If your iPhone is still in Settings and says “Preparing Update,” Apple does not give a fixed time limit for that screen. Update progress depends on the update’s size and the storage available on the device. Keep the iPhone connected to power, check the basics below, then retry the download or update with a computer if it still will not finish. If the phone is frozen or showing an Apple logo, use the separate frozen-device steps instead.
First, identify what the iPhone is showing
- “Preparing Update” in Settings: Leave the iPhone connected to power while you check storage, compatibility, and internet access. A particular number of minutes on this screen does not, by itself, prove the update has failed.
- An unresponsive screen or an Apple logo: This is no longer the normal in-Settings update flow. Follow Apple’s instructions for a frozen iPhone or recovery mode, matching the steps to your device and what is on screen.
Apple lists compatibility, available storage, internet or update-server access, slow downloads, and updates that do not complete among the possible update problems. Its iPhone and iPad update troubleshooting guide does not give a separate timeout or a dedicated procedure for the “Preparing Update” message.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check the conditions for a wireless update
Apple’s basic requirements are a compatible iPhone, an internet connection, and enough available storage. The amount of free storage needed varies; Apple does not set a universal figure for this troubleshooting guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Connect the iPhone to a power source and Wi-Fi. Apple recommends Wi-Fi for faster downloads and advises avoiding other downloads while updating.
- Confirm that the iPhone supports the iOS version you are trying to install.
- Check available storage in Settings before retrying. If iOS offers to temporarily remove apps to make room, Apple says those apps are automatically reinstalled after installation completes.
Apple recommends backing up before updating. Its current update guide gives this starting path: Settings > General > Software Update, then follow the on-screen steps.
#1 Best Overall
- 20W High-Speed Charging: Enjoy fast charging with 20W max output for your iPhone, Samsung phones, and other devices.
- Simultaneous Dual-Port Charging: With the ability to use USB-C and USB-A ports simultaneously, power two devices at once without compromising speed or performance.
- Small and Compact: Designed with portability in mind, take the compact charger with you wherever you go, ensuring that you never run out of power when you need it the most.
- Safety Features You Can Trust: Anker's proprietary system includes overvoltage protection, temperature control, and other safety features designed to help safeguard your devices while charging.
- What You Get: Anker Charger (2-Port, 20W), 2-pack 5 ft USB-C to USB-C cable, welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Retry on a reliable network
If the iPhone cannot reach or verify with Apple’s update server, a network issue may prevent the update from completing. Apple recommends trying again on the same network; if the alert persists, try another network. A VPN or proxy might interfere with contact to update servers, but that does not mean every VPN blocks updates. Avoid turning off security protections as a blanket troubleshooting step.
If the update still does not complete, use a Mac or iTunes on a compatible computer rather than repeating the same wireless attempt indefinitely.
Rank #2
- DESIGNED BY APPLE — This 20W USB‑C Compact Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office, or on the go.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Pair with iPhone 8 or later for fast charging — up to 50 percent battery in around 30 minutes* for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro when paired with the 30W USB-C Power Adapter. Compatible with any USB-C enabled device.
- Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using preproduction iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max units and software, and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1-meter Model A2580 and 2-meter Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast-charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple 20W USB-C Compact Power Adapter only. Charging cable sold separately.
Delete the downloaded update and try again
A damaged or incomplete local download can be retried by removing the update file and downloading it again. Apple’s steps are:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Open Settings > General > [device] Storage.
- Find the iOS update in the list, tap it, then tap Delete Update.
- Return to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update again.
If the update does not appear in device storage, or the same problem returns after downloading it again, Apple recommends updating with a computer.
Rank #3
- High-Speed Charging&Data Transfer: Deliver full-speed charging for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro and Pro Max, it’s 3 times faster charging speed than original 5W charger. Enjoy the 480 Mbps data transfer speed
- Durability: Improved design and high-quality materials increase service life. strong and wear-resistant, Withstands 90-degree bends over 20,000 times
- Portable: 6FT Enough Long Cable relax in bed, or charge in any position that’s convenient for you.Lightweight and without tangled cables. You can take it with you wherever you want
- Compatibility: For iPhone 18/17/16/15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPad Pro 12.9 inch 6th/5th/4th/3th (2022/2021/2020/2018), iPad Pro 11 inch 4th/3th/2th/1th (2022/2021/2020/2018), iPad Air 5th (2022), iPad Air 4th (2020), iPad Mini 6th Gen (2021), iPad 10th Generation 10.9 inch (2022); Also compatible with Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/XL, and more USB C android phones
- What You Get: 4-Pack USB C Wall Charger Block, 4-Pack 6 ft USB C to C Cable and our friendly customer service.If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our service team will reply you with satisfied solution within 24 hours
Update with a computer when wireless updating fails
Apple supports updating an iPhone with a computer when an update does not appear on the phone or the wireless update will not complete. The app and exact steps depend on the computer’s operating system. Follow Apple’s current computer-update instructions for your Mac or Windows setup.
If the computer does not recognize the iPhone, or the Apple logo remains for several minutes without a progress bar, use Apple’s device-specific recovery-mode guidance. Follow the recovery instructions for the state your iPhone is in; do not choose a restore that erases data as an early troubleshooting step.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
