iPhone stuck on Verifying Update? What to do (without losing data)
Verifying Update is your iPhone checking the download with Apple. It is slow, not broken, far more often than people think.
What “Verifying Update” means
After downloading an update, your iPhone checks it with Apple’s servers before installing. If the servers are busy, your Wi-Fi drops, or the download is damaged, that check can hang. Your photos, messages and apps are not at risk during this step.
The fix
6 safe fixes, in order
- 1
Wait, on Wi-Fi and power.
Give it at least 30 minutes. On days when a big update comes out, a few hours is not unusual.
- 2
Check Apple’s system status.
Visit Apple’s System Status page and look for iOS Software Update.
- 3
Force restart the iPhone.
Press volume up, press volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Your data stays.
- 4
Delete the update and download it again.
Go to Settings › General › iPhone Storage, find the iOS update in the list, tap it and choose Delete Update. Then go to Software Update and download it again.
- 5
Make sure you have enough space.
An update needs several gigabytes free to unpack and install. Clear space if storage is nearly full.
- 6
Update with a computer.
Connect the iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (Apple Devices app), select it and click Check for Update, then Download and Update. This keeps your data.
Frequently asked questions
How long should Verifying Update take?
Usually 5 to 20 minutes. On release day, when millions of people update at once, it can take much longer. Wait at least 30 minutes on Wi-Fi and power before assuming it is stuck.
Will force restarting during Verifying Update erase my iPhone?
No. A force restart interrupts the check, but it does not delete your data. Restoring the iPhone with a computer is what erases it.
What to try next
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