Important Things To Do Before Installing iOS6

19 Sept 2012 was the D- Day when iOS6 was released. Around 200 features have been added where some are a delight for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch owners. New map application replacing Google maps is something to talk about. Web surfing is now full screen, “do not disturb” service for calls and alert, easier photo sharing, deep integration with Facebook and enhancement to Siri are few drops from the app ocean of iOS6.

So, are you motivated enough to at least think about an upgrade? If yes then go ahead and read. Before you start installing iOS6, make sure you do some preparations penned down below.

• Download the latest version of iTunes (10.7) on your device – It will make your device compatible to iOS6. Here’s how to do it.

For iTunes on a Mac :

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select Software Update.
2. The Mac App Store application on your Mac should open automatically, and it will scan your system for software that needs to be updated. Near the top of the list, click the Update button for iTunes.

For iTunes on a PC :

1. Open iTunes, select Help menu and select Check for Updates.
2. After a while, a prompting window will ask for the download of the new version, click the “Download iTunes” button.

• Take full backup – This will save you from any problem, if you face any hiccups during the upgrade.

Using iCloud

1. You are lucky enough if you are using Apple’s free iCloud service on your iPhone or iPad with backups enabled. Whenever your device is locked and connected to Wi-Fi network an automatic backup will take place. Bingo!
2. But it is advised to note the last backup date and if the backup file is more than a few days old, perform a manual backup.
3. You can check by tapping Settings->iCloud->Storage and Backup. Scroll to the bottom of the next screen and check the date. If more than 1 day old, tap the “BackUp Now” button. It will create a new backup file.

Using iTunes

1. Though iTunes creates a backup every time you sync your device, it is good to perform a last backup before upgrading to iOS6.
2. Use the USB sync cable to connect your iPhone or iPad to iTunes on your desktop. If you’re using Wi-Fi then you will have it already in the left column of iTunes interface.
3. Click the “Sync” button on iTunes, after a while; you will get a new backup for your iPhone or iPad data.

• Check power – There is certain amount of power required before you start the upgrade process. Upgrades are large nearly 500MB per device so plugin the power cord before going ahead.

• Transfer and upgrade your Apps – Though after upgrading to iOS6, you will be able to download your old applications, but it will be a good idea to transfer those on some other computer, and this will help you to upgrade your applications.

• Clean up your device – Delete or store those applications which you are not using somewhere else. Storage can be a concern for the upgrade. Especially problematic for 16 GB device where space is already a crunch. Hold down the icon for the app, wait until it shakes, and delete it. To delete downloaded shows, open up the Videos application and slide your finger from left to right.

• Keep you Apple ID handy – If you are using any iDevice you must be having an Apple ID. You will need this along with your username and password  while upgrading.

• Be Patient – Patience is virtue when so many people are downloading the same thing and at same time. The actual installation process may take a good 30 minutes-plus, after the initial download. You need to be patient if the iOS 6 download and installation process takes longer than expected. Never interrupt it in mid-stream.

• Make sure Restrictions are disabled – You can do this by going to Settings > General > Restrictions on the device and disable them otherwise you may not be able to transfer purchases (application’s upgrade), backup or sync with other computer.

You can get an upgrade either by OTA (over the air) option by Apple or you can get iOS6 via iTunes. Definitely the choice of the channel is yours but before you just start doing it, prepare your device beforehand to take the leap.