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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...
BeckettFrost's avatar
BeckettFrost
Iron Contributor
Apr 29, 2025

When your iPhone is stuck on "Preparing Update" or experiencing severe software issues, Recovery Mode can help reinstall iOS without (or with) data loss. Below is a detailed breakdown of this method, including its principle, steps, and summary.

Recovery Mode is a failsafe state that allows iTunes/Finder to reinstall iOS when normal updates fail. It works by:

  1. Booting into a minimal iOS recovery environment (separate from the main OS).
  2. Allowing a clean iOS installation (similar to reinstalling Windows/macOS).

 

Two options:

  1. Update → Reinstalls iOS without data loss (if possible).
  2. Restore → Factory resets the iPhone (erases all data).

⚠️ Warning: If you choose "Restore," all data will be deleted unless you have a backup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter iPhone Recovery Mode. Press & release Volume Up. Press & release Volume Down.Hold Side button until recovery screen appears.

2. Open iTune. A pop-up will appear: "There’s a problem with the iPhone..."

3. Update (Recommended First Try) iTunes/Finder will reinstall iOS without erasing data. If successful, your iPhone will reboot normally.

P.S. Restore (If "Update" Fails) Wipes all data and installs a fresh iOS copy. After restoring, set up as new or restore from backup.

4. The process may take 10-30 minutes (do not disconnect!). iPhone will reboot when done.

This method is really helpful to fix iPhone stuck on preparing update issue but should be used carefully to avoid data loss. Let me know if you need further clarification! 

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