This tutorial highlights the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 over the air download method for iPhone and iPad. You won't lose your files or settings after installation.

Keep Your Files and Settings Intact - Download and Install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Over the Air

There are several ways you can download and install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 onto your iPhone and iPad. But the best and quickest method is the over the air method. It is fast, simple, and you won't lose your files or settings when you are done.

But, to be on the safe side, we will still recommend taking a backup of your files and settings anyway. It's a good practice, actually.

In order to backup to iCloud, simply connect your iPhone or iPad to a power outlet, connect to Wi-Fi then navigate to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup and then tap on Back Up Now.

If you do not have enough space on iCloud for a complete device backup then you can create a local backup onto your computer using Finder or iTunes. Simply connect your device using a Lightning or a USB-C cable to your computer, launch iTunes or Finder, select your device from the left hand corner, and then choose to backup everything ‘To This Computer’ in the backup section. You may choose to encrypt the backup if you like.

Also make sure you have a compatible iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 device. See the list below and make sure yours is in it:

iPhone 12, iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 12 miniiPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XSiPhone 11, iPhone XRiPhone XiPhone 8, iPhone 7iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus2020 iPhone SE 2iPhone 6siPhone 6s PlusiPhone SE (1st-generation)iPod touch seventh-generationiPad Air 410.2-inch iPad 811-in. iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations), 12.9-in. iPadPro (3rd and 4th generations)10.5-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)iPad (5th generation), iPad (6th generation)iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation)10.2-inch iPad (7th generation)9.7-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)iPhone 6siPhone 6s PlusiPhone SE (1st-generation)iPad Air 2iPad mini 4

Once the prerequisites are out of the way, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Make sure you have 50% or more battery remaining on your iPhone and iPad. It is highly recommended that you plug your device to AC power before proceeding with the installation.

Step 2. Connect to a working and stable Wi-Fi network by going to Settings > Wi-Fi.

Step 3. Once connected to Wi-Fi and making sure the internet is working, launch the Settings app.

Step 4. Now tap on General.

Step 5. Select Software Update and let this page refresh.

Step 6. Once the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 update is found, tap on Download and Install.

The update will first download onto your device, will be prepared, verified with Apple and installed. During the entire time, do not touch your iPhone or iPad. Just let it do its thing.

You can clean install the update as well and downgrade back to iOS 14 if you like:

How to Clean Install iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 on iPhone and iPad [Tutorial]How to Downgrade iOS 15 to iOS 14 on iPhone and iPad [Tutorial]