Not everyone wants the latest iOS on day one. Maybe you dislike iOS 26’s new look, or you worry an older iPhone will slow down on the new system — or you are simply the family tech support and do not want relatives tapping “Install” by accident. Turning off automatic updates in Settings helps, but it is not a complete block: Apple promotes new releases aggressively, and update prompts keep appearing until someone taps the wrong button. Since there is no way to downgrade afterward, the safest option is to block over-the-air updates entirely.
The method below uses a free desktop utility to disable the iOS update mechanism on the iPhone itself. It is reversible, so you can undo it whenever you are ready for iOS 26.
Why simply disabling auto-update is not enough
iOS lets you switch off automatic downloads and installs under Settings > General > Software Update, and you should absolutely do that first. But even with those toggles off, the Settings app keeps badging and suggesting the update — one sleepy tap is all it takes. As MacRumors and 9to5Mac have documented over the years, Apple’s update prompts are persistent by design. If you want the update gone for good, you need to block it at the system level, which is also a popular topic of discussion on X and in YouTube tutorials.
How to completely block iOS 26 updates
This approach uses Nugget, a free utility from an independent developer, to disable the over-the-air (OTA) update daemon on your iPhone.
- Install the Nugget app on your computer. Download the free Nugget utility from the developer’s website and install it on your Mac or PC.
- Launch Nugget and connect your iPhone. Open the app, then plug your iPhone into the computer with a cable and trust the computer if asked.
- Open the Misc > Daemons section. In Nugget, navigate to the Miscellaneous (Other) area and open the Daemons section.
- Enable Modify, then Disable OTA. Turn on the Modify flag, then enable the Disable OTA option.
- Apply the changes. Go to the Apply section and click Apply changes.
Your iPhone will reboot, and when it comes back, over-the-air software updates will be blocked — the device will no longer fetch or offer iOS 26. As a finishing touch, you can also remove the red update badge from the Settings icon with a small additional tweak. If you are customizing the rest of the system while you are at it, our guides to changing the Safari design on iPhone and the iOS 26 Liquid Glass lock screen are worth a look.
What to know before you block updates
Blocking OTA updates means your iPhone will not receive security patches either, so weigh that trade-off — staying on an older iOS is a choice, not a free lunch. Keep an eye on Apple’s support pages for security advisories affecting your version. Also remember that major app updates sometimes require newer iOS versions, so check compatibility before updating favorite apps. For settings-level privacy, our guide on stopping Safari from suggesting passwords pairs well with a locked-down device.
If it still doesn’t work
If the iPhone still shows the iOS 26 update after rebooting, reconnect it and repeat the Nugget steps, making sure both the Modify flag and Disable OTA are enabled before you hit Apply changes. Use an official or MFi-certified cable — flaky connections can interrupt the process. If Nugget does not detect your device, try a different USB port and confirm you tapped Trust on the iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I undo this and install iOS 26 later?
Yes. Reopen Nugget, disable the tweak, and apply the changes — or simply update the iPhone through a computer, which bypasses the OTA block entirely.
Will this delete anything on my iPhone?
No. Disabling the OTA daemon only stops the phone from fetching wireless updates; your apps, photos, and settings are untouched. Still, keeping a fresh backup is always wise before system-level changes.
Conclusion
Turning off auto-update is a half measure — fully blocking OTA updates with Nugget is how you keep iOS 26 off an iPhone for good. Install the utility, connect your phone, enable Disable OTA, and apply. When the day comes that you actually want iOS 26, reversing the tweak takes minutes. For more iPhone control tips, browse the tutorials on CompareWala.
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