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BrantleySage's avatar
BrantleySage
Iron Contributor
Apr 29, 2025

How to fix iphone stuck on preparing update?

Hi everyone, My iPhone was stuck on "Preparing Update" screen for hours, and it hasn't progressed any further. Already tried waiting it out, but there's no movement or change. Restarted the phone mu...
JustinKing's avatar
JustinKing
Iron Contributor
Apr 29, 2025

Alright, so you’ve got your iPhone stuck on preparing update, huh? Don’t sweat it! I’ve been there, and it’s super frustrating. Here’s what you can try:

1. Wait It Out:
Sometimes, the update just needs a little more time. Seriously, it can take longer than expected, especially if it’s a big update or if your Wi-Fi is slow. So, give it a bit of time—maybe an hour or so—just chill and check back.

2. Restart Your iPhone:
If it’s still stuck after some time, let’s give it a quick restart. All you gotta do is hold down the Side (or Top) button and one of the Volume buttons until you see the "slide to power off" slider. Slide it, let your phone chill for a minute, and then power it back on. It might just kickstart the update process again! 

3. Check Your Storage:
You might be low on space, which can totally halt the update. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and see if you’ve got enough free space. If you’re packed to the brim, you might need to clear out some apps or photos that you're done with.

4. Try Updating via iTunes/Finder:
If your iPhone stuck on preparing update, hook your iPhone up to a computer. For Macs with macOS Catalina (or later), open Finder. For PCs or older Macs, fire up iTunes. Select your device, and see if you can update it straight from there. This is like giving it a lifeline, and sometimes it works better than the phone trying to do it alone.

5. Reset Network Settings:
If your Wi-Fi is acting up, it could mess with the update. You can reset your network settings without losing your data. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Just know that this will forget your Wi-Fi passwords, so you’ll need to re-enter them.

6. Last Resort: DFU Mode:
Okay, if all else fails, you might need to put your iPhone in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode to restore it completely. But only do this if you're comfortable, as it’ll erase everything. Search for how to do this based on your iPhone model, since the button combo differs.

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