To update your iPad Mini 1 to iOS 11, follow these steps:
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Free up space: If your device does not have enough space, you may need to manually remove content to create additional space. You can do this by tapping Cancel instead of updating.
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Navigate to Software Update: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
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Enable Automatic Updates: Toggle on Download iOS Updates by tapping Automatic Updates.
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Activate iOS Updates: Make sure the iOS Updates feature is activated. The newest version of iOS or iPadOS will be downloaded and installed automatically on your device. Note that some updates may require manual installation.
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Verify System Settings: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and select Updates Automatically. Ensure that System Files & Security Responses is enabled.
Unfortunately, the iPad Mini 1 is not capable of running iOS 11. This applies to iOS 10, 11, 12, and any future versions of iOS as well. The hardware architecture and 1.0 GHz CPU of the iPad Mini 1 are not sufficient to support the features and capabilities of newer iOS versions.
Older iPad models like the iPad 2, 3, 4, and original iPad Mini have limited capabilities and have only received basic iOS features since iOS 8. Apple has focused on providing cutting-edge features for newer models with more advanced hardware characteristics.
While your first-generation iPad Mini cannot be updated to the latest iOS version, it is not completely obsolete. You have the option to continue using it or consider purchasing a newer iPad model if you require access to the majority of current apps that require the latest iOS versions.
The original operating system of the iPad Mini 1 is iOS 6.0.1. The most recent iOS versions available for the iPad Mini 1 are iOS 9.3.5 (for Wi-Fi only models) and iOS 9.3.6 (for Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
Apple discontinued support for the iPad Mini with the release of iOS 9. After June 2016, no further operating system updates were made available for the device. This decision has received criticism from many in the industry.
If your device does not have enough space to download and install an update, it will attempt to free up space by erasing app data that can be downloaded again. This process does not move or erase any of your personal data.
If your device still does not have enough capacity, you can update it using a computer. Connect your device to your computer and follow the instructions to update.
If you are unable to connect your device to a computer, you can free up space by uninstalling unnecessary apps and files. Go to Settings > General > [Name of device] Keepsake to remove unnecessary data.
To update your device, ensure you have an internet connection. The time it takes to download the update depends on its size and your internet speed.
If you encounter messages such as "Unable to Check for Update" or "An error occurred while checking for a software update," make sure you have a network connection to install the update.
During the update installation, the progress meter may move slowly. The duration of the update depends on the size of the update and the number of files on your device.
Keep your device connected to a power source while updating over the air. If your device runs out of power, plug it in and turn it back on to complete the update or restoration.
I hope this information helps you understand the limitations of updating your iPad Mini 1 to iOS 11 and provides guidance on the alternatives available to you.