7 Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update iOS 18

User Concern

“I tried to update my iPhone to the latest iOS 18. Downloaded successfully but now stuck on preparing update...I have enough space (around 50 GB) and my internet is pretty good. What should I do?”

If you’ve tried updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version like iOS 18 and found it stuck on Preparing Update, you’re not alone. This problem can happen due to software bugs, network issues, or even minor hardware glitches.

The good news is that it’s usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll look at the common causes of this issue and walk you through practical solutions to help your iPhone finish the update and get back to normal.

Why is iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update?

Usually, the “Preparing Update” stage on an iPhone should only take a few minutes. However, it can sometimes take much longer or get stuck due to the following reasons:

• Not enough storage: If your iPhone doesn’t have enough free space for the update files, the process may freeze.
• Low battery: The update might not continue if your battery level is too low. iPhone needs enough power to safely complete the update.
• Network issues: A slow or unstable network connection can delay or interrupt the update download.
• Busy Apple servers: When many users are updating at the same time, Apple’s servers can get overloaded, causing delays.
• Corrupted update files: If the update download was damaged or incomplete, it might not proceed as expected.
• Software glitches: Sometimes, bugs in the iOS system itself can stop the update from moving forward.
• Incompatible device: Older iPhones that aren’t fully supported may run into issues during the update process.
• Hardware problems: In rare cases, hardware issues with the device can prevent the update from being prepared or installed.

What If My iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update?

Here are simple and effective ways to fix your iPhone stuck on the “Preparing Update” screen - no computer needed:

Ensure iPhone is Fully Charged

Apple recommends your iPhone be sufficiently charged before updating. If the battery is too low, your device might get stuck on the “Preparing Update” screen. To avoid this, ensure your iPhone has at least 50% battery. If not, plug it in and let it charge for a while, then check if the update resumes.

Check Network Connection

A weak internet connection can stop your iPhone from finishing the “Preparing Update” step. iOS needs a strong, stable Wi-Fi to download and check the update files. To fix this:

• Switch to a different, more stable Wi-Fi network if available.
• Restart your Wi-Fi router to eliminate any temporary glitches.
• Disable any VPN services you may be using, especially free ones.
• If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider resetting your network settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Check and Free iPhone Storage

You also need to have adequate storage space on your device to install iOS updates. The amount of storage space you need will depend on the version of iOS that you are installing, but to be on the safe side, you may need to have at least 2GB of storage space.

To check the amount of storage space on your device, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you don’t have adequate storage space, delete some of the unused apps on your device to create more room.

Delete the Update File and Download Again

If your iOS 18 update is stuck on "Preparing Update," the update file might be corrupted. In this case, the best solution is to delete the file and download it again. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app from the device’s homepage and then tap on General.
2. Tap on iPhone Storage to see your device's storage details.
3. Find the iOS 18 update file, tap it and choose Delete Update on the following screen.

Once the update has been completely removed from the device, go to Settings > General > Software Update to try the update process again.

Force Restart iPhone

If the problem is caused by a software crash, one of the most effective ways to fix it is to force reboot the iPhone. The steps you use to force restart your iPhone will depend on the model of iPhone that you have. Here’s how to do it:

• For iPhone 8 and newer models: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until you see the Apple logo.
• For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons at the same time. Keep holding until the Apple logo shows up.

Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update from Computer

Update iPhone with iTunes or Finder

If your iPhone is stuck on “Preparing Update,” you can try updating it through iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Before you begin, it’s strongly recommended to back up your device first, as the update process may sometimes lead to data loss. Here's how to do it:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder if you're on macOS Catalina or later).
3. In iTunes, click the iPhone icon at the top left. In Finder, select your iPhone from the sidebar.
4. Click Check for Update. If a new iOS version is available, a prompt will appear.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to download and install the update.

Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update without Data Loss

If you are still unable to update your device, you can try to repair the iOS system on your device using an iOS system repair tool like FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. This tool can quickly fix the issue of iOS getting stuck on "Preparing Update" and help you upgrade your iPhone to the latest version. It won’t erase any data, so you can get past the stuck screen and start using the new features right away.

Download and install FoneGeek iOS System Recovery on your computer and then use these simple steps to fix your iPhone:

Step 1: Open FoneGeek on your computer and then select the Standard Mode from the main screen. Use USB cables to connect the iPhone to the computer and then click on Next.

Step 2: Once the device recognizes the connected device, you will be prompted to install the latest firmware to fix the device. Just click on Download to get the firmware package that you need.

Step 3: As soon as the download is complete, click on Fix Now and FoneGeek will begin to repair your device.

In just a few minutes, the "Preparing Update" stuck issue will be resolved, and your iPhone will restart automatically. It will also be updated to the latest iOS version without needing any manual steps.

FAQs About iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update

What does iPhone preparing update mean?

"Preparing Update" on an iPhone means the device is getting ready to install the downloaded iOS update. During this step, the iPhone verifies the update file, checks compatibility, unpacks necessary data, and clears space if needed. It's a normal part of the update process that happens after downloading and before installation.

How long should preparing update take on iPhone?

The "Preparing Update" process on an iPhone typically takes between 5 to 15 minutes. However, it might last longer depending on factors like internet speed, free storage space, the size of the update, etc. If it takes more than 30 minutes, there may be an issue preventing the update from progressing.

Can I turn my iPhone off while prepairng an update?

No, you shouldn't turn off your iPhone while it's preparing an update. Doing so can interrupt the process and may cause errors or even make your device unusable. It's best to let it finish.

How do I cancel preparing an update on iPhone?

To cancel the "Preparing Update" process on iPhone, go to the Settings app, tap General, then iPhone Storage. Scroll through the list of apps and updates until you find the iOS update file and tap on it. You'll see an option to delete the update; once you tap "Delete Update," your iPhone will cancel the preparation process and remove the downloaded file.

Do you need Wi-Fi when an iPhone is preparing an update?

Yes, you need Wi-Fi when your iPhone is preparing an update. The update files are large, and Apple only allows iOS updates to download over a stable Wi-Fi connection - not mobile data. Once the download is complete and the update is being prepared, your iPhone still needs Wi-Fi to verify the update with Apple’s servers. If your connection is lost or unstable, the process may fail or get stuck.

Conclusion

Keeping your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version is essential, but the process doesn’t always go as planned. One common issue is the device getting stuck on the “preparing update” screen. This can happen for various reasons, but the good news is that it’s often easy to fix.

One of the fastest and safest ways to resolve it is by using FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. With just a few simple steps, you can fix the iOS 18 preparing update problem without losing any data - and your iPhone will be upgraded to the latest version at the same time.