Updating your iPhone is always an exciting experience – you get to enjoy cool new features, enhanced security, and better overall performance.

However, the process can sometimes hit a roadblock, leaving your device frustratingly stuck on a frozen screen or the "Install Now" screen. This issue can crop up during both major software updates and minor incremental releases, causing a lot of anxiety and confusion.

If you find yourself grappling with an "iPhone stuck on install now" situation, don't panic! We've got your back with this comprehensive guide that will walk you through various troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue and get your iPhone up and running with the latest software.

We'll start by exploring the potential causes behind this frustrating scenario, and then dive into a range of solutions, from simple quick fixes to more advanced techniques.

icon note
Note: If your iPhone cannot update the software, check out the other guide for more information. Click on the link.
In this article
    1. Check Internet Connectivity
    2. Force Restart iPhone
    3. Manual Set-up iPhone
    4. Restore iPhone via iTunes
    5. Fix It in One Click via Dr.Fone - System Repair

Part 1: Top Reasons for iPhone Stuck on Install Now

Here are some of the most common reasons why you may encounter the “iPhone stuck on install now” issue:

  • Internet Connectivity Issues: A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading and installing software updates. Weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signals can disrupt the update process, leading to the "Install Now" screen freeze.
  • Low Storage Space: Software updates often require a significant amount of free storage space on your iPhone. If your device is running low on available storage, the update may stall at the "Install Now" stage.
  • Software Glitches: Occasional software bugs or conflicts can cause the update process to malfunction, resulting in the "Install Now" screen freeze.
  • Hardware Problems: In rare cases, underlying hardware issues with components like the battery or storage can prevent successful software installations, leading to the "Install Now" screen freeze.

Part 2: iPhone Software Update Stuck on Install Now? Try These Fixes

Now that you understand the potential causes, let's dive into the solutions to help you resolve the "iPhone update stuck on install now" issue.

Check Internet Connectivity

The first step is to ensure a stable internet connection. A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal can disrupt the update process, causing the "iPhone install now spinning" issue.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a reliable Wi-Fi network or enable cellular data if you have a stable mobile internet connection.

connect iphone to wifi

Step 2: Check the internet speed by visiting a website or running a speed test.

Step 3: If the internet connection is poor, try moving closer to the router or consider restarting your modem/router.

Force Restart iPhone

A simple force restart can often resolve minor software glitches that may be causing the "new iPhone stuck on install now" problem.

force restart iphone
  • For iPhone 8 or later models, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 6s or earlier models, press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Once your iPhone restarts, try reinstalling the software update.

Manual Set-up iPhone

If the previous methods fail, you can try manually setting up your iPhone as a new device, which may resolve any underlying software conflicts. It's a common occurrence for the iOS software installation process to hit a roadblock when you attempt to transfer data between two iPhones.

Using the manual setup is the most effective solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Start fresh by manually setting up your iPhone as a new device, without copying or syncing any data or settings from your previous device.

Step 2: Once you've set up your new iPhone, open the Settings app, navigate to General > Software Update, and download and install the latest iOS software update.

Step 3: After the update is installed, go back to Settings, scroll down to the General option, and tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone." Then, select "Erase All Content and Settings" to perform a factory reset on your newly updated iPhone.

manual setup iphone

Step 4: When your iPhone reboots after the reset, set it up again as a new device. At this point, you can transfer data from your old iPhone or restore a backup to populate your new device with your personal data and settings.

By following these steps, you can circumvent the common issue of the iOS software installation process getting stuck during data transfer between iPhones, ensuring a smooth and successful update.

Restore iPhone via iTunes

If the "software update stuck on install now" persists, you may need to restore your iPhone using iTunes. This process will erase all data from your device, so ensure you have a recent backup.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. Force restart your iPhone (refer to Fix 2 for instructions).

restore iphone via itunes

Step 2: In iTunes, click on the iPhone icon and select "Restore iPhone" from the Summary pane.

Confirm the restoration process when prompted.

After the restoration is complete, set up your iPhone as a new device or restore it from a backup.

Try installing the software update again.

Fix It in One Click via Dr.Fone - System Repair

If you've tried all the previous solutions but your iPhone is still stubbornly stuck on the "Install Now" screen, don't lose hope just yet. It might be time to bring in a specialized third-party system repair tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair. This robust application is designed to tackle a wide range of iOS system issues, including the frustrating "iPhone stuck on install now" problem.

With its advanced capabilities, Dr.Fone can diagnose and resolve the underlying cause, enabling you to finally complete the software update process smoothly.

Using Dr.Fone tool is an effective solution, as it truly shines in comparison to the other fixes for a few key reasons. Firstly, unlike some of the other methods that primarily target software-related issues, Dr.Fone can also address underlying hardware problems that may be causing the "iPhone stuck on install now" issue.

Here are the steps to use Dr.Fone System Repair tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Dr.Fone system repair tool on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch the Dr.Fone application. Select the "System Repair" option and follow the on-screen instructions to enter recovery mode.

dr fone standard repair

Step 2: Once your iPhone is detected, select the "Standard Repair" mode to fix the issue without data loss.

download firmware

Step 3: Follow the prompts to download the required firmware and let the repair process complete.

dr fone repair process

After the repair is finished, your iPhone should be able to successfully install the software update.

Part 3: [BONUS] Use MobileTrans to Backup iPhone Data to PC

Protecting your precious data should be a top priority before embarking on any major software update or restore process for your iPhone. A reliable tool like MobileTrans - Backup & Restore can be your guardian angel in this scenario, allowing you to create a comprehensive backup of your iPhone's data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, and more, ensuring it's safely stored on your computer.

Wondershare MobileTrans

Back Up Your Data to Computer Easily

  • • No data loss. No data leaks.
  • • Support various data, including files, photos, videos, apps, contacts, etc.
  • • Compatible with thousand of device types acorss Android and iOS.
4,085,556 people have downloaded it
logo trustpilot 5 stars 4.5/5 Excellent

The process is straightforward:

Step 1: After downloading and installing the MobileTrans application on your computer, connect your iPhone using a USB cable. Launch MobileTrans, and from the main interface, select the "Backup & Restore" option, followed by "Phone Backup & Restore".

mobiletrans backup and restore

Step 2: Now, you can choose the specific data types you want to back up, such as contacts, messages, photos, and more.

select data types

Step 3: Click the "Start" button, and MobileTrans will initiate the backup process, diligently safeguarding your cherished data.

mobiletrans backup process

With your data securely backed up, you can confidently proceed with any software update or restore process, knowing that your precious memories and information are just a click away from being restored, should you need them.

Conclusion

Dealing with an iPhone software update stuck on install now situation can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting techniques, you can resolve the issue and enjoy the latest iOS features. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, including checking your internet connection, force restarting your iPhone, manually setting up your device, restoring via iTunes, or using a system repair tool like Dr.Fone, you can overcome this roadblock and keep your iPhone running smoothly.

Remember, it's always a good practice to regularly back up your data using tools like MobileTrans to ensure your valuable information is protected during any software update or repair process.

logo trustpilot 5 stars 4.5/5 Excellent

FAQ

  • Q: Why is my iPhone stuck on the "Install Now" screen during a software update?
    There could be various reasons, including internet connectivity issues, low storage space, software glitches, or hardware problems.
  • Q: How do I force restart my iPhone?
    The force restart process varies based on the iPhone model. For iPhone 8 or later, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally hold the Side button. For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button simultaneously. For iPhone 6s or earlier models, press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
  • Q: Will restoring my iPhone via iTunes erase my data?
    Yes, restoring your iPhone via iTunes will erase all data from your device. It's recommended to create a backup beforehand using iTunes or a tool like MobileTrans.
  • Q: Can third-party tools like Dr.Fone safely resolve the "iPhone install now spinning" issue?
    Yes, reputable third-party tools like Dr.Fone can help resolve various iOS system issues, including the "iPhone stuck on install now" problem, without causing any data loss.
  • Q: Why should I back up my iPhone data before attempting a software update or restore?
    Backing up your iPhone data is crucial to prevent data loss in case anything goes wrong during the update or restore process. Tools like MobileTrans allow you to create a comprehensive backup of your data on your computer for added security.
Navkiran Dhaliwal
Navkiran Dhaliwal Mar 27, 24
Share article: