The majority of iOS updates include exciting new features that enhance the iPhone user experience. That’s why getting stuck in the middle of a download while trying to update your device can be extremely frustrating.
If your iOS or iPadOS software update download gets stuck halfway through, here are a few things you can do to get it moving again on an iPhone or iPad.
Keep in mind that it’s normal if your iPhone pauses on an update for 5 minutes or so. Please wait at least 30 minutes before you start troubleshooting.
1. Reset Your Network Settings
One of the most common reasons for an interrupted iOS update is an unstable network. If you lose your internet connection while an update is downloading, your iPhone will automatically pause the update. The same thing will happen if your connection is weak or fluctuating.
Typically, your iPhone will resume the update when your internet connection improves, but that is not always the case.
A sure indicator that your internet is the culprit for your interrupted update is a grayed out Resume Download option on the update screen.
There are a number of fixes you can try to make your network conditions better:
- Try to reset your Wi-Fi connection by turning your iPhone’s Wi-Fi off and then back on.
- Do a soft reset by restarting your iPhone.
- Turn Airplane mode on and off to restore your connections. You can access Airplane mode from your iPhone’s Control Center.
- Reset all network settings on your iPhone to get rid of any underlying connectivity problems.
- Restart or reset your router.
2. Clear More Storage Space
If you’re running low on iPhone storage, your update may stop before it downloads completely. Before starting an update download, your iPhone should let you know how large the file is. Typically, iOS updates are between 1.5GB and 2GB. But you’ll often need twice the storage space to download and install the update.
To be sure that you have enough storage for an update, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you don’t have enough space on your device, try deleting some media or offloading unused apps to free up storage space on your iPhone.
If you end up with insufficient space to download the update, try updating your iPhone with a Mac. This way you don’t need quite as much free space on your iOS device. Just follow these steps:
- Connect the your iPhone and Mac via USB.
- Open Finder to locate your iPhone. You may need to trust your device to continue.
- Select your iPhone from the sidebar, then click Check for Update.
If you have a Windows PC, follow these steps using iTunes instead of Finder.
If you find that you do have enough storage space for the update, that means storage is not the problem. Let’s look at more fixes for your interrupted iOS update.
3. Remove Beta Software or Incomplete Updates
If you’ve previously downloaded an iOS beta or an incomplete update, it’ll almost certainly cause your update to fail this time.
The way forward is to uninstall the beta or remove the former update’s installation package. To do the latter, open your iPhone’s Settings, go to General > iPhone Storage and scroll down the list of apps till you find Software Update. Tap it, then select Delete.
2 ImagesOnce you’ve deleted the update file, you can head to General > Software Update to restart the update.
4. Turn Off Content and Privacy Restrictions
Most people turn on Content and Privacy restrictions in order to block themselves or someone else from installing and deleting apps. It’s also a great feature for parents trying to restrict their child from accessing certain content.
If you previously turned on content restriction for iTunes and App Store purchases, your iOS update will not succeed.
To lift the restrictions, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions. You can turn off all restrictions by toggling off the switch at the top of the page or allow access for specific categories. For example, tap iTunes & App Store Purchases to create customized access rules for installing or deleting apps.
5. Check Apple’s System Status Page
When Apple releases a new iOS update, iPhone users all over the world rush to download it. This can cause Apple’s servers to become overburdened, resulting in downtimes that slow down your updates.
It’s rarely the case, but we can’t rule out the possibility that Apple’s update servers have failed. To be sure, visit the Apple System Status page and check for a green circle for update-related services such as the App Store, iCloud Account, and so on. If there isn’t a green circle, that means there’s a system problem, and you’ll have to wait until Apple fixes it.
Finish Your Update
One of these fixes should help you resume your iOS update download and installation. If none of these tips work, you may have to try a DFU restore to completely erase and reinstall all the software and firmware on your iPhone. This step will also erase all your data, though, so make sure you have a backup first.
