How can I fix my iphone stuck on verifying update ios 26

Your iPhone 16 Pro Max stuck on "Verifying Update" during an iOS update can be frustrating. Since you've already tried force restarting and it keeps looping, here are some completely free steps you can take to try and fix iPhone stuck on verifying update iOS 26 issue:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer (Mac or PC)

• Using Finder (macOS 10.15+), or iTunes (Windows or older macOS), connect your iPhone with a Lightning or USB-C cable.
• This allows you to perform a recovery or DFU mode restore, which can resolve update issues like this.

2. Enter Recovery Mode

For iPhone 16 Pro Max, do the following:

• Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
• Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
• Then, press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears (shows a cable and a computer icon or iTunes logo).

3. Use Finder or iTunes to restore

Once in recovery mode:

• On Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
• On Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes.
• You should see a prompt saying your device is in recovery mode.
• Choose "Update" (not "Restore") to try reinstalling iOS without erasing your data.
• Important: If "Update" fails, you may need to choose "Restore," which will erase your device, but it often resolves stuck update issues.

4. Wait for the process to complete

• To fix iPhone stuck on verifying update iOS 26. Do not disconnect your device during the process.
• If the update hangs again, you can try the restore process, but note that restoring will erase your device, and without a recent backup, you'll lose data.