iPhone stuck at update requested? 8 fixes that actually work

Waiting to try the latest iOS 27 features only to get stuck on the dreaded “Update Requested” message can be frustrating. I’ve found that this usually means the iPhone has started the update process but hasn’t moved on to downloading or preparing the update yet.

The good news is that you don’t need to jump straight to complicated fixes. In most cases, checking your internet connection, restarting your iPhone, or making sure you have enough storage space can get things moving again. In this guide, I’ll share some reliable fixes to clear the “Update Requested” state and get the update installing smoothly.

What does “Update Requested” mean on iPhone?

When you go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install for iOS 27, your iPhone has to communicate with Apple’s update servers before the download and OTA installation can proceed.

The “Update Requested” message means your iPhone has started the update process but hasn’t moved on to the next stage yet. A short delay isn’t necessarily a problem, particularly when the update has just been released and many people are trying to download it.

However, if your iPhone remains stuck on “Update Requested” for an unusually long time and nothing happens, it’s worth troubleshooting the connection, storage, or update file.

Why is my iPhone stuck on update requested? 

There are several possible reasons why iOS 27 isn’t moving past “Update Requested”:

1. Slow or unstable Wi-Fi: If your connection drops or is slow, your iPhone can’t move forward. 
2. Busy Apple servers: When everyone rushes to update at the same time, Apple’s servers get overloaded.
3. Low storage space: Not enough free space on your iPhone? The update won’t download.
4. The downloaded update has problems: A partially downloaded or corrupted update may need to be removed and downloaded again.
5. The update is taking longer than expected: Large iOS releases can take time to download and prepare.
6. Glitches or bugs: Sometimes, your iPhone just gets stuck due to a random software hiccup.

How to Fix “Update Requested” on iPhone

If your iOS 27 update is stuck, try the solutions below to resolve the issue. I recommend starting with the simplest solutions before resetting any settings.

1. Give the update some time

Before changing anything, give your iPhone a little time.

Major iOS releases can attract a huge number of users at once, and downloading or preparing a large update can take longer than expected. Apple also notes that download time depends on the update size and your internet speed.

Make sure your iPhone is:

• Connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
• Connected to a charger.
• Not downloading other large files or content.
• Connected to Wi-Fi rather than relying on an unstable connection.

Then leave the iPhone alone for a while and check Settings > General > Software Update again.

If it remains stuck indefinitely, move on to the next fix.

2. Force quit the Settings app

The next step is to force close the Settings app. 

• 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.

3. Check your Wi-Fi and restart the router

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection is one of the first things I would check.

Try these steps to help trigger the iOS 27 download:

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
2. Make sure you’re connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
3. Move closer to your router if the signal is weak.
4. Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh the connection.
5. Try another Wi-Fi network if one is available.
6. If you use a VPN, temporarily disconnect it and try the update again.

You can also test the Wi-Fi connection by opening Safari and visiting a few websites.

If the internet isn’t working reliably, fix the connection before trying the iOS 27 update again.

4. Restart your iPhone

A simple restart can clear temporary software glitches that may be preventing the update from progressing.

On an iPhone with Face ID:

1. Press and hold either volume button and the side button together.
2. When the power-off slider appears, drag it.
3. Wait about 30 seconds for the iPhone to turn off.
4. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

After the iPhone restarts, go to Settings > General > Software Update and then try downloading iOS 27 again.

If your iPhone is completely frozen or doesn’t respond, you can force restart it instead. Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

5. Delete the iOS update file (If visible)

If iOS 27 has already been partially downloaded, the update file itself could be causing the problem.

You can remove it and start over:

1. Open iPhone Settings and tap General.
2. Tap iPhone Storage.
3. Scroll down, and if you see any file named iOS 27, tap it.
4. From the next screen, tap Delete Update. 
   
5. Next, restart your iPhone and follow the steps to download iOS 27 again.

This method helped me when the update repeatedly refused to download or install.

6. 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 15GB of space.

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

7. Reset Network Settings

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

1. Open Settings and 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.

8. Update via Mac or Windows PC

If the over-the-air update continues to get stuck on “Update Requested,” updating through a computer can be a useful workaround.

• On Macs with macOS Catalina or later: Use Finder.
• On the latest Windows PC: Use the Apple Devices app
• 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

Getting stuck on “Update Requested” while trying to install iOS 27 doesn’t necessarily mean something is seriously wrong with your iPhone. In many cases, the update simply needs more time, a more reliable network connection, or a fresh download.

I’d start with the easiest fixes: check Wi-Fi, connect the iPhone to power, restart it, and try again. If that doesn’t work, delete the iOS 27 update from iPhone Storage and download it again.

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