Fix 'iOS Update Requested' Stuck Issues: Easy Guide

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey folks! Ever run into that frustrating situation where your iPhone or iPad is stuck on "Update Requested" when trying to update to the latest iOS? You're not alone! This is a pretty common problem, and luckily, there are several ways to troubleshoot it and get your device updated. So, let's dive right into the solutions to get your device up-to-date and running smoothly.

Why is My iPhone Stuck on "Update Requested?"

Before we jump into the fixes, let's quickly touch on why this happens. There are a few common culprits behind the "Update Requested" issue:

  • Network Issues: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection is often the primary cause. The update process needs a solid connection to download the necessary files.
  • Apple Server Overload: When a new iOS version is released, millions of users try to download it simultaneously. This can overload Apple's servers, leading to delays and the "Update Requested" message.
  • Storage Problems: If your iPhone or iPad is running low on storage space, it might not have enough room to download and install the update.
  • Software Glitches: Sometimes, a temporary software glitch can interrupt the update process, causing it to get stuck.

Understanding these reasons can help you diagnose the problem and choose the right solution. Now, let's get into the troubleshooting steps!

Solution 1: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

First things first, let's make sure your Wi-Fi is working correctly. A stable and strong Wi-Fi connection is crucial for downloading the iOS update. Here’s what you can do:

  • Verify Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Look at the Wi-Fi icon on your iPhone or iPad. If the signal is weak (only one or two bars), move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
  • Restart Your Wi-Fi Router: This is a classic troubleshooting step for a reason—it often works! Unplug your router from the power outlet, wait about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to reboot.
  • Connect to a Different Wi-Fi Network: If possible, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue persists. This will help you determine if the problem is with your home network or your device.
  • Disable VPN: VPNs can sometimes interfere with the update process. Turn off any VPN connections you might be using and try again.
  • Reset Network Settings: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Keep in mind that this will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you'll need to re-enter them.

Ensuring you have a solid Wi-Fi connection is often the simplest and most effective solution to the "Update Requested" problem.

Solution 2: Be Patient and Wait It Out

Sometimes, the best solution is simply to wait. As mentioned earlier, Apple's servers can get overloaded when a new iOS version is released. Millions of users are trying to download the update at the same time, which can cause significant delays. So, patience is a virtue!

  • Wait a Few Hours: If you've just requested the update, give it some time. The servers might be experiencing high traffic. Check back in a few hours to see if the download has started.
  • Try Updating at Off-Peak Hours: Consider trying to update your device during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning. There will likely be less traffic on Apple's servers during these times, which can speed up the process.

While waiting isn't the most exciting solution, it's often the most practical, especially during the initial days after a new iOS release. So, grab a coffee, watch a movie, and let your iPhone or iPad do its thing. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the update eventually starts on its own.

Solution 3: Free Up Storage Space

Running out of storage space on your iPhone or iPad can also cause the "Update Requested" issue. The iOS update requires sufficient space to download and install the new files. Here’s how to free up some space:

  • Check Your Storage: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage) to see how much storage you have available and what's taking up the most space.
  • Delete Unused Apps: Start by deleting apps that you no longer use. These can take up a significant amount of space. Tap on an app in the storage list and select "Delete App."
  • Remove Large Files: Review your photos, videos, and other files. Delete any large files that you don't need. You can also transfer photos and videos to a computer or cloud storage service to free up space on your device.
  • Clear Browser Cache: Your browser's cache can accumulate a lot of unnecessary data. Clear the cache in Safari (or your preferred browser) to free up some space. For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
  • Use iCloud Optimization: Enable iCloud Photos to automatically store full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud while keeping smaller, optimized versions on your device. Go to Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos and select "Optimize iPhone Storage."

By freeing up storage space, you'll ensure that your iPhone or iPad has enough room to download and install the iOS update. This can often resolve the "Update Requested" issue and get the update process moving.

Solution 4: Restart Your iPhone or iPad

Sometimes, a simple restart can do wonders for resolving software glitches. Restarting your iPhone or iPad can clear temporary files and processes that might be interfering with the update process. Here’s how to do it:

  • Restart Your iPhone:
    • For iPhones with Face ID: Press and hold either the volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. After it turns off, press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
    • For iPhones with a Home Button: Press and hold the power button (located on the side or top of your iPhone) until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. After it turns off, press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.
  • Restart Your iPad:
    • For iPads with Face ID: Press and hold either volume button and the top button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad. After it turns off, press and hold the top button again until you see the Apple logo.
    • For iPads with a Home Button: Press and hold the power button (located on the top of your iPad) until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad. After it turns off, press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.

A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches and get your iPhone or iPad back on track with the update process. It's a quick and easy step that's definitely worth trying.

Solution 5: Delete and Redownload the iOS Update

If the update file is corrupted or incomplete, it can cause the "Update Requested" issue. Deleting the downloaded update and redownloading it can often fix this problem. Here’s how to do it:

  • Delete the Update: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). Scroll down to find the iOS update file in the list of apps. Tap on the update file and select "Delete Update."
  • Redownload the Update: After deleting the update, go back to Settings > General > Software Update and request the update again. Your iPhone or iPad will start downloading the update from scratch.

Redownloading the iOS update ensures that you have a fresh, uncorrupted file. This can often resolve the "Update Requested" issue and allow you to proceed with the update process.

Solution 6: Update via iTunes or Finder

If you're still having trouble updating your iPhone or iPad directly on the device, you can try updating it using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (on newer macOS versions). This method can sometimes bypass issues that might be preventing the update from completing on the device itself. Here’s how to do it:

  • Connect Your Device to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
  • Open iTunes or Finder:
    • On Windows or older macOS versions: Open iTunes.
    • On newer macOS versions: Open Finder.
  • Select Your Device:
    • In iTunes: Click on the device icon near the top left of the iTunes window.
    • In Finder: Select your device from the list in the left sidebar.
  • Check for Updates:
    • In iTunes: Click on the "Summary" tab and then click on the "Check for Update" button.
    • In Finder: Click on the "General" tab and then click on the "Check for Update" button.
  • Download and Install the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest iOS update on your device.

Updating via iTunes or Finder can be a reliable alternative when you're facing issues with over-the-air updates. It provides a direct connection and can often bypass problems related to Wi-Fi or server connectivity.

Solution 7: Force Restart Your iPhone or iPad

A force restart is a more aggressive type of restart that can resolve deeper software issues. It's different from a regular restart and can sometimes kickstart the update process when it's stuck. Here’s how to force restart your iPhone or iPad:

  • For iPhone 8 or Later (including iPhone SE 2nd generation): Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button until you see the Apple logo.
  • For iPhone 6s and Earlier (including iPhone SE 1st generation): Press and hold both the Home button and the power button until you see the Apple logo.
  • For iPads with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo.
  • For iPads with a Home Button: Press and hold both the Home button and the power button until you see the Apple logo.

A force restart can resolve more stubborn software glitches and potentially get your iPhone or iPad unstuck from the "Update Requested" screen.

Conclusion

The "Update Requested" issue can be a real pain, but with these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your iPhone or iPad updated in no time. Remember to start with the simplest solutions, like checking your Wi-Fi connection and restarting your device, before moving on to more advanced methods like deleting and redownloading the update or updating via iTunes or Finder. Good luck, and happy updating!