iOS 18/17/16/15 on Preparing Update? Fixed!

What is preparing update?

Apple usually releases an updated version to the iOS devices via the over-the-air update. When you are ready to download and install this update, your iPhone will attach to Apple servers and start the patching process. Generally speaking, the preparing update means your iPhone is gearing up to download and install the update file.

Why is my iPhone stuck on preparing update iOS 18/17/16/15?

Some users might wonder “why is my iPhone stuck on preparing update iOS 18?” It has taken longer minutes or hours to finish the iOS preparing update. Reasons are manifold, but software issues could come first.

Specifically, there’s something wrong with the downloaded update file or the Wi-Fi. Moreover, don’t rule out the possibility that your current iOS version contains a bug that precludes you from installing the updated version.

Meanwhile, the physically damaged iOS device also impacts the download and update installation. Therefore, please avoid damaging your iPhone in your daily life as much as possible.

How to fix iOS 15/16/17/18 stuck on preparing update?

This part shares three distinct plans with you. The first plan guide you to backup iPhone before iOS upgrade because iOS updates could pose potential risks. Isn’t iOS 18 stuck on preparing update for one of these risks? And the last two targeted solutions are closely linked to the corresponding reasons.

Fix 1. Backup iPhone before iOS upgrade for data loss prevention

The iOS 15 preparing update makes it possible to enjoy the latest features. Nevertheless, many users are concerned that if the iOS 15 preparing update fails or iOS 15 stuck on preparing update, they will lose data.

Once combined with the previously obtained information, it is necessary to backup iPhone before iOS upgrade for data loss prevention.

At the moment, one of the best backup freeware-AOMEI FoneBackup enables you to create a full/ selective backup. Let’s perform how to make an iPhone full backup using it.

 It helps you back up iPhone apps, Safari history/bookmarks, photos, videos, songs, contacts, messages, etc.

 You can preview and select your needed data before creating a selective backup.

 You can view and restore backup files to the device without data erasing.

 It is compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 15/14/13/12/SE (2^nd) /11.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FoneBackup on your computer. Then connect your iPhone to the PC and “Trust This Computer.”

Step 2. Under the Phone Backup tab, click the "Get Started" button.

Step 3. Click the “Full Backup” button.

Step 4. If you need, enable “Backup encryption”, and click “Start Backup” after selecting a destination path.

Fix 2. Check your network settings

As mentioned above, the network settings is a factor for iOS 15 stuck on preparing update. Therefore, you can check your Wi-Fi connection by resetting your network settings. Please refer to the following steps.

Step 1. Go to “Settings” > “General”.

Step 2. Click “Reset” to view the reset settings on your iPhone.

Step 3. Click the “Reset Network Settings” option to reset your network settings. This will delete all network settings, and return them to factory resets.

Fix 3. Delete the iOS 18 update file & re-download it

If the above fix doesn’t work for you, you can try to delete the iOS 18 update file and re-download it. Please be careful and don’t rush through these steps.

Step 1. Click “Settings” app > “General” > “iPhone Storage”.

Step 2. Scroll down to click “Software Update”/ “iOS 18” update file.

Step 3. Tap on “Delete Update” and confirm it by re-tapping it.

Step 4. Open the “Settings” app, then click “General” > “iPhone Storage” > “Software Update” and re-download and install the updated version.

FAQ: iOS 15/16/17/18 update issue

Any way to fix iPhone stuck in the boot loop in iOS 18/17/16/15?

Unstable connection, system bugs, and hardware issues could cause iPhone stuck in the boot loop. The easiest way to fix this issue is to force restart it with specific buttons.

For iPhone 8 and later:

Step 1. Press quickly release the Volume Up button.

Step 2. Press quickly release the Volume Down button.

Step 3. Press and hold the Side button (Power) until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 7 and 7 plus:

Press the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time until the Apple logo appears. Then you can release these two buttons.

For iPhone 6 and earlier:

Press the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time until the Apple logo appears. Then you can release these two buttons.

How do get iPhone out of recovery mode?

Are you seeking solutions to get your iPhone out of the recovery mode? iTunes can help you tackle this issue.

Step 1. Launch the latest iTunes, and connect your iPhone to the PC.

Step 2. For different models, force restarts your iPhone with the specific buttons mentioned above. Don’t release these buttons until you see the “Connect to iTunes” on the screen.

Step 3. You will receive a pop-up prompt reminding you to Restore or Update your iPhone. Please select the “Update” option.

Step 4. After the process, you will get the new iOS version on your iOS device. You can restart your iPhone to confirm it.

Wrapping up

This tutorial guides you to figure out the definition of preparing update and possible reasons for iOS 15 stuck on preparing update. If you’re willing to avoid unnecessary data loss, you’re supposed to backup iPhone before iOS upgrade in time.

How to fix iOS 15 stuck on preparing update? You can start with resetting network settings to improve the speed of the Wi-Fi. If it isn’t your treatment, you can delete the iOS 15/16/17/18 update file and re-download it.