iOS · iPhone & iPad
Fix iPhone Update Stuck on Preparing Update
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Check power, Wi-Fi and storage, wait for preparation, restart, delete the downloaded update, and download it again before using a computer.
Check basic requirements
Connect power and reliable Wi-Fi, disable a VPN for testing, and keep enough free storage for download and installation.
Allow reasonable preparation time
Large updates and busy servers can take time; confirm the progress is truly unchanged before interrupting it.
Delete the update package
Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select the iOS update, delete it, restart, and download a fresh copy.
Update with a computer
Back up first, then use Finder or Apple Devices if over-the-air preparation repeatedly stalls or verification fails.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the issue continues, record the exact error and compare it with the linked Apple Support guidance before resetting, reinstalling, changing permissions, or deleting data.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.