Your iPad will occasionally need software updates that fix problems and add new features. These updates typically improve your experience with the device, and should be installed as soon as possible.
But if you saw the pop-up for the software update and elected to wait until another time, you might be wondering how you can find the update and initiate the installation without the pop-up alert being available.
What is the White Number in the Red Circle on the Settings Icon of My iPad?
Some of the apps on your iPad will display a red circle with a white number inside of it. This indicates a notification that is available for that app. This is typically found on the Messages and Mail icons, but you will occasionally see it on your iPad. This is the indication that you have an available software update. You can find the update by following our steps below.
Step 1: Tap the Settings icon.
Step 2: Touch the General option in the column at the left side of the screen.
Step 3: Touch the Software Update button at the top of the screen.
Step 4: The update will be visible on this screen. You can touch the Install Now button if you have sufficient battery charge and available space on your device.
For more information, read this article about how to install software updates on the iPad.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.