Learn why your iPhone gets stuck on "Update Requested" during iOS updates and discover 7 effective fixes. From basic checks to advanced tools like FoneTool Repair, this guide helps you complete the update smoothly and quickly.
The "Update Requested" status appears when your iPhone sends a request to Apple's servers to begin downloading new software. This stage typically lasts just seconds, while several factors can interrupt the update process, leaving your iPhone update not working as expected. Understanding these common causes helps you prevent future occurrences and select the most appropriate solution:
By using the following 7 effective solutions, you can quickly resolve the issue where iOS update requests get stuck.
Start with these simple verification steps before attempting more advanced solutions. These address the most common causes behind the iOS update stuck issue.
Step 1. Ensure sufficient battery
Connect your iPhone to a power source and make sure it's charged to at least 50% before updating.
Step 2. Verify Wi-Fi connection
Check that you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Consider restarting your router or trying a different network if the connection seems weak.
Step 3. Check available storage
Go to Settings > General > [iPhone] Storage to verify you have enough free space (5-8GB recommended for major updates). Delete unnecessary files or apps if needed.
A force restart clears temporary glitches that may be preventing your update from proceeding. This simple process doesn't erase your data and can resolve minor software conflicts.
Network configuration issues can block update requests. Resetting these settings can resolve connectivity problems preventing your iPhone from communicating with Apple's servers.
Step 1. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 2. Tap Reset, and select Reset Network Settings.
Step 3. Confirm your action and wait for the process to complete.
Step 4. Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and attempt the update again.
📝Note: This action will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and other network preferences.
Corrupted update files can cause hanging issues. Removing the downloaded file and starting fresh can resolve this problem.
Step 1. Open Settings and tap General.
Step 2. Select [iPhone] Storage, and scroll to find the iOS update file (it may be listed as iOS 26or similar).
Step 3. Tap on the update file and select Delete Update.
Step 4. Restart your iPhone and navigate back to Settings > General > Software Update to download the update again.
Bypass OTA update issues by using your computer to install the iOS update. This method is more reliable when Wi-Fi connectivity is problematic.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
Step 2. Select your device when it appears in iTunes or Finder.
Step 3. Click Check for Update in the Summary/General tab.
Step 4. If an update is available, click Download and Update. Please keep your iPhone connected until the process completes.
When standard methods fail, system-level problems might be the cause. FoneTool Repair specializes in resolving deeper iOS issues that can cause update failures, including persistent iPhone stuck on update requested errors.
This powerful iOS system repair tool is the best way to fix iOS/iPadOS issues without data loss
Steps to Use FoneTool Repair for Update Issues:
Step 1. Install FoneTool Repair on your Windows computer, launch the software and connect your iPhone via USB cable.
Step 2. Choose iOS System Repair from the interface.
Step 3. Select Standard Mode to preserve your data.
Step 4. Follow prompts to download the appropriate firmware package.
Step 5. Click Start Repair to begin resolving the system issues.
After completion, your iPhone will restart and should proceed with the update normally.
For persistent issues unresponsive to other solutions, recovery mode restoration can address deeper system corruption. Note that this method erases all data unless you have a backup.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes/Finder open.
Step 2. Enter recovery mode based on your model:
Step 3. When iTunes/Finder detects a device in recovery mode, select Restore.
Step 4. Wait for the process to complete and set up your iPhone again.
When dealing with an iPhone stuck on update requested, start with basic troubleshooting like checking your internet connection and storage space, then progress to solutions like force restarting or updating via computer. For persistent system issues, FoneTool Repair offers an effective way to resolve deeper iOS problems while protecting your data. Remember to maintain regular backups and keep your iPhone updated to prevent future update issues.