iPhone 15 Stuck on Preparing Update? How to Fix It

Part 1. Why Is My Phone Stuck on Preparing Update?

Here are some common reasons why an iPhone stuck preparing update:

Server Issues: The Apple servers that deliver iOS updates can sometimes get overloaded when a new update first becomes available, causing errors or delays in the update process. Waiting and trying again later often resolves this.

Insufficient Storage Space: Installing an iOS update requires your iPhone to have enough available storage space. Check if your device is low on space and delete unused apps, photos, or other data if needed.

Connection Issues: A weak internet connection, poor WiFi signal, or other connectivity problems can disrupt or freeze the update process. Try updating with a stable/b WiFi or cellular data connection.

Part 2. What to Do if iPhone is Stuck on Preparing Update?

Fix 1. Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart is an easy first step to try when your iPhone is stuck on the preparing update screen. This hard reset your device and refreshes the operating system, which can often get the update process moving again.

This will power cycle your iPhone and boot it back up from scratch, potentially resolving any software glitches that were preventing the update from proceeding.

Steps to fix iPhone preparing update stuck:

• 1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
• 2. Immediately press and quickly release the Volume Down button
• 3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo

Fix 2. Force Close All Running Apps

Sometimes, background apps that are still running can interfere with or disrupt the iOS update process. Closing out all other apps forces your iPhone to dedicate its resources fully to the update.

Once all apps are closed out, try initiating the update again and see if that helps get past the preparation stage.

Steps to fix iOS 17 preparing update stuck:

• 1. Swipe up from the home screen to see recent apps in background.
• 2. Swipe up on each app preview to close it
• 3. Try the update again after closing all apps

Fix 3. Check Internet Connection

A slow, unstable, or intermittent internet connection can definitely cause an iPhone update to freeze or get stuck. Before updating, make sure you have a b WiFi signal or cellular data connection.

Steps:

• 1. Move closer to the WiFi router or restart it
• 2. Disconnect from VPN or proxy networks
• 3. Connect to stable/fast WiFi or cellular data

Fix 4. Clear Up Storage

The iOS update requires your iPhone to have adequate available storage space to download and install. If storage is low, the update process may fail to proceed. Generally, you need at least 2GB free.

Steps:

• 1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
• 2. Review usage and delete unused apps, messages, photos, etc. to free up space
• 3. Make sure there is at least 2GB of available storage

Fix 5. Use a Computer to Update

If you continue having issues updating over the air, try updating your iPhone by connecting it directly to a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). This often resolves any problems with the wireless delivery of the update.

Steps:

• 1. Download the latest iOS update on a Windows PC or Mac
• 2. Connect iPhone to computer via USB cable
• 3. Open iTunes / Finder and select your connected iPhone
• 4. Click "Check for Update" or "Download and Update"

Part 4. People Also Ask about iPhone 15 Stuck on preparing Update

Q1. What does preparing update mean?

When you see the "Preparing Update" message on your iPhone, it means iOS has downloaded the latest software update and is now getting ready to install it. This involves verifying the update file, extracting key components, and making sure there is enough storage space available for the upgrade. It's an important preparatory step, but it shouldn't take more than a few minutes at most.

Q2. How long should preparing update last?

The preparing update stage is designed to be quite quick - usually around 1-5 minutes. It just gets things ready before the main installing phase begins. If your iPhone is stuck on preparing updates for more than 10-15 minutes, that indicates a problem.