Dealing with the Perplexing ‘Preparing Update’ Stuck Issue on Your iPhone- Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Why is My iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update?

Updating your iPhone is an essential process that ensures your device runs smoothly and remains secure. However, encountering an issue where your iPhone gets stuck on the “preparing update” screen can be frustrating and confusing. This article aims to provide insights into why this problem occurs and what you can do to resolve it.

Common Causes of iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update

Several factors can lead to your iPhone getting stuck on the “preparing update” screen. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Limited Storage Space: Your iPhone needs enough space to download and install the update. If your device is running low on storage, the update process may fail or get stuck.

2. Outdated Software: Sometimes, outdated software can interfere with the update process. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

3. Background Apps: Running too many apps in the background can slow down the update process and cause it to get stuck.

4. Network Issues: A poor or unstable internet connection can interrupt the update process, leading to the “preparing update” screen getting stuck.

5. Corrupted Files: Corrupted system files can prevent your iPhone from completing the update process.

How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update

To resolve the issue of your iPhone getting stuck on the “preparing update” screen, try the following solutions:

1. Check Storage Space: Free up some space on your iPhone by deleting unnecessary files, apps, or photos. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Update to the Latest Software: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts.

3. Close Background Apps: Force quit any apps running in the background. Double-tap the Home button, swipe up on the app previews, and swipe up on the app you want to close.

4. Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection. Try updating your iPhone when connected to Wi-Fi or a stronger cellular network.

5. Reset Network Settings: Resetting your network settings can help resolve connectivity issues. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will erase your Wi-Fi passwords and network settings.

6. Check for Corrupted Files: If you suspect corrupted files are causing the issue, try restoring your iPhone from a backup using iTunes or iCloud. This will replace the corrupted files with a fresh copy.

7. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above solutions work, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose the problem and guide you through the necessary steps to resolve it.

In conclusion, being stuck on the “preparing update” screen can be a frustrating experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually resolve the issue. By checking your storage space, updating to the latest software, and ensuring a stable internet connection, you can prevent this problem from occurring in the future.