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# How to Fix iPhone Stuck on “Preparing Update”
- URL: https://techbytefix.com/fix-iphone-stuck-preparing-update/
- Published: 2026-10-10T00:04:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T16:55:04.000Z
- Author: Jake Whitman
- Tags: Troubleshooting

If your iPhone has stayed on “Preparing Update” for several hours or overnight, it is probably stuck. Keep it on power and Wi-Fi, then restart it; if the screen returns, delete the downloaded update and download it again. These steps do not erase your photos, messages, apps, or other personal data.

## Is your iPhone actually stuck, or is “Preparing Update” still working?

“Preparing Update” does not behave like a download progress bar. The iPhone can be checking the update, verifying the downloaded file, or making room for temporary installation data. On a stable connection, preparation often takes several minutes, but a larger update, limited storage, busy Apple servers, or an older iPhone can extend that time.

```text
Preparing Update
```

Symptom

Wait if the iPhone remains responsive, stays at a normal temperature, and shows signs of activity. Check whether apps open, the Settings app responds, or the storage screen loads. Keep the iPhone connected to power and do not repeatedly tap the update controls.

Treat it as stuck when the same screen remains unchanged for several hours, the phone stayed there overnight, the Settings app is frozen, or the iPhone is unusually hot. An unchanging display alone does not prove failure, but a long delay combined with no response justifies the recovery steps below. Do not erase the iPhone because preparation is slow.

![An iPhone shows the Preparing Update screen in the Settings app.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=iPhone%20on%20preparing%20update%20screen&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## Check these four things before forcing a restart

These checks apply to iPhones running supported iOS releases and to the particular iOS release shown in Software Update. You do not need Administrator privileges or another special permission to perform them. A normal restart preserves data, but make a current iCloud or computer backup first if the phone is usable; a backup gives you a safer option if later repair becomes necessary.

- **Wi-Fi:** Confirm that the iPhone is connected to a reliable private Wi-Fi network. Move closer to the router if necessary, and avoid a network that requires a browser sign-in. Do not rely on a weak cellular connection for the update.
- **Power:** Connect the iPhone to its charger. An update may pause when the battery is low, and power reduces the chance of an interruption during installation.
- **Storage:** Open Settings and check the available space. The update needs room for the downloaded package and temporary files, not just the size shown beside the update. If storage is nearly full, remove or offload a few large, replaceable items rather than deleting irreplaceable photos or messages.
- **Apple service status:** From another device, check Apple’s System Status page for an outage affecting software updates. If Apple’s update service is having problems, wait rather than repeatedly restarting the phone.

Also check compatibility. The iPhone must support the particular iOS release shown in Software Update. If the update does not appear for your model, or Apple says the device is unsupported, a computer will not make that release compatible.

![An iPhone rests connected to a charging cable during a software update.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=iPhone%20charging%20during%20software%20update&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## Fix “Preparing Update” in the safest order

Work through these fixes in order. Stop when the update begins progressing normally.

1. **Restart the iPhone normally.** No special privilege is required. On an iPhone with Face ID, press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. On an iPhone with a Home button, press and hold the side or top button until the slider appears. Drag the slider, wait for the phone to turn off, then hold the side or top button to start it again. A normal restart does not erase data. After the iPhone starts, connect it to Wi-Fi and power, then check Software Update again. If the phone starts normally but still shows the same preparation screen, delete the downloaded update before trying again. If the phone does not respond to the slider, continue to step 3.
2. **Delete the downloaded update and download it again.** This removes the partial update file, not your photos, contacts, apps, or messages. The iPhone must be responsive to use this step. \`\` `text title="Settings path" Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [iOS update] > Delete Update `\` ` Tap `Delete Update`, return to `Settings > General > Software Update\`, and download the update again over stable Wi-Fi. The expected result is a fresh download that proceeds past “Preparing Update.” If the update is not listed in iPhone Storage, restart the iPhone once and check Software Update again. If it immediately becomes stuck again, insufficient storage, a network problem, an Apple service issue, or a damaged system state may be involved.
3. **Force-restart the iPhone if it is unresponsive.** This is different from erasing or restoring the device and does not require special privileges. On an iPhone 8 or later, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. On an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, hold the side button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears. On an iPhone 6s or earlier, hold the Home button and side or top button together until the Apple logo appears. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears and let the phone finish starting. If it returns to the normal lock screen, connect it to power and try the update again. If it remains on the Apple logo or repeatedly restarts, stop forcing restarts and continue to step 4.
4. **Update with Finder or Apple Devices.** Use a Mac with Finder, or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app. If Apple Devices is not available on the PC, iTunes may be required on older Windows setups. No Administrator privileges are normally required to choose Update, but the computer must be able to access the iPhone. Use a trusted USB cable and connect the iPhone directly to the computer. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later, or Apple Devices on Windows, select the iPhone, choose `General` or `Summary`, and select `Check for Update`. Choose `Update`, not `Restore`, when prompted. An update attempts to reinstall iOS while retaining your data; Restore erases the iPhone. Keep the iPhone connected until the computer finishes. The expected result is that the computer reports a completed update and the iPhone restarts. If the computer detects the iPhone but reports an error, record the exact error number instead of repeatedly retrying. Persistent errors can point to a cable, USB port, computer software, storage, or hardware problem. If the computer cannot update the iPhone normally, see the final section.

![An iPhone restarts on a desk after being stuck during a software update.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=iPhone%20restarting%20for%20software%20update&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## How to tell whether the update worked

After the iPhone restarts, check the installed version instead of relying on the old update screen.

```text
Settings > General > About > iOS Version
```

Settings path

The version shown there should match the release you intended to install. You can also open `Settings > General > Software Update`. It should show that iOS is up to date, or offer only a newer release rather than the same update waiting to install.

Unlock the phone, open a couple of important apps, place a call if cellular service matters to you, and confirm that Wi-Fi reconnects. Check that your recent photos, messages, contacts, and other data are still present. The phone can feel warm or run background work briefly after an update, but persistent overheating, repeated restarts, missing cellular service, or apps that cannot open needs further attention.

If the version did not change and the update is still listed as pending, the installation did not complete. Return to the delete-and-redownload step once, then use Finder or Apple Devices rather than repeatedly interrupting the same over-the-air attempt.

![An iPhone displays its About screen with the installed iOS version.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=iPhone%20showing%20updated%20iOS%20version&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## What to do if every fix fails

Stop retrying when the iPhone remains stuck after a normal restart, a fresh update download, a force restart, and a computer-based update. If the phone is still usable, make a backup before doing anything that could require recovery.

Do not choose `Erase All Content and Settings`, and do not select `Restore` in Finder or Apple Devices, unless you have a current backup and understand that the action removes the iPhone’s local data. Erasing is not a first-line fix for a stalled preparation screen.

If the iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or the computer cannot update it normally, recovery mode may be the next step. Connect the iPhone to Finder or Apple Devices, enter recovery mode using the button sequence for your model, and choose `Update` first if the computer offers that choice. If updating fails and the only remaining option is `Restore`, pause if you do not have a backup and contact Apple Support for advice.

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider when the phone repeatedly fails with the same error, cannot be recognized by a computer, becomes unusually hot, shows physical damage, or cannot start normally. Give them the iPhone model, the iOS version if known, the exact computer error, and the troubleshooting steps already attempted. That information helps distinguish an update problem from a failing cable, storage issue, or hardware fault.

## Conclusion

Keep the iPhone on power and stable Wi-Fi, then restart it once. If “Preparing Update” returns, delete the partial update and download it again; use a force restart only when the phone will not respond, and use Finder or Apple Devices if the over-the-air update still fails. Do not erase the iPhone until you have a backup and Apple has advised that a restore is necessary.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Will deleting the iOS update delete my photos or apps?

No. Deleting the item under iPhone Storage removes only the downloaded update package. It does not delete your personal data or installed apps.

### How long should I wait on “Preparing Update”?

Several minutes is common, and some updates take longer. If the screen is unchanged for several hours or remains that way overnight with no other activity, treat it as stuck and begin with a restart.

### Can I use the iPhone while it says “Preparing Update”?

If the phone is responsive, light use is usually fine, but keep it connected to power and avoid restarting it while the process appears active. If the screen or Settings app is frozen, use the force-restart procedure.

### Will a computer update erase my iPhone?

Choosing \`Update\` in Finder or Apple Devices is intended to reinstall iOS without erasing personal data. Choosing \`Restore\` erases the iPhone, so do not select it unless you have a backup or Apple Support has directed you to do so.