1. HOME
  2. iPhone 5
  3. Support
  4. os_update
  5. iOS Software Update Instructions for iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS Users

iOS Software Update Instructions for iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS Users

To give our customers more comfortable experience connecting our network, SoftBank Mobile plans to upgrade its 3G backbone network after November 2011.
Due to this network upgrade, you may experience possible distorted sound on voice communication if your software version is not iOS 4.2 or later. Please connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes to update your software.

iPhone models and iOS version

iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS with iOS Software 4.1 or earlier version

latest software [as of August 13, 2012]
iPhone 3G : iOS 4.2.1
iPhone 3GS : iOS 5.1.1

iOS Software Update Instructions

PreparationFirst, please confirm whether you have the latest software version.
[Confirm iOS status]Tap the Settings icon → Tap 「General」 → Tap 「About」

*latest software

iPhone 3G iOS 4.2.1
iPhone 3GS iOS 5.1.1

*as of August 13, 2012

1. Start up iTunes

Start up iTunes

Please confirm whether your version of iTunes is the latest.

[How to check the version and update]
Choose [Check for Updates] and follow the instructions to your version of iTunes.

2. Transfer the apps and music you purchased on your iPhone to your PC

*Please DO NOT disconnect your iPhone from the computer until all instructions are completed.

Attention
Attention

A popup windows like the image at the left might appear when you connect your iPhone to your PC.
Please select [Later] because you would not be able to backup all information when you update software before completing sync process.

Transfer the apps and music you purchased on your iPhone to your PC
[Instructions]
Right click on [(user name)’s iPhone] under
[Device] section in the menu bar and choose
[Transfer purchases] to transfer apps and music you purchased on your iPhone to your PC. Those apps and music will now be saved onto your PC.

3. Sync

Sync
[Sync]
Click on [Sync] at the bottom right corner of iTunes to sync contents such as music and photos between your PC and iPhone.
As a result of sync you will be able to restore all contents from your backup data even if you lose it from your iPhone.

4. Click [Update]

Click [Update] and download the latest version of iOS
iPhone Software Update

Please wait a few moments when a popup window like that above appears on your screen when you click [Update] under the Version section.

5. Click [Update] if a popup window like that below appears on your screen

Show the latest iOS software version
Attention

For iPhone 3G, when you update your device with the current iOS version is iOS 3.x to iOS 4.x, a popup window with [backup and restore] might appear on your screen.
In this case, please follow the instructions to transfer the contents like apps and music to backup to your computer.

6. Read the important Information that are made by the update and click [Next]

Read the software changes that are made by the update and click [Next]

7. Read the Safety Info and Software License Agreement that are made by the update and click [Agree]

Read the Safety Info and Software License Agreement that are made by the update and click [Agree]

*After completing download, automatically start iPhone update operation. It might take a long time.

 

8. After completing the update, a popup window will appear and restart your iPhone

After completing the update, a popup window will appear and restart your iPhone

After completing restart your iPhone, click [(User name's)iPhone] under the Device section in the menu bar. You have successfully updated the software if it is the latest version.

*The screen images shown are from a Windows PC.

Notes

In general, smartphones, due to their software and applications, periodically conduct automatic data transmissions. By synchronizing the smartphone’s data automatically, the device can be constantly updated to the latest data and its functionality will improve. Please note that automatic data transmissions can result in packet data charges which may cause the monthly charge to go over the lower limit (applicable to the Unlimited Packet Discount Flat for SMARTPHONE and Standard Price Plan Unlimited Packet Discount for SMARTPHONE). To stop automatic data transmissions, please turn off the cellular data connection on your smartphone by taking the following steps; "Settings" » "General" » "Network" » "Cellular Data" » switch "off". Please also note that you will not be able to use any data communication such as internet browsing when the cellular data connection is turned off.

Because automatic data transmission may result in data packet charges of more than several thousand yen per day when you use your smartphone overseas, we recommend that you to use our "Global Roaming Packet Flat Rate" to avoid excessive charges. Please note that setting "Data Roaming" is off as the default setting.

Page Top