If you’re an iPad mini 1 owner, you’re probably well aware that the device no longer receives software updates. This means you can’t install the latest iOS 12 operating system on your device. While it might be possible to upgrade your device hardware, it’s certainly not an option for everyone. Luckily, there are some methods you can use to get iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1 without having to upgrade your device hardware. In this article, we’ll show you how to do that.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get iOS 12 on iPad Mini 1
Getting iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1 comes with a lot of benefits, including access to latest iOS features, increased device performance, and improved security. These are all good reasons why you need to upgrade your device software.
Method 1: Via iTunes
If you have a computer with iTunes installed, you can use it to get iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1.
Steps
1. Open iTunes on your computer.
2. Connect your iPad mini 1 to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Click on the iPad icon in the top left corner of the iTunes window to go to the device summary page.
4. Click on “Check for Update” while holding the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows).
5. A file browser will appear. Browse to the location where you downloaded the iOS 12 firmware and select it.
6. Click on “Update” and follow the on-screen instructions to install iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1.
Pros:
– You can keep your data and apps.
– You don’t need an internet connection to update.
– This method is straightforward and easy to follow.
Cons:
– It may take some time to download the iOS 12 firmware.
– Updating via iTunes may cause data loss if you don’t have a backup.
Method 2: Via Third-Party Software
Another way to get iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1 is by using a third-party software like Tenorshare ReiBoot. ReiBoot is an iOS system repair tool that supports downloading, installing, and fixing issues on iOS operating systems.
Steps:
1. Download Tenorshare ReiBoot and install it on your computer.
2. Launch ReiBoot and connect your iPad mini 1 to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Click on “Repair Operating System” on the main screen.
4. Next, click "Start Repair".
5. ReiBoot will now download the firmware package automatically.
6. Once the firmware is installed, your iPad Mini 1 will automatically reboot into iOS 12.
Pros:
– You can keep your data and apps.
– This method is user-friendly and easy to follow.
Cons:
– This method requires you to download a third-party software.
– There’s a possibility of data loss if you don’t have a backup.
Method 3: Via OTA Update
If you have access to a Wi-Fi connection, you can get iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1 through OTA update.
Steps:
1. Connect your iPad mini 1 to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to "Settings," then "General" and click on "Software Update."
3. Tap "Download and Install."
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install iOS 12.
Pros:
– This method is easy to follow.
– You don’t need to connect your device to a PC.
Cons:
– This method requires a stable internet connection.
– You might not be able to use your device while it’s updating.
What to Do If You Can’t Get iOS 12 on iPad Mini 1
If you’re unable to get iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1 using the above methods, you might consider the following fixes:
1. Downgrade to an earlier version of iOS.
2. Clean up your device storage space to make the upgrade smoother.
3. Buy a new device.
Bonus Tip
You can increase the performance of your iPad mini 1 by doing a factory reset before installing iOS 12.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I upgrade iPad mini 1 to iOS 12?
A: Yes, using the methods we’ve outlined in this article, you can upgrade your iPad mini 1 to iOS 12.
Q2: Will upgrading to iOS 12 slow down my iPad mini 1?
A: No, upgrading to iOS 12 will not slow down your iPad mini 1. In fact, it comes with improved performance and speed.
Q3: Will I lose any data when I upgrade my iPad mini 1 to iOS 12?
A: Yes, you may lose data if you don’t back up your device before upgrading.
Q4: Can I get iOS 13 on my iPad mini 1?
A: No, iOS 13 is not available for iPad mini 1.
Q5: Is there any risk of damaging my iPad mini 1 during the upgrade process?
A: Yes, there’s always a risk of encountering problems during the upgrade process. However, if you follow the instructions carefully and have a backup of your data, you should be able to avoid any permanent damage to your device.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your iPad mini 1 to iOS 12 comes with several benefits, including access to latest iOS features and improved device security. With the solutions we’ve outlined in this article, you should be able to get iOS 12 on your iPad mini 1 with ease. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to consult an expert or contact Apple support.