPad.
First published October 2019
Introduction
What are automatic updates?
New, improved or fixed versions of software installed on your computers or mobile devices.
Automatic updates allow you to keep your software updated without having to check for and install them manually.
Why is it important to turn it on?
Saving you time and worry, automatic updates are an important part of keeping your data safe.
Automatic updates protect your software from malware and hacking attempts. Without user intervention, they also keep your machine up to date and efficient.
Where do I turn it on?
How to turn on automatic updates can differ depending on your operating system and your software applications (“apps”).
This guide steps you through turning on automatic updates on an iMac & MacBook, and iPhone & iPad.
To turn on automatic updates for Windows, please refer to the Step-by-Step Guide to turning on Automatic Updates (For Windows).
Step 1 for iMac & MacBook
Check what operating system you are currently using
An operating system is the most important piece of software on your computer. It manages your computer’s hardware and all its programs. The steps to enable automatic updates depends on your operating system and edition.
To learn what operating system you're using:
- Click the Apple icon in the Finder bar at the top left corner of your screen
- Select About This Mac
- In the resulting window, you will see the name of the iOS you have installed under the Overview tab. Directly below that is the Version Number. The screenshot below indicates the operating system is macOS High Sierra.
Step 2 for iMac & MacBook
Turn on automatic updates for your operating system
Automatic updates for all operating systems, including for Mac, are important in keeping your device secure.
Mac High Sierra & Mojave:
- Click the Apple icon in the Finder bar > Select System Preferences
- Click Software Update icon
- Click to tick the Automatically keep my Mac up-to-date
Step 3 for iMac & MacBook
Turn on automatic updates for your apps
In addition to turning on automatic updates for your OS, it is recommended you also turn on automatic updates for your software applications (“apps”).
NOTE: Automatic app updates for Mojave operating systems can be enabled when you turn on automatic updates for your operating system (see Advanced Settings Step 2 and 3 for further detail).
- Click the Apple icon in the Finder bar at the top left corner of your screen, and select System Preferences
- Open the App Store
- To turn on Automatic Updates, select Automatically check for updates. Ensure all other check boxes are activated to guarantee installation
- If you cannot activate the check boxes, click on the padlock and enter your details to unlock
Step 1 for iPhone & iPad
Check what operating system you are currently using
An operating system is the most important piece of software on your portable device. It manages your device's hardware and all its apps.
To learn what operating system you're using:
- Tap Settings > tap on General.
- Tap About
- In the resulting screen, you will see the version of the iOS you have installed. The screenshot below indicates the operating system is iOS 12.4.1
Step 2 for iPhone & iPad
Turn on automatic updates for your operating system
- Tap Settings > tap on General > tap on Software Update
- Tap on tap on Software Update
- Tap to turn on Automatic Updates
Step 3 for iPhone & iPad
Turn on automatic updates for apps
In addition to turning on automatic updates for your iOS, it is recommended you also turn on automatic updates for your app.
- Tap Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store
- Turn on the content that you want to automatically download
- To get Automatic Updates for apps, turn on Updates. Any new versions of apps that you currently have on your device will automatically download when they're available
Date
October 9th, 2019