How do I update iphone 3GS 4.2.1 to ios 5.1 (don't want ios 6!)

I have an iphone 3GS on 4.2.1 and want to upgrade to ios 5.1 but on iTunes there is now only the option to upgrade to ios 6 which I don't want as I have read that although it's available for the 3GS, a lot of the features are not useable on the 3GS and it might slow the phone down etc. Is there any way I can get ios 5.1 or 5.1.1 on my 3GS? I thought I read somewhere that the only way to do it was to go into a phone shop and they would be able to upgrade it for me, but can't find the page now where I read that so I might be mistaken! Does anyone know if this is the case?
I am planning on upgrading my phone to an iphone 5 eventually but still have over 12mths left on my current contract (was an Android contract but having got fed up with the phone I am now using my sim in my old iphone 3GS but need to finish the contract before I can get a new phone!) O2 changed my data back to iphone data and everything is working fine on the phone except that most of the apps I want to use need at least ios 4.3 or 5.0 so if I am going to upgrade it I might as well get the 5.1 but I can't seem to find a way to do it. Has anyone else needed to do this recently and been successful?

spiderkatuk wrote:
Really?? Oh dear! That's going to be a bit restrictive then app wise. I should have just stuck with the 3GS in the first place then I could have upgraded it to ios 5 at the time it was out!!! Thanks anyway!
You're overthinking this too much.  Your phone will still have all the same features it has now as well as all the same featuers it has when running iOS 5 plus more. Just install 6 and move on.

Similar Messages

  • HT4623 how do you update Iphone 3GS?

    how do you update Iphone 3GS?

    tineamarie wrote:
    I don't have the software update option on my phone, ...
    That is only a feature of iOS 5 or later...
    If you have iOS 4... See Here...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972
    OR...
    Connect to iTunes on the computer you usually Sync with and “ Check for Updates “...
    If an Update Appears Install it... if not... you are up to date for your particular Device...
    See the Using iTunes Section Here...
    How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
    Please Note: If yours is an iPhone 3G and not an iPhone 3Gs... you can Only Update to iOS 4.2.1

  • HT4623 how do you update iphone 3gs ios 2.1 to 4.3 please help

    How do i upgrade ios2.1 on how do you update iphone 3gs ios 2.1 to 4.3 please help my i phone to download sky go also i cannot connect to my sky wifi at home.is it true only 2 devices at a time laptop 1 and desktop 2 thank you

    If it is a 3GS you cannot update it to 4.3, you can only update it to iOS 6. Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer, connect the phone, click on its name on the left, then click the "Check for Updates" button on the right.
    If you can't connect to your home WiFi try rebooting the router.

  • How do you update iphone 3gs to the latest software?

    I really want to update the software of my 3gs (currently running ios 4.1). If anyone knows how to, plz reply asap.
    Thanks

    Update it from iTunes on a computer as described at the bottom of this article; devices running an iOS version prior to 5.0 can't be updated straight from the device. It will be updated to the newest iOS release supported by the device’s hardware.
    The maximum iOS version for the fourth generation iPod touch and iPhone 3GS is 6.1.6.
    (102937)

  • HT204074 How to associate my iPhone 3GS to my Apple ID. iOS 6.0.1

    Please reply ASAP. thank you

    Store. I downloaded an app. I didn't get the receipt but I got an email saying device had not been previously associated with Apple id

  • HT5567 how do i update my 3gs iphone to ios6 without loosing my pics or apps?  through wifi? itunes?

    how do i update my 3gs iphone to ios6 without loosing my pics or apps?

    These items should be on the computer you usually Sync with... Are they not...?
    To Update... See Here... http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972

  • HT4623 i had a problem when i update iphone 3gs from ios 5.1.1 to 6.1. How could i fix it?

    i had a problem when i update iphone 3gs from ios 5.1.1 to 6.1. How could i fix it?. I can active my phone?help me, please!

    Well we need to know what your problem is if you want someone to offer a solution for you

  • HT4972 how to update iphone 3GS version 4.2.1 to IOS 5

    how to update iphone 3gs version 4.2.1 to IOS 5

    If a 3GS, follow the directions here:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
    If an iPhone 3G, it can't be updated beyond iOS 4.2.1...that's the end of the line for that model iPhone.

  • HT201274 how to update iphone 3gs using windows 8..it cant detect coverage

    how to update iphone 3gs..it cant detect coverage

    why i cant see my updates on my iPhone? even if it shows that i have apps for updates.
    i updated my iOS into 6.2 version after updating OS now i cant see my apps for updates.
    pls help

  • How to update iphone 3gs software free

    how to update iphone 3gs software free

    Connect to iTunes. Click on your iPhone under the DEVICES menu. Click Check for Updates.

  • How   to  update  iphone  3gs.(factory  locked)

    how   to  update  iphone  3gs.(factory  locked)

    Check if the provider to which the phone is locked to offers unlocking:
    iPhone: Wireless carrier support and features
    Follow these instructions to unlock your iPhone:
    Check if your carrier offers unlocking. Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone.
    Contact your carrier and request an unlock.You may need to meet certain requirements to qualify for unlocking. This may take up to seven days.
    Once you receive confirmation that your iPhone unlock has been processed, back up your iPhone.
    Erase the contents of your iPhone.
    Complete the setup assistant and restore your backup.
    copied from iPhone: About unlocking

  • How to update iPhone 3GS locally unlocked

    how to update iPhone 3GS locally unlocked

    If you are using IOS 4, you need to connect to iTune (computer) to update software.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972

  • How do I update my 3GS to iOS 5?

    How do I update my 3GS to iOS 5? I've tried the update on iTunes but it says my phone is up-to-date with version 4.2.1

    That suggests you have an iPhone 3G, not a 3GS, which can't run an iOS version newer than 4.2.1. If you're sure you're using an iPhone 3GS, ensure that iTunes is up to date.
    (69380)

  • Updated iphone 3gs to ios5 after apdation nothing work no network nothing "sim is not installed??" DISAPPOINTED WITH APPLE

    updated iphone 3gs to ios5 after apdation nothing work no network nothing "sim is not installed??" DISAPPOINTED WITH APPLE

    yes there is a sign on the top of the screen that shows phone is LOCKED....may be that is why the phone didn't recognizing the sim...i think first i need to unlock it again then hopefully phone wil start working again ..but i dont know HOW TO UNLOCK ???...need help from u guys with this .
    Actually this is my brother phone who is using in USA ,later he gifted to me , i m using iphone in INDIA now,
    when i first insert the sim it was working so well..after couple fo days i tried to update with  IOS5 ..after the updation problem coming ALL the Way.....how do i unlock it again , i think its jailbroken now...???
    http://ihelpcorner.com/how-to-fix-iphone-3gs-ios-5-05-0-x-searching-or-no-servic e-error-after-updaterestore/
    i guess the above link can solve my problem but i didn't try this process on my iphone yet may be it will harm some of iphone applikcations...?? like SOUND LOST. mailing problem etc...the guy who doing the trick in vedio says u need AT&T sim to do it on ur phone..
    i dont hv AT&T sim in india  i hv airtel sim...what if if i exactly the follow the guy vedio  process will my IPHONE unlocked again...with no harm with application ...is it good to do so...? plz let me knw or tell me the genuine procedure.
    thnaks for coming in

  • Getting message "we are unable to complete your activation at this time" when trying to update iphone 3gs to ios5

    After downlaoding ios5 and installing I get the message "we are unable to complete your activation at this time" when trying to update iphone 3gs to ios5 using itunes. Can anyone help?

    Hi David,
    any luck later?
    I'm experiencing the same issue and I see that you're also posting from China. Not sure is location-related but if you managed to activate you iPhone: how did you do it? Just keep on trying?
    I'm a bit fed up of trying. It's already two full days...
    Thanks, ciao.
    Stefano, Shanghai

Maybe you are looking for

  • How to find out who has released the purchase order?

    Hi All, I have a PR number lets say 10231322 and somebody has release it. Could any one please tell me how to find out who has release it? Waiting for your kind replies...... Thanks in advance. Regards, Faisal

  • Connect laptop to smart tv

    Forgive me in advance because I'm a little technologically challenged. I have a Toshiba laptop (L500-02H) that I want to hook up to my Toshiba smart tv (55L7200U) but I don't want to do the wireless connection between them. Can someone suggest a cord

  • IMac freezes and problems subsequently booting

    For a few days now my imac has frozen; I don't know if it's only happening after waking from sleep but that's when it's been noticed. e.g. This morning I woke it from sleep and the cursur could be moved but nothing responded. the time was showing as

  • Sysdate does not change

    Hi All, I am using Oracle 9i R2 database. Its sysdate(time) not equal to the OS date and time. Eg: when I query sysdate it shows 30-may-2007 01:05:55 but OS time shows 12.35 p.m (1/2 hour difference). Tips Earliear our time zone was GMT+6.00 but rece

  • Using org.rosuda.JRI.REXP objects with R values

    Hi, As JRI and rJava use JNI, I thought I'd try postin this here... I'm a bit confused about how REXP and Rengine in org.rosuda.JRI works. If I use the example code.... public REXP getDistance (Rengine re)          //...open a file and assign some da