If your iPhone is stuck on “Preparing Update,” keep it connected to WiFi and power, then check compatibility and available storage. If the preparation still does not finish, delete the downloaded update and download it again. Use a Mac or iTunes if wireless updating fails; reserve recovery steps for an iPhone that will not progress or is not recognized by a computer.
Why an iPhone can get stuck preparing an update
Preparing is part of the update process, and Apple does not publish a guaranteed time for it to finish. Download time depends on the update’s size and internet speed. A stalled update can also result from an unsupported iPhone, insufficient storage, trouble reaching Apple’s update server, or an incomplete download or installation. Apple’s requirements are a compatible device, an internet connection, and enough available storage: If your iPhone or iPad won’t update.
Try these seven fixes in order
1. Keep the iPhone on Wi‑Fi and connected to power
Use a stable Wi‑Fi connection and plug the iPhone into a power source while the update downloads and prepares. Pause other large downloads if the connection is busy. Apple notes that download time varies with update size and internet speed, and recommends keeping the device connected to power during a wireless update. Apple’s update guidance.
2. Confirm that your iPhone supports the release
Check Apple’s compatibility list for the current iOS release and match it to your exact iPhone model. If the model is not supported, it cannot install that release. Apple lists compatible devices in its iPhone and iPad update instructions.
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3. Check storage and make room
Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If storage is tight, enable Offload Unused Apps or delete apps and other content you no longer need, then try the update again. Offloading removes an app but can retain its documents and data; Apple also says an update may temporarily remove app data that can be downloaded again. Do not delete personal files unless you have decided they are safe to remove.
4. Retry, then switch Wi‑Fi networks
If you see an alert that the iPhone cannot check for or download the update, retry on the same Wi‑Fi network. If it fails again, try another network. Apple identifies inability to reach the update server as a possible cause; changing networks can help distinguish a local connection problem from a stalled update package. See Apple’s network and update guidance.
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5. Delete the downloaded update and download it again
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Find and tap the listed iOS update.
- Tap Delete Update.
- Return to Settings > General > Software Update and download the update again.
This removes the downloaded package so the iPhone can fetch a fresh copy. Apple specifically recommends downloading the update again when it still cannot be installed. Apple’s instructions for deleting and redownloading an update.
6. Update using a Mac or iTunes
If wireless updating continues to fail, try updating from a computer. Apple recommends a Mac or iTunes as an alternative. This is also a reasonable next step if the update does not appear in iPhone Storage or failures continue on different Wi‑Fi networks. Follow Apple’s computer-update instructions for your Mac or Windows setup: If your iPhone or iPad won’t update.
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7. Escalate to iOS Recovery only if the phone will not progress
Recovery is for a more serious state than a slow preparation screen: for example, when a computer does not recognize the iPhone, or the Apple logo remains for several minutes without a progress bar. Apple’s current recovery guidance describes Recovery Assistant, Software Update, and Diagnostics Mode options. Read the prompts and choose an update or assistant path where available; avoid choosing a restore unless you understand its data consequences and have a backup if possible. A restore can erase the device. See How to start up from iOS Recovery.
Which step is right for the current symptom?
| What is happening | Try next | Data and device considerations |
|---|---|---|
| The iPhone responds and shows a preparation screen | Check power, Wi‑Fi, compatibility, and storage; then delete and redownload the update if needed. | These are on-device troubleshooting steps; deleting the update removes the downloaded package, not your personal content. |
| Wireless updating fails or the download cannot reach the server | Try a different Wi‑Fi network, then update with a Mac or iTunes. | A computer update avoids relying on the iPhone’s Wi‑Fi download, but follow Apple’s prompts carefully. |
| A computer does not recognize the iPhone, or the Apple logo has no progress bar for several minutes | Follow Apple’s iOS Recovery instructions. | Prefer update or assistant options when offered. Restore is the higher-risk action because it can erase the iPhone. |
When to contact Apple
If the iPhone still cannot update after trying another network and a computer, or recovery does not resolve the problem, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
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