Is your new iPhone stuck on a software update? Frustrating, right? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide six guaranteed solutions to get your iPhone back on track. So, let’s dive in and find out how to resolve this software update snag.
In a nutshell, if your new iPhone is stuck on a software update, it could be due to a slow or unstable internet connection, software bugs, or insufficient storage space. But fear not! We have six tried-and-tested solutions for you. From force restarting your device to updating over cellular data or using your computer, we’ll guide you through the steps to fix the problem and successfully update your iPhone. Say goodbye to the update woes and keep your device running smoothly with these troubleshooting tips.
Ready to resolve the software update issue on your new iPhone? Look no further! This article walks you through six guaranteed solutions to stabilize your iPhone and ensure a seamless software update. Say goodbye to the frustration and hello to a smoothly functioning iPhone. Read to learn how to fix this common issue that can hinder your device’s performance.
Possible Reasons for New iPhone Stuck on Software Update
New iPhones should not get stuck during software updates in general, but if yours did, here are some possible reasons:
- Slow or unstable internet connection: If your internet connection is slow or unstable, your iPhone will struggle to download the update, resulting in the update getting stuck.
- Bugs or issues in the software: If the update was downloaded but got stuck during installation, it can be because of a bug in the previous software version that caused the update to fail.
- Low storage space: If your device is low on space, the latest update you’re trying to download will get stuck and fail.
How to Fix New iPhone Stuck on Software Update
If your new iPhone is stuck on a software update, here are six guaranteed solutions that you can try to fix the issue:
1st solution: Force Restart Your iPhone
When your iPhone gets stuck during a software update, force restart your device to bypass the issue and perform the update again.
Here’s how to force restart your iPhone:

- Press the volume up and down buttons quickly.
- Press the power button and keep holding it.
- Wait 10–15 seconds for your iPhone to shut down.
- Press the power button for 5 seconds to turn on your iPhone.
2nd solution: Charge your iPhone’s battery over 70%
If your iPhone is low on battery, it won’t update. If it’s stuck updating and your iPhone’s battery is low, charge it first. Allow it to charge up to 50%. After charging, try updating the software again.

3rd solution: Offload or Uninstall Apps
When your iPhone is low on storage space, it can’t download the update from the Apple servers due to insufficient storage. Free up some space by deleting or offloading apps you don’t use frequently.
Here’s how to offload an app:

- Open “Settings” and tap on “General.”
- Tap on “iPhone Storage” and select the app you don’t use.
- Tap on the right end of your app’s information, where the size of the app is listed, and slide your finger to the left.
- Select “Offload App.”
Alternatively, you can uninstall apps by pressing and holding on the app on your home screen and selecting “Remove app.”
4th solution: Reset Network Settings
If the iPhone successfully downloaded the update but got stuck, it might be due to a network issue. Reset your iPhone’s network settings and try updating the software again.

- Open “Settings” and select “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
- Tap on “Reset” and select “Reset Network Settings.”
- Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
5th solution: Try Updating Your iPhone on Cellular
If you were connected to Wi-Fi when updating your iOS version, but it kept getting stuck, turn off Wi-Fi and then update your iPhone using cellular data.
- Open “Control Center” and disable Wi-Fi. Then, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” and tap on “Download and Install.”
Alternatively, you can use a PC or Mac to update your iPhone. If you’ve tried all the solutions listed above and could not update your iPhone, try using your PC or Mac to update it.

- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning to USB-C or Lightning to USB-A cable, and use iTunes or Finder to check for updates and install them.
Note that your iPhone must have sufficient power and storage space to update successfully.
Other Suggestions
If none of the abovementioned solutions can help and your iPhone remains stuck, try these additional recommendations.
Check Apple’s Server Status
The issue might sometimes be with something other than your iPhone but with Apple’s servers. Check Apple’s server status page to ensure their servers are running. If there is an ongoing issue, you might have to wait until it is resolved before attempting the update again.

Update/Restore via Recovery Mode
If none of the previous solutions work, you can update your iPhone using Recovery Mode. But before you do, back up your iPhone to avoid permanent data loss. You can use the embedded backup function in iTunes if needed.
Once you’ve secured your backup, you may go ahead and go ahead and restore your iPhone with these steps:

- Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes or Finder.
- Force restart your iPhone: Press and release the volume up button, then press and release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side (or top) button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- You should see an option to update or restore your iPhone in iTunes or Finder. Select the “Update” option to download and install the latest iOS version.
- Otherwise, tap Restore, then follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to restore your iPhone from a previous iOS backup.
Ensure your iPhone is sufficiently charged to complete the iOS restore process and to avoid ending up with a corrupted iOS.
When to Contact Apple Support?
If you’ve exhausted all the options and your iPhone is still stuck on the software update, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and help resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is my new iPhone stuck on a software update?
There are several possible reasons for your new iPhone getting stuck on a software update, such as a slow or unstable internet connection, bugs or issues in the software, or insufficient storage space on your device.
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How long should a software update take on a new iPhone?
The duration of a software update on a new iPhone depends on your internet speed. With fast internet speeds, the update can download and install in about 10-15 minutes. Slower internet speeds may result in a longer download and installation time.
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How do I skip the software update on my new iPhone?
To skip a software update on your new iPhone, you can turn off the “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates” settings. This will prevent your iPhone from automatically downloading and installing updates.
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Can I use cellular data to update my iPhone if it gets stuck on Wi-Fi?
If your iPhone is stuck on a software update while connected to Wi-Fi, you can try turning off Wi-Fi and updating your iPhone using cellular data. This can help bypass any issues related to the Wi-Fi connection.
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What should I do if I need help with the solutions mentioned?
If the previous solutions don’t resolve the issue and your iPhone is still on a software update, you can try updating your iPhone using a computer. Connect your iPhone to a PC or Mac and use iTunes or Finder to update the software.