Hey guys! So, you're looking to update your iPhone 6s Plus to iOS 13? Awesome! iOS 13 brought a ton of cool features like Dark Mode, enhanced privacy settings, and performance improvements. While it's not the latest iOS version anymore, it's still a solid update that can breathe new life into your trusty iPhone 6s Plus. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your phone updated smoothly. Let’s dive in!

Why Update to iOS 13?

Before we get started, you might be wondering, “Why should I even bother updating to iOS 13 on my iPhone 6s Plus?” Well, there are several compelling reasons. First off, iOS 13 introduced Dark Mode, which not only looks sleek but also helps reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. This feature alone can significantly improve your user experience, making it easier and more comfortable to use your iPhone at night.

Another major benefit is the enhanced privacy features. Apple has always been a strong advocate for user privacy, and iOS 13 took this commitment even further. With features like Sign In with Apple, you can create accounts on apps and websites without revealing your personal email address. Additionally, iOS 13 provides more granular control over location data, allowing you to choose whether to share your location always, only when using the app, or not at all. These privacy enhancements give you greater peace of mind and control over your personal information.

Performance improvements are also a key reason to update. iOS 13 includes optimizations that make your iPhone 6s Plus feel snappier and more responsive. Apps launch faster, and overall system performance is improved, providing a smoother and more enjoyable user experience. While the iPhone 6s Plus is an older device, iOS 13 helps to keep it running efficiently.

Moreover, updating to iOS 13 ensures that you have the latest security patches. Security is paramount, and each iOS update includes fixes for known vulnerabilities. By staying up to date, you protect your device from potential threats and ensure that your data remains secure. Running an outdated operating system can leave your device exposed to security risks, so it’s always a good idea to install the latest updates.

Finally, many apps require the latest iOS versions to function properly. As developers release new versions of their apps, they often take advantage of the latest features and technologies available in the newest iOS releases. By updating to iOS 13, you ensure that you can continue to use your favorite apps without any compatibility issues. This is particularly important for apps that you rely on for communication, productivity, or entertainment.

Before You Begin: Preparation is Key

Okay, so you're convinced that updating to iOS 13 is a good idea. Great! But before you jump right in, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. Trust me, a little bit of preparation can save you a lot of headaches down the road. The first and most crucial step is to back up your iPhone. Imagine something going wrong during the update process and losing all your precious photos, contacts, and messages. Nightmare, right? So, let’s avoid that.

There are two main ways to back up your iPhone: using iCloud or using your computer. If you have iCloud enabled, your iPhone probably backs up automatically when it's connected to Wi-Fi and charging. However, it's always a good idea to perform a manual backup just to be sure. To do this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.” Make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as the backup process can take a while.

Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable, open iTunes (or Finder), and select your device. Then, click “Back Up Now.” You can also choose to encrypt your backup, which is a good idea if you want to protect sensitive data. Just remember to keep your encryption password safe!

Next up, make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged. The update process can take some time, and you don't want your iPhone to die in the middle of it. Ideally, you should have at least 50% battery life before starting the update. If your battery is running low, plug your iPhone into a charger and let it charge for a while before proceeding.

Another important step is to ensure you have enough free storage space on your iPhone. iOS updates require a certain amount of free space to download and install. If your iPhone is running low on storage, you may encounter errors during the update process. To check your storage space, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you're running low, you can free up space by deleting unnecessary apps, photos, and videos.

Finally, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. A reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential for downloading the iOS 13 update. If your Wi-Fi connection is spotty, the download process may be interrupted, leading to errors. So, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting the update.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating to iOS 13

Alright, you've backed up your iPhone, made sure it's charged, freed up some storage space, and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Excellent! Now, it's time to actually update to iOS 13. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

1. Open the Settings App: On your iPhone 6s Plus, find the Settings app (it looks like a gear icon) and tap it to open.
2. Navigate to General: In the Settings app, scroll down and tap on “General.” This section contains various settings related to your iPhone’s software and hardware.
3. Select Software Update: In the General settings, tap on “Software Update.” Your iPhone will now check for available updates. This process may take a few moments, so be patient.
4. Download and Install iOS 13: If iOS 13 is available for your device, you’ll see it listed on the Software Update screen. Tap on “Download and Install.” You may be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm your identity.
5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions: After tapping “Download and Install,” you’ll be presented with Apple’s terms and conditions. Read through them (or don’t, we all skip this part, right?) and then tap “Agree” to continue.
6. Wait for the Download to Complete: The iOS 13 update will now begin downloading to your iPhone. The download time will depend on your internet connection speed and the size of the update. You can continue using your iPhone while the update is downloading, but keep in mind that it may slow down performance.
7. Install the Update: Once the download is complete, you’ll be prompted to install the update. Tap on “Install Now.” Your iPhone will now begin the installation process. This process may take several minutes, and your iPhone will restart several times. Don’t worry, this is normal.
8. Wait for the Installation to Finish: During the installation process, your iPhone will display a progress bar. It’s important not to interrupt the installation process by turning off your iPhone or disconnecting it from the charger. Just let it do its thing.
9. Enter Your Passcode: Once the installation is complete, your iPhone will restart and display the lock screen. Enter your passcode to unlock your iPhone and complete the update process.
10. Enjoy iOS 13: Congratulations! You’ve successfully updated your iPhone 6s Plus to iOS 13. Take some time to explore the new features and enjoy the improved performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, so you've followed all the steps, but something went wrong? Don't panic! Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Update Failed to Download: If the update fails to download, the first thing to check is your internet connection. Make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. If your Wi-Fi connection is working, try restarting your iPhone and then try downloading the update again. Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve temporary glitches.

• Not Enough Storage Space: If you don't have enough free storage space on your iPhone, the update will fail to install. To free up storage space, delete unnecessary apps, photos, and videos. You can also try offloading apps, which removes the app but keeps its data, allowing you to reinstall it later without losing your progress.

• Update Stuck on Verifying: If the update gets stuck on the “Verifying” screen, try restarting your iPhone. Press and hold the power button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to turn off your iPhone. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn your iPhone back on. Once your iPhone has restarted, try installing the update again.

• iPhone Won't Turn On After Update: If your iPhone won't turn on after the update, try performing a force restart. To force restart an iPhone 6s Plus, press and hold the power button and the home button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. This will force your iPhone to restart, and hopefully, it will boot up successfully.

• Apps Crashing After Update: If you're experiencing app crashes after the update, try updating your apps to the latest versions. Open the App Store, tap on your profile picture, and then scroll down to see if there are any available updates. Installing the latest app updates can often resolve compatibility issues.

Tips and Tricks for iOS 13 on iPhone 6s Plus

Now that you've updated to iOS 13, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your iPhone 6s Plus:

• Use Dark Mode: Enable Dark Mode to reduce eye strain and improve battery life. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and select “Dark.”
• Customize Control Center: Customize the Control Center to quickly access your favorite features. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and add or remove controls as desired.
• Explore New Photo Editing Tools: iOS 13 includes enhanced photo editing tools. Open the Photos app, select a photo, and tap “Edit” to explore the new editing options.
• Use Sign In with Apple: Use Sign In with Apple to create accounts on apps and websites without revealing your personal email address. Look for the “Sign In with Apple” button when creating a new account.
• Take Advantage of Quick Actions: Press and hold on app icons to access quick actions. This allows you to quickly perform common tasks without opening the app.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Updating your iPhone 6s Plus to iOS 13 is a straightforward process that can bring a host of benefits, from enhanced privacy to improved performance. Just remember to back up your device, ensure it's charged, and follow the steps carefully. And if you run into any issues, don't hesitate to troubleshoot or seek help. Happy updating, folks!