Keeping your iPhone or iPad up to date is essential for security, performance, and access to the latest features. But it’s frustrating when your iOS update gets stuck on “Preparing Update”. The update seems to start, but the progress bar freezes, and nothing happens.
Fortunately, most cases of a stuck update are caused by common, fixable issues such as network problems, software glitches, or insufficient storage. In this guide, we’ll show you easy and reliable fixes to get your iOS update moving again.
Why iOS Updates Get Stuck on Preparing Update
Before troubleshooting, it’s important to understand the common reasons:
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Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: Updates require a stable Wi-Fi network.
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Insufficient Storage: iOS updates need enough free space to download and install.
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Software Glitches: Temporary bugs in iOS or apps may block updates.
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Apple Server Overload: High demand during major updates can delay downloads.
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Pending App Updates or Background Tasks: These can interfere with iOS updates.
Most problems can be resolved without professional help.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
A slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection is the most common reason updates get stuck.
Fix:
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Use a reliable Wi-Fi network instead of cellular data
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Restart your router
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Move closer to the Wi-Fi source
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Avoid running other high-bandwidth apps while updating
A strong connection ensures the update downloads smoothly.
2. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
Temporary glitches can block the update process. A simple restart often fixes it.
Steps:
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Press and hold the Power button and either Volume button (for newer iPhones)
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Slide to power off
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Wait 10–15 seconds
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Turn your device back on and retry the update
Restarting refreshes system processes and resolves minor software conflicts.
3. Check Available Storage
iOS updates require free storage space to download and install.
Steps:
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Settings → General → iPhone Storage
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Delete unused apps, large media files, or old messages
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Ensure at least 5–10 GB of free space for major updates
Insufficient storage is a common cause of stuck updates.
4. Delete the Stuck Update and Redownload
Sometimes the downloaded update file becomes corrupted. Deleting it and trying again solves the issue.
Steps:
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Settings → General → iPhone Storage → iOS Update
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Tap Delete Update
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Go to Settings → General → Software Update → Download and Install
This ensures you’re downloading a fresh update file.
5. Disable VPN or Proxy
VPNs or proxy servers can interfere with Apple’s update servers, preventing progress.
Steps:
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Disconnect from any VPN or proxy
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Retry the update
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Reconnect after the update completes
This allows your device to communicate directly with Apple servers.
6. Restart Wi-Fi Connection
Even minor Wi-Fi glitches can block updates.
Steps:
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Settings → Wi-Fi → Toggle Off → Wait a few seconds → Toggle On
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Reconnect to the network
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Retry downloading the update
Refreshing the connection can remove temporary connectivity issues.
7. Update Apps Before iOS Update
Pending app updates can sometimes block iOS updates.
Steps:
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App Store → Profile → Update All
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Restart your device
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Retry iOS update
Keeping apps up-to-date reduces conflicts with the system update.
8. Reset Network Settings
Corrupted network settings can prevent iOS updates from downloading.
Steps:
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Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings
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Confirm and reconnect to Wi-Fi
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Retry the update
Note: This removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.
9. Use iTunes or Finder to Update
If OTA (over-the-air) updates fail, updating via iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) is a reliable alternative.
Steps:
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Connect your device to a computer
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Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
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Select your device → Check for Update → Download and Update
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Follow on-screen instructions
This method often bypasses OTA glitches.
10. Check Apple System Status
Apple servers may be temporarily overloaded during major iOS releases.
Steps:
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Check if iOS Software Update services are down
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If servers are busy, wait a few hours and retry
Sometimes patience is all that’s needed.
11. Force Restart Your Device (If Frozen)
If your device is completely unresponsive while preparing the update, a force restart may help.
Steps:
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iPhone 8 or newer: Press Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Power button until Apple logo appears
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iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Power button until Apple logo appears
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iPhone 6s or older: Hold Home + Power button until Apple logo appears
This clears frozen processes and may allow the update to continue.
12. Contact Apple Support
If the update remains stuck after trying all steps, there may be a device-specific issue.
Steps:
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Use chat, call, or book an appointment at an Apple Store
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Provide details about the stuck update
Apple can provide official troubleshooting and repair options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why does my iOS update get stuck on “Preparing Update”?
A1: Causes include network issues, insufficient storage, server overload, or corrupted update files.
Q2: Will deleting the update affect my device?
A2: No. It only removes the downloaded update file so you can download a fresh copy.
Q3: Can VPN prevent iOS updates?
A3: Yes. VPNs may block Apple servers, causing OTA updates to stall.
Q4: Is it safe to update via iTunes or Finder?
A4: Yes. It’s an official method provided by Apple and often resolves OTA issues.
Q5: How much storage do I need for iOS updates?
A5: Typically 5–10 GB, depending on the update size and your device model.
Final Thoughts
An iOS update stuck on “Preparing Update” is a common issue but usually fixable at home. Start with simple steps like checking storage, restarting your device, and ensuring a stable Wi-Fi connection, then move to advanced fixes such as resetting network settings, deleting the update, or using iTunes/Finder.
By following these step-by-step solutions, you can resume the update process, secure your device, and enjoy the latest iOS features without frustration. Regular updates also improve security and performance, so addressing these issues promptly is essential.