iPhone Stuck During iOS Update? Step-by-Step Repair Solutions

When your iPhone is stuck during an iOS update, it can be extremely frustrating—especially when you rely on your device for work, communication, and daily tasks. Although iOS updates are intended to improve system security, performance, and features, things do not always go smoothly. Sometimes the screen freezes on the Apple logo, progress bar stops moving, or the update verification fails. Fortunately, there are clear, practical solutions you can follow to fix the issue easily.

In this detailed guide, we will walk through why your iPhone is stuck during an iOS update, what warning signs to look for, and step-by-step methods to resolve the problem. We will also explain when it’s time to visit a professional repair shop such as Milaaj Mobiles and Laptop Repair Al Barsha for faster and more advanced troubleshooting.

What Does “iPhone Stuck During iOS Update” Really Mean?

When your iPhone gets stuck during an iOS update, it typically means the software installation process has been interrupted or frozen. This can happen during any stage—downloading, verifying, installing, or restarting. Even though the phone may appear frozen, in many cases, the issue is fixable without data loss.

Why Is Your iPhone Stuck During iOS Update? Common Causes

Understanding what leads to an iPhone stuck during iOS update helps you prevent future problems.

1. Low Storage Causing the iOS Update to Freeze

Insufficient space is one of the most common reasons your iPhone stops responding mid-update.

2. Weak or Unstable Internet Connection Interrupting the Update

A poor Wi-Fi connection often prevents the update package from verifying or downloading correctly.

3. Low Battery or Sudden Shutdown During Installation

If your battery drains mid-update, the device may freeze on the Apple logo or boot loop.

4. Server Overload Resulting in Update Errors

Apple servers can sometimes get overloaded, especially on major release days.

5. Corrupt iOS Update File Leading to Installation Failure

If the downloaded firmware file becomes corrupted, the installation will not complete.

6. Internal Software Glitches Causing iPhone Update Stuck Problems

Old cache files or incomplete updates may cause the verification stage to hang.

7. Hardware Issues (Rare but Possible)

Faulty storage chips, damaged motherboards, and defective power IC can make the iPhone stuck during iOS update repeatedly.

Signs Your iPhone Is Stuck During the iOS Update

Not sure if the phone is frozen or just slow? Here are the most common signs:

• Progress bar not moving for more than 20–30 minutes
• “Verifying Update” screen stuck for hours
• Apple logo screen frozen
• iPhone keeps restarting during update
• Update looping repeatedly

If you see any of these, your device is experiencing the iPhone stuck during iOS update problem.

Fixes for iPhone Stuck During iOS Update: Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Force Restart to Unfreeze an iPhone Stuck During Update

A force restart is the fastest method to fix a frozen update.

How to Force Restart:

• iPhone 8 and Later
  Press Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Side Button until the Apple logo appears
• iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
  Hold Volume Down + Power Button
• iPhone 6s and Earlier
  Hold Power + Home Button

This often resolves iPhone stuck on Apple logo during update issues.

2. Check Internet Connection Before Retrying the Update

A slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection is a top reason behind the iPhone stuck during iOS update issue.

Improve Network Stability:

• Restart router
• Connect to a different Wi-Fi network
• Turn off VPN or proxy connections

3. Free Up Storage to Fix Update Freezing Problems

Your iPhone needs at least 5–6 GB free space to install the latest iOS properly.

Remove:

• Unused apps
• Old photos/videos
• Old system files
• Offline downloads

4. Delete and Re-download the iOS Update File

If the update file is corrupted, delete it.

Go to:
Settings → General → iPhone Storage → iOS Update → Delete Update

Re-download the update again to fix the iPhone stuck on preparing update issue.

5. Plug the iPhone Into Power Source

Low battery can pause or freeze the installation.

Ensure the battery is at least 50% or keep it plugged in during the entire update.

6. Update Using a Computer (Finder or iTunes)

This is the best fix if your iPhone is stuck during iOS update repeatedly.

Steps:

1. Connect iPhone to Mac/PC
2. Open Finder or iTunes
3. Select your iPhone
4. Click Update

Computer-based updates bypass many mobile glitches.

7. Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode forces the system to repair itself.

When to Use It:

• iPhone stuck on Apple logo
• Progress bar frozen
• Update failed multiple times

You can choose Update (keeps data) or Restore (erases data).

8. Use DFU Mode for Severe iOS Update Freezing Issues

DFU mode is the deepest restoration option.

It resolves complex software errors that standard recovery mode cannot fix.
Use DFU only when other solutions fail.

9. Reset All Settings to Fix Conflicting Configurations

Some network or profile settings can interrupt the update.

Go to:
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset All Settings

This does not erase photos or files.

10. Check for Hardware Problems

If the iPhone update freezing problem occurs frequently, hardware may be the cause.

Possible issues:

• Faulty storage chip
• Damaged motherboard
• Weak battery health
• Power IC issues

In such cases, you will need a technician to diagnose the device.

Prevent Your iPhone from Getting Stuck During Future iOS Updates

Follow these tips:

• Always back up your device
• Ensure 50–60% battery
• Maintain 10 GB free space
• Use stable Wi-Fi
• Avoid updating on release day
• Do not interrupt the installation

When to Visit a Professional Repair Shop

If your iPhone:

• stays frozen after force restart
• cannot boot past Apple logo
• keeps looping during update
• fails to update even via computer
• shows hardware-related symptoms

…it’s time to seek expert help.

For reliable iPhone software repair, motherboard repair, and update-related fixes, you can visit Milaaj Mobiles and Laptop Repair Al Barsha, where specialized technicians can diagnose and repair even the most complex iOS update problems.

Conclusion: iPhone stuck during iOS update

Dealing with an iPhone stuck during iOS update can be stressful, but the issue is usually fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Whether it’s a corrupted update file, storage limitations, weak internet, or deeper system issues, the solutions above can help restore your device back to normal. And if all else fails, professional help is always available.

Other Services:

• Need other iPhone repairs? Check out Milaaj’s iPhone repair services in Dubai.
• Looking to upgrade? Learn about selling your used iPhone in Dubai.
• Data loss concerns? Visit Milaaj’s data recovery services.
• For Apple users, check Apple trade-in options in Dubai.

📍 Visit Any Milaaj Branch in Dubai

Shop Locations: Al Barsha | Bur Dubai | Reef Mall, Salah Al Din | Al Nuaimiya, Ajman
Email: support@milaaj.com
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday