Started downloading an iPhone update and just read somewhere that it drains the battery or slows the phone, and now you want to stop it at any cost? Well, it won’t cost you anything! Read on to learn how to stop an iPhone update in progress.
How to cancel an iOS 17 update in progress
Yes. While Apple hasn’t provided a pause or stop button, I have a trick to help you cancel the iPhone update. Getting an over-the-air iOS update usually involves two steps, downloading and installing the update.
Similarly, canceling it also requires two steps:
- Pause the download to stop the installation from starting and save data
- Delete the partially downloaded update, so it doesn’t restart.
Step 1: Stop the iOS update while it is downloading
- While the iOS update is downloading, quickly open the Control Center.
Note: Check out this guide to learn how to open Control Center on iPhone - Turn on the Airplane Mode (plane icon).
The download will instantly pause as the connection is interrupted. Go to Settings → General → Software Update to test. Keep the phone in Airplane Mode until the next process is completed.
Note: While you are here, it is wiser to turn off Automatic Updates so that it doesn’t auto-start. Check out the process below.
Step 2: Cancel the downloaded iOS update file
The steps to delete downloaded software updates are the same, whether the update is partially or completely downloaded (but not installed).
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
Wait till the page is loaded; it may take some time. - Once loaded, look for the iOS update file and tap it.
- Tap Delete Update → Delete Update again to confirm the action.
Now,
- Turn off the Airplane Mode.
- Check the Settings → General → Software Update to ensure it is back on the initial screen Download and Install button.
- If you want to download the iOS update for later but not install it, long-press the Download and Install button and select Download Only.
- Also, if you haven’t done it earlier, it’s time to turn off automatic updates. Read the next section to see how.
Turn off automatic updates on iPhone
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Toggle off Download iOS updates.
Instead of turning off Automatic Updates completely, you can just toggle off Install iOS updates. This will allow you to auto-download the update when a suitable network is available but not install it. So, you can read the verdict of the update and install or delete it from the device as per preference.
Signing off
I hope this guide helped stop an iPhone update in progress. Stay connected to our Instagram and YouTube channels for the latest updates on iOS.
For more awesome iOS hacks, check out the links below:
- How to download and install iOS with mobile data
- Can’t update apps on iPhone? How to fix it
- How to prepare your iPhone for iOS update
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Yash is a driven individual with a passion for technology and its impact on our world. His aim is to educate and inform others about the newest advancements in technology and how they can benefit society. In consonance, he is deeply indulged in anime and Marvel Cinematic Universe, if not writing.
It worked well. Cheers.