iPhone software update failed or stuck? 7 fixes to try

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Connect to Wi-Fi and a charger, and make sure there is enough free space under Settings, General, iPhone Storage. If the update still fails, delete it from that storage list, download it again under Settings, General, Software Update, or update with a computer.

To update, an iPhone needs to be a compatible model and needs an internet connection, enough free storage and power. When one of these is missing you see messages such as "Unable to Check for Update" or "Unable to Download", or the update appears to stop part way.

Step by step

  1. Check that your iPhone supports the update

    Older models stop receiving new versions of iOS. If Software Update says your iPhone is up to date while a newer version exists, look for your model on Apple's list of compatible devices.

  2. Connect to Wi-Fi and power

    Join a Wi-Fi network and plug the iPhone into a charger. Avoid downloading other things at the same time, because that slows the update.

  3. Free up storage

    Open Settings, General, iPhone Storage. Tap Enable next to Offload Unused Apps, or delete apps and videos you do not need.

  4. Give it time

    How long the installation takes depends on the size of the update and how much is stored on the phone. Keep it on the charger. If it ran out of power part way, plug it in and turn it on so the update can finish.

  5. Try a different network

    If you see "Unable to Check for Update" or a message that the update could not be verified, try again on another Wi-Fi network.

  6. Delete the update and download it again

    Open Settings, General, iPhone Storage, find the update in the list of apps, tap it and tap Delete Update. Then go to Settings, General, Software Update and download it again.

  7. Update with a computer

    Connect the iPhone to a Mac and open Finder, or to a Windows PC and open the Apple Devices app or iTunes. Select the iPhone and click Check for Update.

Good to know

Back up the iPhone before a major update, to iCloud or to a computer, so nothing is lost if the update goes wrong.

If the computer does not recognise the iPhone, or the screen stays on the Apple logo for a long time, Apple's next step is recovery mode. Choose Update there, not Restore: Restore erases the iPhone.

If the update is not in the storage list, it has not been downloaded yet. Go straight to Software Update.

In short: Wi-Fi and charger, free up storage, delete the update under iPhone Storage and download it again, or update with a computer.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If your iPhone or iPad won't update

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