How to fix iOS 17 stuck on ‘Preparing to Update…’

Software update on iPhone and iPad involves three primary steps – downloading the update file, preparing the file for installation, and finally, the actual iOS 17 update installation. In rare instances, the process on your iPhone gets stuck at ‘Preparing Update…’ Significant time passes, and it does not move further. While trying to get iOS 17, if you are facing this problem, here are the solutions to fix it.

1. Clear your iPhone storage
2. Ensure Wi-Fi connectivity
3. Reset Network settings
4. Delete the downloaded update file and re-download it
5. Reboot or restore your iPhone

1. Clear your iPhone storage

When encountering the frustrating issue of an iOS 17 update stuck on Preparing to Update, it is essential to have a systematic approach to resolving this problem. One effective solution involves clearing iPhone storage.

This method not only resolves the update obstruction but also ensures smoother device performance by decluttering the iPhone’s storage, ultimately facilitating a hassle-free installation process for iOS 17 updates.

2. Ensure Wi-Fi connectivity

Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a decent wireless network. While you can download an iOS update via mobile data, it is wiser, faster, and much easier to update your iPhone over a Wi-Fi connection.

1. Open the Settings app → Wi-Fi → tap the Wi-Fi name to join.
2. Choose a known network.
3. Now, open Safari or an app like YouTube and check if the internet is working or not.
   Also, ensure the iPhone is adequately charged (above 20%) or connected to power.

3. Reset Network settings

If the problem still persists, resetting the network settings can be a potential solution. This issue often arises due to conflicting network configurations or faulty internet connectivity during the update process. By resetting the network settings, you eliminate any potential glitches in your network configuration that may be hindering the update process.

4. Delete the downloaded update file and re-download it

1. Open the Settings app and tap on General.
2. Tap on iPhone Storage.
3. Scroll down and tap Software Update.
   Alternatively, some iPhones show iOS 17 instead of Software Update.
   
   
4. Tap on Delete Update.
5. Confirm by tapping Delete Update again.
   
   
6. Now, restart your iPhone and download the update again. For this, open the Settings app → General → Software Update → Download and Install.
   
   

This time, the OTA update should download, prepare, and install without hiccups. Just ensure Wi-Fi is connected and the iPhone is charged or plugged in.

5. Reboot or restore your iPhone

If the above methods did not help, see how to hard reboot your iPhone. And even if this does not work, learn how to restore your iPhone via Mac or PC. Please note that when you restore, you will also get an option to Update.

Try to update first. If this does not bring any luck, you may go ahead with the restoration.

Make the most of iOS 17!

I hope these fixes have opened your doors to iOS 17. As you unravel the new software, new features like Live Voicemail and Check-In will make it easier than ever to stay connected and communicate with loved ones on your iPhone.

If you have any further queries or questions, do drop them in the comments below. I’d be happy to answer them.

Read next:

• How to factory reset iPhone and iPad (Ultimate guide)
• Steps to save battery on iPhone
• Can’t update apps on iPhone or iPad? How to fix it

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