iOS 18.6 Stuck on “Update Requested”? 7 Quick Fixes That Actually Work

Whenever Apple releases a new iOS version, millions of users rush to download it instantly. With this surge in traffic, it’s not uncommon for iOS 18.6 to get stuck on the “Update Requested” screen as Apple servers become overloaded.

But if your iPhone seems frozen on this screen for too long, it’s likely more than just high traffic. It could be a glitch. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 7 reliable ways to fix the iOS 18.6 Update Requested error and get your device updating smoothly again.

How to Fix iOS 18.6 Stuck on “Update Requested”

If your iOS 18.6 update is stuck, try the solutions below to resolve the issue:

1. Force Quit the Settings App

The first step is to force close the Settings app.

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• On iPhones with Face ID: Swipe up from the bottom center and hold to bring up the App Switcher. Find the Settings app and swipe it up to force close.
• On iPhones with a Home button: Double-press the Home button to access the App Switcher, then swipe up on the Settings app.

Wait a few seconds, reopen Settings, and check if the update starts downloading.

2. Check Your Wi-Fi and Restart the Router

Ensure you’re connected to a fast and stable Wi-Fi network. Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh the connection, which may help trigger the iOS 18.6 download.

Additionally, ensure you have turned off any VPN on your iPhone (if enabled). And if this doesn’t help, try connecting your iPhone to a different Wi-Fi network altogether. This will most likely start the new iOS download.

3. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can work wonders.

• Power off your iPhone, wait for a minute, and then turn it back on.
• Once restarted, go to Settings > General > Software Update and check if the download begins.

4. Delete the iOS 18.6 Update File (If Visible)

If the update file is already downloaded but stuck:

1. Open iPhone Settings and tap General.
2. Tap iPhone Storage.
3. Scroll down, and if you see any file named iOS 18.6, tap it.
4. From the next screen, tap Delete Update.
5. Next, restart your iPhone and follow the steps to download iOS 18.6 again.

5. Free Up Storage Space on Your iPhone

If your iPhone lacks sufficient storage, the update might fail to proceed.

• Try deleting unused apps, large photos/videos, and offline music to free up at least 6–7GB of space.

You can also follow our detailed guide on how to free up space on iPhone.

6. Reset Network Settings

Network glitches can block the update request from proceeding. Here’s how to reset them:

1. Open Settings → Tap General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Reset → Reset Network Settings and proceed.
4. After this is complete, try downloading the update again. It will work.
   
   

In the rare case that resetting the network is not enough, reset all settings. The steps are the same as above. Just make sure to select Reset All Settings in step 3.

This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and custom network configurations.

7. Update via Finder or iTunes

If nothing else works, use a computer to update your iPhone:

• On Macs with macOS Catalina or later: Use Finder.
• On older Macs or Windows PCs: Use iTunes.

Connect your iPhone, back it up, and check for updates. For step-by-step instructions, follow our guide on how to update your iPhone using Finder or iTunes.

Signing off…

That’s it. These are the most effective ways to fix iOS 18.6 when it’s stuck on the Update Requested screen. Hopefully, your iPhone is now downloading the update as it should.

If you’re still facing trouble, feel free to drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help.