Supervised iOS devices cannot manually update due to software update restrictionSolved

Participant
Discussion
21 hours ago Jun 14, 2026

Some of our supervised iOS devices are showing a restriction message when users try to update their software directly from the device Settings app. It looks like they are blocked from starting the iOS update manually.

These devices are managed through Hexnode, and they have a Patches and Updates policy applied. I suspect our update deferral settings might be causing this, but I’m not sure which exact option needs to be changed so users can update normally again.

Additionally, once I update this policy, do the devices need to be restarted to apply the changes, or is a standard sync enough? Is there also a way for me to force this update remotely from the Hexnode console for devices that need it immediately rather than waiting for users to do it manually?

Replies (1)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
17 hours ago Jun 14, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

This behavior occurs because an MDM policy is actively deferring software updates, which automatically blocks users from manually initiating them on supervised iOS devices.

To resolve this and allow your users to update normally, you will need to adjust your policy settings and let the devices sync. You can also push the update remotely if needed. Here is exactly how to do both:

1. Update the Patches and Updates Policy

A device restart is not required for this change. Once the devices check in and sync with Hexnode, the restriction will be lifted automatically.

  • Open the policy applied to the affected iOS devices.

  • Navigate to Patches and Updates.

  • Under Patch Deferral Settings, uncheck Defer software update/upgrade.

  • Alternatively, ensure that Display software upgrade/updates is set to All.

  • Save the policy.

2. Remotely Push the OS Update (Optional)

If you want to bypass the manual user update process entirely for devices that need the update right away, you can trigger it directly from your console:

  • Go to Manage > Devices in your Hexnode console.

  • Select the target iOS devices.

  • Click on the Actions dropdown menu.

  • Choose Update OS.

  • Select Download and Install for immediate deployment (or Download only if you prefer to let the user install it later).

Regards,
Mary Romero

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