12 Ways To Fix iPhone Stuck On “Preparing Update” [iOS 17/16]

Is your iPhone stuck on preparing update error? Are you wondering why this error is occurring and what to do to fix it? Well, no need to panic as this article will help you troubleshoot the error.

We all know about iPhone but it also comes across several errors similar to Android phones. Many users have reported that iPhone stuck on the “Preparing Update” problem. This kind of issue is not a new one but users want to get rid of it ASAP.

Therefore, I have come up with this blog where we will discover various ways to fix iPhone stuck on preparing update errors.

How To Fix iPhone Stuck On Preparing Update

Here, I will tell you some effective ways to fix the iOS 17/16/15 Stuck on Preparing Update error. Remember, these solutions have shown successful results, and hope, you will also fix it.

Method 1: Restart Your iPhone

One of the best ways to get simply rid of the error is by restarting your device. It has the power to remove every kind of glitch that might be creating trouble. It’s a safe procedure and very much helpful in such kind of situation.

Here is what you have to do.

For iPhone 8 and above:

• First, press and leave Volume Up + Volume Down button
• Now, click the Side Button and then leave when the Apple logo appears

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

• Press the Volume Down + Side button together
• Leave all the buttons unless the Apple logo occurs

For iPhone 6 and older versions

• Press the Home + Side button at a time
• Now, when the Apple logo occurs leave both buttons

Method 2: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

When you connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi the problem may occur and somewhere you can see the new iPhone 13 stuck on preparing update.

Here is what you have to do:

• First, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and click on the Wi-Fi name
• Next, select any known network

• At last, open any other app to check if it’s working fine without any internet fault

Method 3: Force Stop Settings App

If iOS 16 Stuck on Preparing Update error then you are suggested to force stop the settings app as it may not work properly. This is yet another effective way to get rid of the issue.

Simply tap on the Home button two times to see the apps running in the background. After that, look for the Settings app and swipe up to force stop.

If your iPhone supports Face ID then swipe up the screen and click on center to pause so that apps are running in the background. Then, Force closes the Settings app by swiping up.

Method 4: Check Storage Space

Low storage space is one of the major reasons for several issues on phones including preparing updates. If your device is running on iOS 16 or 17 then make sure 252 MB space is left.  But it becomes 2GB when your phone is running on the older version.

Open Settings and click on General. Then, click on the Device option and you can see your iPhone storage. If it’s showing less then remove all unused data or apps to fix the issue.

Method 5: Remove Update On iPhone Storage

If the issue troubles you still then you should uninstall the update and again try it. This has proved effective for many users.

Here is what you have to do:

• First, open Settings and click on General
• Now, tap on iPhone Storage and choose Software Update option

• Next, click on Delete Update

• After that, again open Settings and click on General
• Here, click on Software Update to install the latest update on your iPhone

Method 6: Check Apple Server Status

Most of the time, we get busy searching for the error on our device but exactly the issue lies somewhere else. Yes, it may be the fault from Apple’s end. The servers of Apple can crash sometimes due to several reasons, hence such kind of error popups.

Therefore, you should check about the error by visiting Apple’s server status page if you are concerned about the error. Here, you will get the information if there is any server problem.

Method 7: Put iPhone In DFU Mode

If setting up a new iPhone stuck on preparing update then put your iPhone in DFU mode to fix the issue,

Follow the below steps:

• First, press and leave the Volume Up button
• Then, click and leave the Volume Down button
• Now, press the Side button unless your device screen becomes black. Continue to hold it along with the Volume Down button
• Next, leave the Side button but continue to hold the Volume Down

• That’s it, now you have to follow the on-screen instructions as guided

Method 8: Reset All Settings

Resetting your iPhone is also another useful way to get rid of the error easily. But going through this process will reset all configurations and settings to default.

Follow the below steps:

• First, go to Settings > click on General
• Now, choose the Transfer or Reset iPhone option
• Next, click on Reset
• Finally, click on Reset All Settings and the error will be resolved now

Method 9: Reset Network Settings

If you are seeing iOS 17 Stuck on Preparing Update error then resetting network settings is also helpful in dealing with the error. This will remove all network-related settings but the error will be resolved.

Here is what you need to do:

• First, open Settings > General and then click on Reset iPhone
• Now, tap on the Reset option
• Finally, click on Reset Network Settings

Method 10: Update iOS Version Via iTunes

If you are updating your iPhone OS directly then don’t do it, instead go for the iTunes option. This will help tackle the error.

Follow the steps:

• First, launch iTunes on your PC and then connect your device to your PC via a USB cable
• Now, click on the iPhone icon when it appears and choose the “Summary” option
• Next, tap on Check for Update option

• Finally, click on Update option if any are available

Method 11: Use Finder To Update Your iPhone

Apart from several methods, you can also opt for Finder to update the iOS version. It needs to connect your device to the computer.

Here is what you have to do:

• Launch iTunes and tap on the device icon. Now, open Finder > tap on the device name
• Now, tap on Trust and enter the password required
• Under Finder, click on General and then on Check for Update option

• After that, tap on the Download and Update option and follow the instructions

Method 12: One Click Software To Fix iPhone Stuck On Preparing Update

Even after following the above methods, if the same issue pops then it’s time to go for iOS System Repair Tool. This is designed in such a way that it works to fix all types of errors on iPhone with one click. It fixes various types of issues along with iPhone stuck on Preparing Update error.

The tool is easy to use and works efficiently without deleting any files. Some other issues it can fix like iPhone stuck in Recovery mode, horizontal lines on iPhone, iPhone stuck on verifying update, iPhone stuck on headphone mode, and several others. It supports all iPhones and iPads along with the latest iOS version.

So, you are suggested to install this amazing tool and fix the error without any problem. Check its complete user guide and follow the steps.

Conclusion

I hope after following the above-suggested methods, you have successfully fixed the iPhone stuck on preparing update error. This kind of error is a common experience for many users but there are several fixes for it. You can use the iOS System Repair tool to get rid of the error without any problem.