Fix iPhone Stuck on “Update Requested”
You tapped Download and Install, and your iPhone just sits on “Update Requested”. Here's what that means and how to get the update moving.
“Update Requested” means you're in a queue
Your iPhone has asked Apple's servers for the update and is waiting for its turn to download. On the day a big update comes out, millions of people are in the same queue, so a wait of 15–30 minutes, sometimes longer, is normal.
If it's been more than an hour, or it's not a release day, work through the steps below.
FIXTry these in order
These work the same on iPhone and iPad. On an iPad, “iPhone Storage” is called “iPad Storage”.
Open Apple's System Status page. If iOS Device Activation or the App Store shows a problem, the issue is on Apple's side and all you can do is wait.
Otherwise, leave the phone on Wi-Fi and plugged in for 30 minutes with the Software Update screen closed.
- Connect to Wi-Fi you trust, ideally at home. Public and work Wi-Fi sometimes block large downloads.
- Plug in to a charger. Updates may wait if the battery is low.
- Turn off Low Power Mode in Settings › Battery, which can hold back downloads.
- Disconnect any VPN in Settings › VPN.
Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears, drag it to turn off, wait 30 seconds, then hold the side button to turn on. Go back to Settings › General › Software Update.
An update needs room to download and room to unpack, so it can stall even when the download size looks small. Aim for at least 10 GB free for a major update.
- Go to Settings › General › iPhone Storage and wait for the list to load.
- Tap Enable next to Offload Unused Apps. This removes apps you don't use but keeps their data, so they come back exactly as they were.
- Check the biggest items in the list. Large videos in Photos and old Messages attachments are usually the quickest wins.
A partly downloaded update can get stuck. Deleting it forces a fresh start.
- Go to Settings › General › iPhone Storage.
- Find the update in the list (it's named after the iOS version, like “iOS 26.6”) and tap it.
- Tap Delete Update.
- Go to Settings › General › Software Update and download it again.
If the update isn't in the list, nothing has downloaded yet; go to the next step.
Go to Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset and choose Reset Network Settings.
If you ever joined Apple's beta program, your phone may be waiting for a beta build instead. Go to Settings › General › Software Update › Beta Updates and choose Off, then check for updates again.
This skips the iPhone's own download completely and is the most reliable fix. Back up first if you can.
- Mac: connect the iPhone with a cable, open Finder, select the iPhone in the sidebar, and click Check for Update.
- Windows PC: install the Apple Devices app (or iTunes on older Windows) from the Microsoft Store, connect the iPhone, select it, and click Check for Update.
If the computer struggles on Wi-Fi, a wired Ethernet connection helps.
- Check your model is supported by the update. Apple lists compatible models on its update page.
- Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Mention you've tried updating through a computer.
FAQCommon questions
What does “Update Requested” mean?
Your device has asked Apple for the update and is waiting to start downloading. It's normal for a short while, especially on release days when demand is high.
How long should an iPhone update take?
Usually 15–45 minutes in total: downloading, “Preparing Update” and installing. On release days the download can take much longer. If it hasn't moved for over an hour, try the steps above.
Will I lose my data if I delete the update?
No. Deleting a downloaded update only removes the installer file. Your photos, messages and apps aren't affected.
It's stuck on “Preparing Update” or “Verifying Update”. Is that the same problem?
It's related. Leave it plugged in on Wi-Fi for an hour first. If it still doesn't move, delete the update and download it again (step 5).
Should I back up before updating?
Yes, it's always a good idea. Turn on iCloud Backup in Settings › your name › iCloud › iCloud Backup, or back up to a computer.