Hey everyone! So, you're looking to breathe some new life into your older iOS device by upgrading from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 12? Awesome! While it's not a direct jump (and might not even be possible depending on your device), I'm here to walk you through what you need to know and what your options are. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Upgrade Path

First off, it's super important to understand that you can't directly upgrade from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 12 in one go. Apple's iOS updates don't work that way. Instead, you typically move through incremental updates. This means you'd ideally update to the latest iOS version your device supports.

Why is this important? Well, each iOS version is designed to work with specific hardware. Older devices have processors and memory that might not handle the latest iOS features, and that's why Apple stops supporting updates for them after a certain point. Trying to force an unsupported update could brick your device, and nobody wants that!

Compatibility Check:

Before we get too far, let's figure out if your device can even run iOS 12. iOS 12 generally supports:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
• iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPad mini 2 and later
• iPad Air and iPad Air 2
• iPad 5th and 6th generation
• iPod touch 6th generation

If your device isn't on this list, unfortunately, you're out of luck. iOS 12 just won't work on it. But don't worry; there are still things you can do to optimize your device, which we'll talk about later.

Backing Up Your Device:

Before you do anything, back up your device! This is absolutely crucial. If something goes wrong during the update process, you'll want to have a backup to restore your data. Here’s how to back up your device using iCloud:

1. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Tap Back Up Now.
4. Make sure you have enough iCloud storage. If not, you might need to purchase more or back up to your computer using iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions).

To back up using your computer:

1. Open iTunes (or Finder if you're on macOS Catalina or later).
2. Connect your device to your computer.
3. If prompted, trust the computer on your device.
4. Select your device in iTunes (or Finder).
5. Click Back Up Now.
6. Choose to back up to your computer and encrypt the backup for added security.

Having a backup ensures that your photos, contacts, messages, and other important data are safe and sound.

Steps to Upgrade (If Possible)

Okay, so you've checked compatibility and backed up your device. Now, let's get to the upgrade process. Since you can't directly jump to iOS 12 from iOS 7.1.2, you need to see what the highest supported iOS version is for your device and update to that.

1. Check for Available Updates:
   • Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your device will automatically check for available updates. If there's an update available, it will show up here.
2. Download and Install:
   • Tap Download and Install. You might need to enter your passcode.
   • Agree to the terms and conditions.
   • Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery life (or is plugged in) during the update.
3. Incremental Updates:
   • Keep checking for updates after each update is installed. Sometimes, you need to update to an intermediate version before getting to the latest one. For example, you might need to go from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 9, then to iOS 10, and so on, until you reach the highest supported version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Not Enough Storage: If you don't have enough storage, you'll need to free up some space. Delete old apps, photos, and videos that you don't need. You can also offload apps (which removes the app but keeps its data) in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
• Update Failed: Sometimes, the update might fail due to network issues or other problems. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and try again. If it still fails, try updating using iTunes (or Finder).
• Device Not Compatible: If your device isn't compatible, you won't see an update available. In this case, consider upgrading to a newer device if you want the latest iOS features.

What if You Can't Upgrade to iOS 12?

So, what if your device is stuck on iOS 7.1.2 or another older version and can't be upgraded to iOS 12? Don't worry; there are still ways to make the most of your device!

1. Optimize Performance:

   • Close Unused Apps: Closing apps that are running in the background can free up memory and improve performance. Double-tap the home button and swipe up on the app previews to close them.
   • Disable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off or limit it to specific apps. This prevents apps from refreshing in the background, saving battery life and improving performance.
   • Clear Safari History and Data: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This can free up storage and improve Safari's performance.
   • Reduce Motion: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion and turn it on. This reduces the parallax effect and other animations, which can improve performance on older devices.
   • Free Up Storage: Delete any unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and files to free up storage space. You can also use cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Photos, or Dropbox to store your files.

2. Use Web Apps:

   • Instead of relying on native apps, consider using web apps. Many popular services like Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail have web versions that you can access through Safari. Web apps often use fewer resources and can be a good alternative for older devices.

3. Explore Jailbreaking (Use with Caution):

   • Jailbreaking allows you to install custom software and tweaks that aren't available through the App Store. This can potentially improve performance and add new features to your device. However, jailbreaking also comes with risks, such as security vulnerabilities and instability. Do your research and proceed with caution if you choose to jailbreak your device.

4. Consider a Newer Device:

   • If you're really craving the latest iOS features and performance, it might be time to upgrade to a newer device. Newer iPhones and iPads have faster processors, more memory, and better battery life, which can significantly improve your overall experience.

Security Considerations

It's super important to consider security when using older devices. Older iOS versions don't receive the latest security updates, which can make them vulnerable to malware and other threats. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them easy targets for hackers. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data.
• Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.
• Be Careful What You Click: Be wary of suspicious links and attachments in emails and messages. Don't click on anything unless you're sure it's safe.
• Keep Software Updated: Although you can't upgrade to the latest iOS version, make sure to install any available updates for your current iOS version. These updates often include important security patches.

Conclusion

Upgrading from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 12 might not be a straightforward process, and it might not even be possible depending on your device. However, by checking compatibility, backing up your device, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase the iOS to a newer version! If you can't upgrade to iOS 12, there are still plenty of ways to optimize your device and make the most of it. And remember, always prioritize security to protect your data. Happy upgrading, folks!