iPhone Update Requested: Troubleshooting and Complete Guide
Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version is crucial for security, performance, and access to new features. However, sometimes the update process can get stuck on the dreaded “Update Requested” screen, leaving you frustrated and unable to use your device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot this issue and get your iPhone updated successfully.
## Understanding the “Update Requested” Status
The “Update Requested” message appears when your iPhone has downloaded the update files but is waiting to verify them with Apple’s servers before proceeding with the installation. Several factors can cause this delay, including:
* **Network Congestion:** High traffic on Apple’s servers, especially shortly after a new iOS release, can slow down the verification process.
* **Poor Internet Connection:** An unstable or slow Wi-Fi connection can interrupt the verification process and cause the update to get stuck.
* **Insufficient Storage Space:** If your iPhone doesn’t have enough free storage space to complete the update, it may get stuck on “Update Requested.”
* **Software Glitches:** Temporary software glitches or bugs can sometimes interfere with the update process.
* **Corrupted Update File:** Rarely, the downloaded update file can become corrupted, preventing verification.
* **VPN or Proxy Issues:** If you are using a VPN or proxy server, it may interfere with the connection to Apple’s servers.
## Troubleshooting Steps to Fix “iPhone Update Requested”
Here are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the “iPhone Update Requested” issue. Start with the simplest solutions and work your way through the more advanced ones.
### 1. Check Your Internet Connection
* **Verify Wi-Fi Connectivity:** Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi network. Try accessing websites or apps that require internet connectivity to confirm your connection is working.
* **Restart Your Router:** Power cycle your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from the power outlet, waiting for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. This can often resolve temporary network issues.
* **Switch to a Different Wi-Fi Network:** If possible, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue persists. This will help determine if the problem is with your current network.
* **Disable VPN:** Disable any VPN connections active on your device and try downloading the update again. VPNs can sometimes interfere with the update process.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. Open the **Settings** app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on **Wi-Fi**.
3. Ensure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network with a strong signal.
4. If you suspect an issue with your current network, tap on the “i” icon next to the network name and select “Forget This Network.” Then, reconnect to the network by entering the password.
5. To disable VPN, open the **Settings** app, navigate to **General**, and then look for **VPN**. If it is connected, toggle the switch to the off position.
### 2. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the update to get stuck.
* **Restarting an iPhone with Face ID:** Press and hold either the volume button and the side button, or just the side button, until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn your device completely off. After waiting a few seconds, press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
* **Restarting an iPhone with a Home Button:** Press and hold the top (or side) button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn your device completely off. After waiting a few seconds, press and hold the top (or side) button again until you see the Apple logo.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. Press and hold the power button (and volume button on iPhones with Face ID) until the power-off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds.
4. Press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
### 3. Check Your iPhone Storage
Make sure your iPhone has enough free storage space to download and install the update. Insufficient storage space can prevent the update process from completing.
* **Check Storage Usage:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **iPhone Storage** to see how much storage space is available on your device.
* **Free Up Storage Space:** If your storage is almost full, delete unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and other files to free up space. You can also offload apps to temporarily remove them from your device without deleting their data.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. Open the **Settings** app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on **General**.
3. Tap on **iPhone Storage**.
4. Review your storage usage and identify files or apps that you can delete or offload.
5. To delete an app, tap on the app name and select “Delete App.”
6. To offload an app, tap on the app name and select “Offload App.” This will remove the app but keep its data intact, so you can reinstall it later without losing your information.
### 4. Delete and Redownload the Update
Sometimes, the downloaded update file can become corrupted, causing the update to get stuck. Deleting the update and downloading it again can resolve this issue.
* **Delete the Update:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **iPhone Storage**. Scroll down and find the iOS update file (usually named something like “iOS 17.x.x”). Tap on the update file and select “Delete Update.”
* **Redownload the Update:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Software Update** and download the update again.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. Open the **Settings** app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on **General**.
3. Tap on **iPhone Storage**.
4. Scroll down to find the iOS update file (e.g., “iOS 17.x.x Update”).
5. Tap on the update file.
6. Tap on **Delete Update**.
7. Confirm that you want to delete the update.
8. Go back to **Settings** > **General**.
9. Tap on **Software Update**.
10. Wait for your iPhone to check for updates.
11. Tap on **Download and Install** to download the update again.
### 5. Update Using iTunes or Finder (Computer Update)
If you’re still having trouble updating your iPhone over Wi-Fi, you can try updating it using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later). This method can sometimes bypass issues that may be preventing the update from completing over the air.
**Using iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and Earlier):**
1. **Install the Latest Version of iTunes:** Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. You can download it from the Apple website.
2. **Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer:** Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. **Open iTunes:** Launch iTunes on your computer.
4. **Select Your iPhone:** Click on the iPhone icon in the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
5. **Check for Updates:** Click on the “Summary” tab and then click on the “Check for Update” button.
6. **Download and Update:** If an update is available, click on the “Download and Update” button. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
**Using Finder (macOS Catalina and Later):**
1. **Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer:** Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. **Open Finder:** Open a new Finder window on your Mac.
3. **Select Your iPhone:** Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under “Locations.” Click on your iPhone to select it.
4. **Trust This Computer:** If prompted, tap “Trust” on your iPhone and enter your passcode.
5. **Check for Updates:** Click on the “General” tab and then click on the “Check for Update” button.
6. **Download and Update:** If an update is available, click on the “Download and Update” button. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iTunes):**
1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes from the Apple website (if you don’t already have it).
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open iTunes.
4. If prompted, tap “Trust” on your iPhone and enter your passcode to trust the computer.
5. Click on the iPhone icon that appears in the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
6. Click on the “Summary” tab.
7. Click on the “Check for Update” button.
8. If an update is available, click on the “Download and Update” button.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process. You may be asked to enter your passcode on your iPhone.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (Finder):**
1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open a new Finder window.
3. Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under “Locations.” Click on it.
4. If prompted, tap “Trust” on your iPhone and enter your passcode to trust the computer.
5. Click on the “General” tab.
6. Click on the “Check for Update” button.
7. If an update is available, click on the “Download and Update” button.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process. You may be asked to enter your passcode on your iPhone.
### 6. Force Restart Your iPhone
Forcing a restart is a more forceful way to restart your iPhone and can sometimes resolve stubborn software glitches.
* **iPhone 8 or later:** Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
* **iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:** Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button until you see the Apple logo.
* **iPhone 6s and earlier:** Press and hold both the Home button and the top (or side) button until you see the Apple logo.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone 8 or later):**
1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus):**
1. Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button.
2. Continue holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone 6s and earlier):**
1. Press and hold both the Home button and the top (or side) button.
2. Continue holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears.
### 7. DFU Restore (Advanced)
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the most comprehensive restore option for your iPhone. It completely erases your device and reinstalls the operating system. **Important:** This process will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding. This should be considered as a last resort.
**Entering DFU Mode:**
The steps to enter DFU mode vary depending on your iPhone model:
* **iPhone 8 or later:**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
3. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
4. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
5. Press and hold the side button until the screen goes black.
6. Immediately press and hold both the side button and the volume down button for 5 seconds.
7. Release the side button but continue holding the volume down button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode.
8. Your iPhone screen should remain black. If you see the Apple logo, you haven’t entered DFU mode correctly and need to try again.
* **iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
3. Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button for 10 seconds.
4. Release the side button but continue holding the volume down button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode.
5. Your iPhone screen should remain black. If you see the Apple logo, you haven’t entered DFU mode correctly and need to try again.
* **iPhone 6s and earlier:**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
3. Press and hold both the Home button and the top (or side) button for 10 seconds.
4. Release the top (or side) button but continue holding the Home button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode.
5. Your iPhone screen should remain black. If you see the Apple logo, you haven’t entered DFU mode correctly and need to try again.
**Restoring Your iPhone in DFU Mode:**
1. Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, iTunes (or Finder) will display a message stating that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.
2. Click “OK” on the message.
3. Click on the “Restore iPhone” button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your iPhone to its factory settings.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone 8 or later):**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
3. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
4. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
5. Immediately press and hold both the Side button and the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
6. Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode (screen remains black).
7. In iTunes/Finder, click “Restore iPhone” and follow the prompts.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone 7/7 Plus):**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
2. Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together for 10 seconds.
3. Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode (screen remains black).
4. In iTunes/Finder, click “Restore iPhone” and follow the prompts.
**Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone 6s or earlier):**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
2. Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together for 10 seconds.
3. Release the Top (or Side) button but continue holding the Home button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode (screen remains black).
4. In iTunes/Finder, click “Restore iPhone” and follow the prompts.
**Important Considerations for DFU Restore:**
* **Backup Your Data:** Before performing a DFU restore, back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. This will allow you to restore your data after the process is complete.
* **Stable Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the restore process, as iTunes (or Finder) needs to download the latest iOS firmware.
* **Patience:** The DFU restore process can take some time, so be patient and avoid interrupting the process.
### 8. Check Apple System Status
Sometimes, the issue might not be on your end but rather with Apple’s servers. Before trying more drastic measures, check the Apple System Status page to see if there are any known outages or issues affecting software updates.
* **Visit the Apple System Status Page:** Go to Apple’s System Status page (usually found by searching “Apple System Status” on a search engine). This page provides real-time information about the status of various Apple services, including iOS Software Update.
* **Look for Issues:** Check if there are any reported issues with the iOS Software Update service. If there are, it means Apple is aware of the problem and is likely working on a fix. In this case, the best thing to do is wait and try updating again later.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. Open a web browser on your computer or another device.
2. Search for “Apple System Status” on a search engine.
3. Click on the link that leads to Apple’s System Status page.
4. Scroll down the page to find the “iOS Software Update” service.
5. Check the status indicator next to the service. A green indicator means the service is working normally. A yellow or red indicator means there’s an issue.
### 9. Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your iPhone is still stuck on “Update Requested,” it’s time to contact Apple Support for assistance. They may be able to provide further guidance or diagnose a hardware issue.
* **Visit the Apple Support Website:** Go to the Apple Support website.
* **Schedule a Genius Bar Appointment:** If you have an Apple Store nearby, you can schedule a Genius Bar appointment to have your iPhone examined by a technician.
* **Contact Apple Support by Phone or Chat:** You can also contact Apple Support by phone or chat through their website.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. Open a web browser on your computer or another device.
2. Go to the Apple Support website.
3. Navigate to the iPhone support section.
4. Choose the appropriate support option: “Schedule a Repair,” “Chat with Support,” or “Call Support.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to schedule an appointment or connect with an Apple Support representative.
## Preventing “Update Requested” Issues in the Future
While you can’t guarantee that you’ll never encounter the “Update Requested” issue again, here are some tips to minimize the chances:
* **Update During Off-Peak Hours:** Avoid updating your iPhone immediately after a new iOS release, when Apple’s servers are likely to be congested. Try updating during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning.
* **Ensure a Strong Wi-Fi Connection:** Make sure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection before starting the update process.
* **Free Up Storage Space:** Keep your iPhone’s storage space relatively free to ensure there’s enough room for the update files.
* **Regularly Back Up Your iPhone:** Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer to protect your data in case of any issues during the update process.
* **Keep iTunes/Finder Updated:** If you use iTunes or Finder to update your iPhone, make sure you have the latest version installed on your computer.
## Conclusion
The “iPhone Update Requested” issue can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the problem and successfully update your device. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and work your way through the more advanced ones. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for assistance. By following these tips, you can keep your iPhone up-to-date and enjoy the latest features and security enhancements.