Having an iOS update get stuck can be incredibly frustrating. You wait for the latest software update, only for it to get part way through installing and then freeze. If this has happened to you, don’t worry – there are several potential causes and solutions for a stuck iOS update.
Common Causes of a Stuck iOS Update
There are a few main reasons why an iOS update may get stuck or frozen mid-installation:
- Not enough storage space – iOS updates require a certain amount of available storage space on your device to download and install. If you’re low on space, it can cause the update to hang.
- Software glitch – Sometimes there are bugs in the update software itself that causes it to freeze.
- Connection issue – A poor internet connection while downloading or installing the update is a prime culprit for it stalling.
- Hardware problem – An issue with the device hardware itself, like an old battery or failing components, might prevent the update from completing.
- Jailbroken device – Jailbroken iOS devices often have a harder time installing official software updates.
Fixes and Solutions for a Stuck iOS Update
If you find yourself with an iOS update that won’t finish installing, don’t panic. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to try and get it unstuck:
Check Your Storage Space
First, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see if your device is low on space. iOS updates require at least a few GBs free in order to download and install. If your storage space is nearly full, you’ll need to free up room before the update can complete. Try deleting unused apps, messages, photos, or videos.
Update Using Your Computer
If you have a computer, you can try updating your iOS device using iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac). Connect your device to the computer with a USB cable, open the app, select your device, then click “Check for Update.” This may allow the update to install correctly.
Toggle Airplane Mode
Sometimes turning Airplane Mode on for a few seconds, then off again, will resolve any network issues that could be preventing the update download or install process. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap the Airplane Mode icon to toggle it on and off.
Restart Your Device
Restarting your iPhone or iPad can help clear out any glitches and allow the iOS update to finish installing properly once the device boots back up. To restart, hold down the Power/Side button until the “Slide to Power Off” message appears. Slide to turn off. Then hold the Power/Side button again until you see the Apple logo to turn your device back on.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings erases any network connection issues and resets them to default. This can help fix update problems caused by network conflicts. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You’ll lose any saved Wi-Fi passwords so you’ll need to re-enter them.
Remove and Reinsert SIM Card
If you have an iPhone, removing and reinserting your SIM card can sometimes resolve cellular data issues that may interfere with installing an iOS update over-the-air. Power off your iPhone, eject the SIM tray and remove the SIM card. Then reinsert the SIM card and power your iPhone back on.
Force Restart Device
Force restarting your iOS device essentially performs a hard reboot, which may jolt it out of the stuck update process. On most models, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear.
Delete Update and Re-download
Deleting the current stalled iOS update download and attempting it again may help. Go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage. Find the iOS update file, tap it, then tap Delete Update. Then go back to Settings > General > Software Update and try downloading and installing the update again.
Restore Device Using Finder/iTunes
If all else fails, you may need to perform a restore of your iOS device. This will wipe the device and reinstall the latest iOS version from scratch. Make sure to backup your device first! Then in Finder/iTunes, enter recovery mode and restore. This will often fix even the most stubborn of stuck update issues.
When to Take Device to Apple
If you still can’t get an iOS update installed after trying all the steps above, it’s probably time to take your device into an Apple Store, or contact Apple support if you can’t get to a store. There may be an underlying hardware issue preventing the update from completing. Let the experts take a look and see if the device needs repair or replacement.
Preventing Stuck Updates in the Future
To avoid having an iOS update get stuck again down the road, here are some helpful tips:
- Maintain adequate storage space – Don’t let your device fill up all the way.
- Update over WiFi – For more reliable downloads.
- Backup data – Prior to updating, in case anything goes wrong.
- Close all apps – Before starting the update process.
- Use newest model device – Older models have slower processors and hardware issues.
- Stay current – Don’t let multiple iOS updates build up before installing.
- Check for and install update immediately – When a notification pops up that one is available.
Summary and Conclusion
iOS updates getting stuck mid-installation is a common frustration for Apple device owners. The most likely culprits are low storage space, software bugs, connection issues, or hardware problems. To resolve it, try freeing up storage, toggle Airplane mode, restart your device, re-download the update, or lastly perform a full restore. Prevent future stuck updates by maintaining adequate storage, only updating on WiFi, backing up data, closing apps before updating, using newer device models, staying current on updates, and installing updates right away when available. If all troubleshooting fails, take your device to Apple for inspection and possible repair or replacement. With the right mitigation tactics, you can avoid having an iOS update get stuck again.
