Here is how you can easily fix iOS 16 stuck on Preparing Update issue on your Apple smartphone. It is not uncommon for users to run into something that causes their handset to get stuck on the Preparing Update screen when a new iOS version becomes available over the air. If your iPhone is having a Preparing to Update error preventing the firmware from accessing servers on your mobile device, here are the fully working methods to resolve the update error on all compatible iPhones.
Apple has released iOS 16 to the world with all the new features for iPhone 8 and newer devices. You can download the latest version on any supported model right now. If you want to install the update, the simplest way to do so is through the Settings app. But if you’re constantly encountering the “Preparing Update” error, there are a few simple methods that you can try to download and install the update on your device. Keep reading for more details on this problem.
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What Is Preparing Update On iOS?
Software update on iPhone consists of three main steps: download the update file, prepare the file for installation, and the actual installing of iOS update. And preparing for an update is one of the phases your iPhone goes through during the process. As its name implies, the primary purpose of this step is to make your device ready to install the update. Once downloaded, the update is prepared in the background to ensure a smooth setup on your phone.
Normally, the update preparation step takes a few minutes to finish. However, in rare instances, the process can get stuck at ‘Preparing Update…’ and take longer than it should. If you find yourself in a similar situation, then there might be an issue that’s likely related to hardware damage or software bugs on your iPhone. We have enlisted the most common reasons below.
Why Is My iPhone Stuck On Preparing Update?
Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact reason causing the issue, some obvious culprits are:
- Wi-Fi disconnection
- The download process getting interrupted
- Existing bug in the currently installed iOS version that results in the file freezing while preparing or updating
- Physical hardware damaged device
Now, let’s take a look at some of the possible solutions to fix iOS 16 stuck on “Preparing to update” error on iPhone.
How To Fix Stuck On “Preparing To Update” When Installing iOS 16:
Apple pushes the latest iOS 16 build firmware update to millions of devices across the globe. This simultaneous rollout overloads Apple’s servers as a large number of users of try to update their iPhone to the latest version. Therefore, the update process could end up taking longer than usual on some devices. If you’re attempting to flash iOS 16 right away and are stuck on the “Preparing Update” screen, please refer to the following solutions.
Check Network Connection To Ensure Wi-Fi Connectivity
First, make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable wireless network. While it is possible to download the iOS update via mobile data, the time required reduces to a significant degree over a Wi-Fi connection.
Navigate to the Settings app > Wi-Fi > and tap on the Wi-Fi name to join. Select a known network. Once done, open any app like YouTube or Safari to check if the internet is working or not. If this doesn’t work, you may need to reset your network settings.
For that, perform the following steps:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Open General.
- Hit Reset to view the reset settings for your device.
- Now tap on the Reset Network Setting option to reset all your network settings.
That’s it. Your iPhone should now connect to the internet and download updates without any issues.
Also, ensure your iPhone is charged 50% and above or connected to a power source via its charger.
Redownload The Update File After Deleting It First
Step 1 – First of all, open the Settings app and head over to the General menu.
Step 2 – Now, tap on iPhone storage and wait while the system loads the items.
Step 3 – With that done, scroll down to locate the iOS 16 OTA file shown as Software Update and tap on it.
Note that some iPhones show iOS 16 instead of Software Update.
Step 4 – Tap on Delete Update.
Step 5 – Confirm your choice by hitting Delete Update again.
Step 6 – Now close all apps running in the background.
Step 7 – Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap on the Download and Install button to try installing the update all over again.
Step 8 – That’s all.
If the issue persists, try restarting your iPhone and repeat Step 7. Your device should now download and install the late iOS 16 build.
Conclusion
If none of the above fixes iOS 16 stuck on Preparing Update, you may need to hard reboot your iPhone. And even if this fails to resolve the update freeze issue, restore your iPhone via Mac or PC. Please note that when you restore, you will also get the option to Update. Try a simple Update first. If that doesn’t resume updating, you may proceed with the restoration.
