What is iOS 8.1? iOS 8.1 is the Operating System software for your iPad and/or iPhone. This is a minor software update but everyone should complete it. iOS 8.1 is a follow up to iOS 8, which first released on Sep 17, 2014. A few things to know before you initiate the update;
1. Make sure your device is plugged in and charging before you begin. You will need to be connected to a WIFI network to complete the update.
2. Minor updates like this one usually will squash a few bugs, but can also bring in some new features. People may have heard that there was a major problem with iOS 8, and to be precise, that problem came in with version 8.0.1, which fixed one bug but created another BIG bug. That bug was then corrected with version 8.0.2. The update to version 8.1 will include the fix for the bug that was introduced with 8.0.1. For a minor update, version 8.1 brings in quite a few new features, including; support for ApplePay (Apple’s new digital payments initiative), Continuity (features that allow the iPhone and iPad to interact with a Mac computer in some interesting ways), a new Health app (to help users monitor healthy living), and the return of the Camera Roll in the Photos app, among a few other small features.
3. During the update, your device screen will go black on it’s own and that’s OK, it will power back on when the update has completed. Please do NOT turn off your device while it’s conducting the update, which could also prove seriously problematic. During the installation of the update the device will be unusable and will not receive any calls or texts, but any messages coming in during that time will be there waiting for you when the device completes the install and reboots. If the device screen has been black for a while, tap the Home button once to see if it wakes up for you. The Home button is the only button on the front screen surface of your device.
4. As always, repeat the steps below from time to time to see if their are any new updates to complete. You can also visit my blog again and I’ll keep you posted on when important updates are released.
So how do I do this update?
1. Find and tap the Settings app on your iPad and/or iPhone. This app looks like silver gears.
2. Tap ‘General’ in the list. (In the left sidebar if on iPad)
3. Tap ‘Software Update’ in the list (Located top right on iPad)
4. Tap ‘Download and Install’
5. That’s it! If by chance you don’t get a ‘Download and Install’ button but instead you get a ‘Usage Settings’ button, then it means you have too much stuff on your device to do the update. Delete some unused apps, undesired photos or other media to free up some space and then try again. Don’t delete emails to release space, emails are very small and depending on what type of email account you have, they aren’t really taking up space on your device anyways.
6. When your device has completed the update, it may ask you a few questions. If it asks you about something called Location Services, choose the option to Enable Location Services. Without Location Services enabled, features like Mapping and tracking a lost or stolen device become more difficult and/or impossible. You may also be asked to log into iCloud. Log into iCloud using your Apple ID and password, the same information you use to download apps/games. If you are asked about upgrading to iCloud Drive, go ahead and follow the prompts to complete that upgrade. Finally, you may also be asked to create a passcode to lock your device. Create one if you like, but I find most people don’t want or need one. There should be a small button on this screen that says ‘Skip’, or, ‘Don’t Add Passcode’, so tap that button to bypass creating a passcode.
Good luck!