7 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone Stuck on Verifying Update

Get your iPhone updated and verified with these tips

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: July 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Is your iPhone stuck on "Verifying Update"? This can be frustrating when you're trying to update your phone. Whether you're upgrading from iOS 16 or 17, we'll show you how to fix your iPhone when it's stuck on Verifying Update with expert advice from Apple Support Specialist Josef Storzi.

Why Is My iPhone Stuck on an Update?

If your iPhone is stuck verifying an update, you'll need to force restart your phone fully. This is also helpful if your phone isn't responding to any touch. Once rebooted, check your Wi-Fi network, turn off any VPNs, and reset your Network Settings if needed.

1

Force restart your iPhone.

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Use certain buttons to force-restart your iPhone. Storzi advises, "If the iPhone is unresponsive, a force-restart may be necessary." This is different from a regular restart, which uses the menu to turn off your iPhone. Do the following:
- Quickly press and release the top volume button.
- Quickly press and release the bottom volume button.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the side button.

2

Let your iPhone charge.

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If your iPhone battery is low, it may stop itself from using any resources to preserve your battery life. Let your iPhone charge up to 80% before you try updating again.

3

Check your Wi-Fi network.

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If you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, make sure the network is stable and active. If it isn't, you may need to restart your router.

4

Turn off any VPNs.

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A VPN can block the connection with Apple's servers. Turn it off, and then restart your phone to start the update again.

5

Reset your Network Settings.

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Reset your iPhone's network settings. This will also erase any saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN/APN settings, so you'll need to enter those again later.^{[1]
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Research source} Do the following:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset [Device].
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.

6

Update using a computer.

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Use iTunes or the Finder to update your iPhone. If you can't update your iPhone through Wi-Fi, you can try using a wired connection instead. On Windows, you'll need to use iTunes. On Mac, you'll need to use the Finder.^{[2]
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- Be sure to backup your device before updating. This can be done via iCloud or your computer.
  - According to Storzi, you can "navigate to iCloud.com in your browser and sign into your iCloud account" to find photos, messages, and other content synced to your account.

7

Contact Apple.

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Contact Apple support for help. This may be a hardware issue, and you may still be covered by Apple's warranty.^{[3]
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- You can contact Apple on their website at https://getsupport.apple.com/.