Let’s be real for a second. If you’re digging through a drawer to find an old iPad and trying to figure out how to update to ios 10 ipad, you’re probably dealing with a piece of tech that’s seen better days. It's a classic move. You want to give it to a kid or use it as a kitchen recipe screen. But here’s the kicker: not every iPad can actually make the jump to iOS 10. Honestly, a lot of people get frustrated because they see an update button that just... isn't there.
If your iPad is stuck on iOS 9.3.5 or 9.3.6, there is a very high chance it has reached its "ceiling." Apple is pretty ruthless about cutting off older hardware once the processor can't handle the new code.
The Great 32-Bit Divide
The biggest reason you might be struggling to update to iOS 10 is the transition Apple made from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture. iOS 10 was the final software version to support older 32-bit devices like the iPad 4. If you have an iPad 2, an iPad 3, or the original iPad Mini, you’re out of luck. Those devices literally cannot run the code for iOS 10. They don't have enough RAM, and their chips aren't built for it.
You can't "force" it. You can't hack it (well, not easily, and it’ll run like a brick). It’s just the end of the road.
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Checking if Your iPad is Actually Eligible
Before you spend an hour troubleshooting your Wi-Fi, check your model number. You'll find this in tiny print on the back of the device, starting with the letter "A" followed by four digits.
Here is the "VIP list" for iOS 10. If your iPad isn't on here, it stays on iOS 9 forever:
- iPad (4th generation)
- iPad Air (1st generation and 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro (the original 9.7 and 12.9-inch models)
- iPad Mini 2, 3, and 4
If you're holding an iPad 4, iOS 10.3.3 is your final destination. For anything newer, like an iPad Air 2, you can actually go way beyond iOS 10, likely all the way to iPadOS 15 or 16 depending on the specific year.
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How to Update to iOS 10 iPad Wirelessly
Assuming your device is on the "supported" list, the easiest way is the Over-The-Air (OTA) method.
First, plug it into a charger. Updates eat battery like crazy, and if it dies halfway through, you're looking at a "recovery mode" nightmare. Go to Settings, then General, and then Software Update.
Sometimes, it’ll say "Your software is up to date" even when it clearly isn't. This happens a lot on older iPads. Usually, it's a server communication glitch or your iPad is so far behind that it can't "see" the next jump. If that happens, you have to bring in the big guns.
The Computer Method (When Wi-Fi Fails)
Honestly, using a computer is way more reliable for these older updates. It downloads the entire firmware package (an .ipsw file) and pushes it onto the device cleanly.
If you’re on a PC or an older Mac, open iTunes. If you’re on a modern Mac (macOS Catalina or later), open the Finder.
- Connect the iPad with a USB cable.
- Click on the device icon when it pops up.
- Click Check for Update.
- If it finds iOS 10 (or higher), click Download and Update.
Make sure you have enough space on your computer. These files can be 2GB or more. If your iPad is totally unresponsive, you might need to put it into Recovery Mode by holding the Home button and Power button simultaneously while it's plugged in.
Why Some Updates Simply Disappear
It's 2026. Apple's servers are busy handling iPadOS 19 and 20. Occasionally, the older "activation servers" for iOS 10 get finicky.
If you get an error saying "Unable to Verify Update," it's usually because the iPad can't talk to Apple's security server to confirm the software is legit. Try deleting the update file from your storage and redownloading it. You do this by going to Settings > General > iPad Storage, finding the iOS update in the list, and hitting delete.
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A Quick Word on App Compatibility
Let’s say you successfully get to iOS 10. Great! But don't expect a modern experience. Most apps in the App Store today require at least iOS 13 or 14. You might find that Netflix or YouTube won't download.
There's a workaround for this. If you’ve downloaded the app before on a newer iPhone or iPad using the same Apple ID, you can go to the "Purchased" tab in the App Store on the old iPad. When you try to download it, it might offer you a "compatible version." It’ll be an older, slower version of the app, but it works. Sorta.
Actionable Steps for Your Old iPad
If you've confirmed your iPad is a 4th Gen or newer, start with a fresh backup to iCloud or your computer. Old hardware is prone to crashing during updates, and you don't want to lose those 2014-era photos. If you're stuck on an iPad 2 or 3, stop trying to update; it's physically impossible. Instead, look into using it as a dedicated digital photo frame or a simple browser for lightweight sites.
For those on the cusp—like the iPad 4—iOS 10.3.3 is the sweet spot. It's the most stable version for that hardware. Once you're there, disable "Background App Refresh" in the settings to keep the device from lagging, as iOS 10 is quite heavy for that older A6X chip.