iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update: Top Fixes

Keeping your iPhone up-to-date with the latest iOS version is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, security, and access to new features. However, the update process can sometimes hit a snag, leaving your device stuck on the "Preparing Update" screen.

This frustrating issue, often referred to as "iPhone stuck on preparing update" or "iPhone update stuck on preparing update," can be caused by various factors, from insufficient storage space to network connectivity issues.

Fortunately, there are several solutions available to resolve this problem and get your iPhone back on track.

Recommended reading: Another common problem is Move to iOS stuck on 1 minute. If you have the same issue, click to see more.

iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update: What Triggers it?

You might have come across the issue of iPhone stuck on update requested. The "iOS Preparing Update" screen is a similar issue and a normal part of the update process, during which your iPhone prepares the necessary files and settings for the new software version. However, if this stage gets stuck or hangs indefinitely, it could be due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Insufficient Storage Space: iOS updates can be quite large, and if your iPhone doesn't have enough free storage space, the update process may get stuck. This can lead to an "iPhone stuck in update" situation, where your device is unable to proceed with the installation.
• Network Connectivity Issues: A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for downloading and installing iOS updates. Poor network connectivity or interference can cause the update to stall or fail, resulting in an "iPhone stuck on preparing update" or "iOS update stuck on preparing update" scenario.
• Software Glitches: Occasionally, software bugs or conflicts can interrupt the update process, causing it to freeze or hang at the "Preparing Update" stage, leading to an "iOS preparing update" issue.
• VPN Interference: Some Virtual Private Network (VPN) services can interfere with the update process, causing it to stall or fail, resulting in an "iOS stuck on preparing update" situation.
• Hardware Issues: While rare, underlying hardware problems or a faulty iOS installation can also contribute to the "iPhone stuck on preparing update" issue.

Top Fixes: iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update

If your iPhone is stuck on the "iOS Preparing Update" screen, try the following solutions to resolve the "iPhone stuck in update" issue.

Review and Manage iPhone Storage

One of the most common causes of the "iPhone stuck on preparing update" issue is insufficient storage space on your iPhone. To check and free up storage space, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

Step 2: Review the list of apps and their storage usage.

Step 2: Identify and delete any unnecessary apps, photos, videos, or other data-hogging files to free up space.

You can also offload or uninstall apps temporarily and reinstall them after the update.

Check Network Connectivity

A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for downloading and installing iOS updates. If your network connectivity is poor or intermittent, the update process may stall or fail, leading to an "iPhone stuck on preparing update" or "iOS update stuck on preparing update" situation. Here's what you can do:

• Ensure that your iPhone is connected to a strong and stable Wi-Fi network.
• If using a cellular data connection, make sure you have a stable and strong signal.
• Try resetting your router or modem by turning it off and back on.

Disable VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can sometimes interfere with the iOS update process, causing it to stall or fail, resulting in an "iPhone stuck on preparing update" or "iOS stuck on preparing update" situation. To resolve this issue, try disabling your VPN temporarily before attempting the update again. Here's how:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on the VPN option.

Step 2: Toggle the VPN switch to the off position.

Attempt the iOS update again with the VPN disabled to see if it resolves the problem.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting your iPhone's network settings can sometimes resolve connectivity issues that may be causing the "iPhone stuck on preparing update" problem. This solution will reset your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 3: Select "Reset" and then choose "Reset Network Settings." Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm your action.

Once the reset is complete, try updating your iPhone again to see if it resolves the "iPhone stuck in update" or "iOS stuck on preparing update" issue.

Update Your iPhone Using a Mac or PC

If the above solutions don't work, you can try updating your iPhone using a Mac or PC. This method bypasses the need for an over-the-air update and can sometimes resolve the "iPhone stuck on preparing update" issue. Here's how:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC using a Lightning cable.

Step 2: On your Mac, open the Finder and select your iPhone from the sidebar. On your PC, open iTunes and click on the iPhone icon.

Step 3: In the Summary or General section, click "Check for Update" and follow the prompts to download and install the latest iOS version.

This may help resolve the "iPhone stuck in update" or "iOS preparing update" problem.

Reset All Settings

If none of the above solutions work, resetting all settings on your iPhone can be a last resort. This will reset all your preferences and settings to their defaults, but it won't delete any data or media. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 3: Select "Reset" and then choose "Reset All Settings." Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm your action.

After the reset is complete, try updating your iPhone again to see if it resolves the "iPhone stuck on preparing update" or "iOS update stuck on preparing update" issue.

Back Up Your iPhone to Avoid Data Loss: Wondershare MobileTrans

Before attempting any major software updates or troubleshooting steps, it's always a good idea to back up your iPhone's data to avoid potential data loss. MobileTrans - Backup & Restore is a reliable and user-friendly tool that can help you create comprehensive backups of your iPhone's data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, and more.

MobileTrans offers several backup options, including local backups to your computer, cloud backups to popular services like iCloud and Google Drive, and even the ability to transfer data directly from one device to another.

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Here's how to use MobileTrans to back up your iPhone before addressing the "iPhone stuck on preparing update" issue:

Step 1: Download and install MobileTrans on your computer.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB lightning cable. Launch MobileTrans on your device and select the "Backup & Restore" tab. Tap on the “Phone Backup and Restore” option to proceed.

Step 3: Now, select the data types you want to include in the backup (contacts, messages, photos, videos, etc.).

Step 4: Click "Start" to begin the backup process.

MobileTrans provides a seamless and secure way to create backups of your iPhone's data, ensuring that your valuable information is protected during software updates, troubleshooting, or device replacements, including situations where your "iPhone is stuck in update" or you're dealing with an "iOS preparing update" issue.

Conclusion

Dealing with an "iPhone stuck on preparing update" situation can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve this issue and successfully update your device to the latest iOS version. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you can overcome the "iPhone stuck in update," "iPhone preparing update," "iOS preparing update," or "iOS update stuck on preparing update" hurdle.

Remember, it's always a good practice to create a backup of your iPhone's data before attempting any major software updates or troubleshooting steps. MobileTrans offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for creating comprehensive backups, and protecting your valuable data from potential loss, even when dealing with an "iPhone stuck on preparing update" scenario.

Stay patient and persistent, and don't hesitate to seek further assistance from Apple Support or authorized service providers if the issue persists after attempting these solutions.

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