Fix: iOS 17 Stuck on Preparing Update

Background Apps Overload: Overloading the iPhone with too many apps running in the background can cause the iOS 17 update to get stuck at “Preparing Update.”
Software Glitches: A software fault or minor issue on the device could prevent iOS 17 from updating and leave the device in the “Preparing Update” state.
Internet Connection: Disruptions to your internet connection can prevent iOS 17 from finishing its download and preparation.
Network Settings: Inconsistencies or misconfigurations in your network settings can impede iOS 17’s smooth preparation and cause the update process to stall.
Low Storage Space: If the device doesn’t have enough free space to download and prepare iOS 17, the update process may stall during the preparation phase and fail to complete.
Low Battery: Because the iOS 17 update requires enough power to run smoothly, it may pause during the preparation phase if the battery is low or the charger isn’t providing enough juice.
Failed Previous Update Files: Any leftover files from a failed update could cause the iOS 17 setup to get stuck.
Settings Conflicts: Inconsistent or conflicting settings on the device can cause the iOS 17 setup to get stuck.
Overloaded Servers: High server demand or server-related issues on Apple’s end can cause iOS 17 to become stuck during the update process, delaying both the preparation and download.

13 Ways to Fix iOS 17 Stuck on Preparing Update

Now that we have covered the reasons behind the issue, we can proceed with the troubleshooting. As you would expect, there are a number of solutions that you have to try to fix the issue. Make sure to try all the solutions to find the one that fixes your exact issue.

Fix 1: Close All Apps In The Background

If you want to avoid resource issues, closing all background applications is a good idea. Multiple applications running in parallel place a strain on an iPhone’s memory and CPU.

By closing these apps, iOS 17 can use all of the device’s resources throughout the update process. This removes any potential interference with the update’s preparation and installation by clearing the slate. Follow the steps below:

On iPhones (iPhone XS and later) without a Home Button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly at the screen’s center.
If your iPhone has a home button, double-click it to access the app switcher.
To close an app, swipe it up or flick it up. This effectively kills the app and stops it from running in the background.
To close all open apps, simply repeat the previous step until the app switcher is empty.
To access the home screen again, either press the home button (on iPhones that have one) or swipe down (on iPhones that don’t).

Now that you have closed all the running apps, you can restart the iOS 17 update. To try updating once more, head to Settings > General > Software Update.

Fix 2: Restart your iPhone

Restarting the device is a common quick fix for many software issues, including those that arise during updates. When you restart your iPhone, it closes all open applications, deletes all temporary files, and refreshes the system. It can fix minor problems that might be preventing iOS 17 from being prepared properly. Follow the steps below to restart:

On iPhones Without Home Button:

Press and hold the Side key and the Volume Up or Volume Down button simultaneously for a few seconds.
Release the buttons once the Slider to Power Off menu appears.
Drag the slider from left to right to power off your iPhone.
Wait for about 20-30 seconds.
Press and hold the Side key to turn your iPhone back on.

On iPhones With a Home Button:

Press and hold the Side key for a few seconds.
Release the buttons once the Slider to Power Off menu appears.
Drag the slider from left to right to power off your iPhone.
Wait for about 20-30 seconds.
Press and hold the Side key to turn your iPhone back on.

Fix 3: Check your Internet Connection

A successful update requires a constant and reliable internet connection. If you want to make sure your device always stays connected to the internet, you should check its internet connection.

The process of downloading and preparing iOS will be halted if the connection is unreliable or unstable. To avoid connectivity issues, try switching to a more reliable Wi-Fi network. If you can help it, try to avoid updating through cellular data, as it is often slower and less reliable.

If your Wi-Fi router is having issues, try turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and then turning it back on. Commonly, this is the solution to small connection problems.

Check the internet connectivity of other devices in your home. It could be an issue with your ISP if they are also having connection issues. You can check your internet connection’s speed and reliability using a dedicated speed test website or mobile app.

After making sure your internet connection is stable, try installing iOS 17 again. To try updating once more, head to Settings > General > Software Update.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings

If the update still fails to install on your iPhone, try resetting the network settings to resolve any conflicts or misconfigurations. Resetting the network settings will delete all your network-related configurations and preferences. Follow the steps below to reset the network settings:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Navigate to General.
Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap on Reset.
Choose Reset Network Settings.
If prompted, enter your device passcode to proceed with the reset.
A confirmation prompt will appear. Confirm the action by selecting “Reset Network Settings.”
Your iPhone will reset its network settings. This may take a few moments. Once the reset is complete, you can restart your iPhone.

After the restart, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network by entering the password. Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi, retry the iOS 17 update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, and attempt to update again.

Fix 5: Free Up Storage Space

iOS software updates necessitate a significant amount of free space for downloading and installing the new program. Nearly full storage can prevent iOS 17 from being fully prepared, causing the update to get stuck.

Make some room for the update to be downloaded and prepped for installation to prevent the update process from being halted due to a lack of storage space. Typically, you need about 5 GB to 6 GB of storage space. Follow the steps below:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on General.
Tap on iPhone Storage.
Find the apps and data you never use or need again and delete them.
After freeing up some space, go back to “iPhone Storage” to double-check that you have enough free space for the update.

Once free space is available, you can try updating to iOS 17 again by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Fix 6: Connect your iPhone to the Charger

If you plug your iPhone into a power source, it will maintain a constant and stable charge during the update. This is especially important if your battery life is short, as the update preparation process might use a lot of juice. Successfully preparing and installing iOS 17 requires enough charge to prevent the update from failing due to low battery.

Fix 7: Force-restart your iPhone

Force-restarting might sometimes work around software problems that are preventing the update from continuing its preparation. This process requires a hard reset of the device, which deletes any cached data and restarts the operating system. Sometimes, this can clear the way for iOS 17 to get ready without any hitches. Follow the steps below:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Now, press and hold the Side key until you feel a vibration or see the Apple logo.
Once the iPhone reboots, go back to the Software Update page and see if the update issue is now fixed.

Fix 8: Delete the Update and Try Again

If the update is still stuck at “Preparing Update,” you might try deleting the update file to see if it helps and then try the update again. After erasing the previous update, the device will download a new and complete update file, allowing iOS 17 to prepare and install without interruption. Follow the steps below:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on General.
Tap on iPhone Storage.
Tap on Software Update.
Then, tap on Delete Update.
Tap on Delete Update again to confirm.
Now, go back to Settings > General > Software Update and try installing the update again.

Fix 9: Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPhone can tackle underlying software conflicts. This fix resets settings like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper preferences, and more to their default state, eliminating any conflicting configurations that might hinder the update.

It’s a broader approach to resolving software-related issues, potentially allowing iOS 17 to prepare without any issues. Follow the steps below to reset all settings:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Navigate to General.
Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap on Reset.
Choose Reset All Settings.
If prompted, enter your device passcode to proceed with the reset.
A confirmation prompt will appear. Confirm the action by selecting “Reset All Settings.”
Your iPhone will reset all its settings. This may take a few moments. Once the reset is complete, you can restart your iPhone.

Fix 10: Update Using iTunes or Finder

Updating your iPhone via iTunes or Finder on a computer can bypass certain glitches encountered during the over-the-air (OTA) update. When updating via iTunes or Finder, the update file is downloaded and installed from the computer.

This often results in a smoother process without getting stuck on “Preparing Update.” This alternative method can sometimes resolve the issue experienced with direct device updates. Follow the steps below:

Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer running the latest version of iTunes (if you’re on macOS Mojave or earlier, or a PC) or Finder (if you’re on macOS Catalina or later).
Open Finder or iTunes. After you’ve connected your iPhone to the computer, it should be easily detected.
From the sidebar, select your iPhone.
Click on the “Check for Update” button in Finder/iTunes. This checks for the latest iOS version available.
Now, click on the “Download and Update” button if a new version is available.
If your iPhone asks for it, entering your passcode will indicate that you agree to the terms and conditions.
Wait patiently for the update to complete. Your iPhone will need to restart now.
Once the update is finished, check your iPhone’s software version to ensure you’re running iOS 17.

Fix 11: Restore iPhone Using iTunes or Finder (Optional)

Restoring your iPhone to its factory settings via iTunes or Finder and then reinstalling iOS 17 is a more comprehensive solution. It erases all content and settings, addressing any complex software issues that might be hindering the update.

You can start afresh and install the latest iOS version from scratch, ensuring a clean slate for iOS 17 to be prepared and installed without any underlying complications. This method is completely optional if you don’t want to erase your iPhone. Follow the steps below:

Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer running the latest version of iTunes (if you’re on macOS Mojave or earlier, or a PC) or Finder (if you’re on macOS Catalina or later).
Open Finder or iTunes. After you’ve connected your iPhone to the computer, it should be easily detected.
From the sidebar, select your iPhone.
Now, go to the General tab from the sidebar or the top menu.
Click on Restore iPhone and then Don’t Back Up. Make sure you already have a backup of all your data.
Finally, click on Restore, and your iPhone will be erased.
Once your iPhone is restored, iTunes/Finder will install the latest version of iOS available for it. This means that the iOS 17 update should be installed automatically.
Your iPhone should restart and show the Hello screen.
Set up your iPhone by connecting to a Wi-Fi network and see if the software version is iOS 17.

Fix 12: Wait For Some Time

In cases where the issue is related to server problems or overload on Apple’s end, waiting for some time can often resolve the “Preparing Update” stall. Server issues can arise due to high traffic during an update release. Wait for the server load to decrease for a smoother update preparation, ultimately leading to a successful installation of iOS 17.

Fix 13: Contact Apple Support

If all else fails, you should reach out to the Apple Support team. Apple’s support team can provide personalized guidance and technical assistance to diagnose and resolve the specific issue causing the update to get stuck.

They can offer insights into the problem and recommend appropriate steps or potential workarounds to ensure a successful update to iOS 17. You can also visit your nearest Apple Store and get in-person assistance.

Final Words

We hope that this article has helped you fix the iOS 17 stuck at the “Preparing Update” issue. Make sure that you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above. If all of the troubleshooting steps fail, then you can either wait for some time or contact the Apple Support team. Let us know which one of these solutions worked for you in the comments section below.