7 Ways to Fix iOS 16 Update Stuck on Estimating Time Remaining & Update Requested on iPhone
As usual, let’s get to the route of the problem beforehand for a better understanding!
So, Why Does the iOS 16 Software Update Get Stuck?
Frankly speaking, there is nothing new about the software update being stuck on iPhone. As far as I can remember, it has existed on iOS since its inception. As for the reasons that cause the software update to get stuck, there are multiple things that you need to keep in mind.
Poor Wi-Fi connection: If your Wi-Fi connection is not strong and stable, the software update will find it tough to get through. Cluttered storage: The clogged-up storage is another major reason why the software update often gets frozen. Apple server down or facing outage: If Apple’s server is down or facing an outage, you can’t do anything but wait until the issue has been resolved. Miscellaneous glitch: A random software glitch could also prevent the software update from completing.
We have taken all these culprits into account and offered the tips that work in fixing the problem. Note:
In order to fix a cluster of iOS 16 issues, we have created a separate guide about the most common iOS 16 issues and their solutions. If you have run into several problems after updating to iOS 16, make sure to check that guide.
1. Turn ON/OFF Airplane Mode
First off, force quit the Settings app. Swipe up (on Face ID-equipped iPhones) from the bottom or double-press the Home Button to bring up the App Switcher and hold along the middle of the screen. Then, swipe up the app card to kill the app. Airplane Mode comes in handy in fixing sluggish WiFi or network-related issues. If the problem is due to an ill-functioning WiFi, it could get rid of it. Therefore, make sure to give it a try first up.
On iPhone with Face ID: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to bring up the Control Center. Then, tap on the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on. After waiting for a few seconds, tap on the Airplane Mode icon to turn it off.On iPhone with Touch ID: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. After that, tap on the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on. Wait for a few seconds and then tap on the Airplane Mode icon to turn it off.
2. Turn OFF/ ON Wi-Fi
Another nifty but very effective trick that you should try to resolve the iOS 16 software update stuck on the “Update Requested” issue is to turn off/on WiFi. If the Wi-Fi is weak or facing some issues, it can resolve the problem.
Go to the Settings app > WiFi and then turn it off. Now, restart your iPhone. Once your device has rebooted, go back to the Settings app and then turn on WiFi.
3. Force Restart Your iPhone or iPad
In most cases, you can fix the iOS stuck on preparing an update or estimating the remaining time by just force restarting the device. As it has worked for me on many occasions, I can vouch for its effectiveness.
Press and quickly release the volume up button. Next, press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
4. Delete Previous iOS Software Update File
If the issue has not yet been resolved and the iOS 16 update is still stuck on your iPhone, delete the previous update file. Since this hack has worked for a large number of users, there is a good chance that it will work for you as well.
Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > iPhone/ iPad Storage.Now, find the iOS software update file and then delete it.
Next, try to download the iOS 16 software update once again to check if the issue is gone.
5. Reset Network Settings
If your iPhone is embroiled in some network-related issues, the software update would struggle to finish. Luckily, you can get rid of most network-related problems by resetting the network settings. Hence, make sure to try this one without fail.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone -> General -> scroll down to the bottom and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings.Make sure to enter your device passcode and confirm by tapping on Reset All Settings in the popup.
6. Declutter Your Device
As already outlined above, clogged-up storage also tends to come in the way of the software update. So, if your iPhone’s storage is cluttered, make sure to get rid of all the redundant files and apps.
To get started, head over to the Settings app on your device -> General -> iPhone/iPad Storage. Then, have a look at the storage bar to find out the total available and consumed storage.
Also, check out the total amount of space each app has hacked. After that, go ahead and clean up everything that you no longer need.
7. Update Your Device Using Finder/iTunes
Can’t download and install the iOS 16 software update as yet? No worries! Now, I would recommend you update your device using the computer. OTA (stands for Over The Air) update often seems to get stuck due to heavy traffic. In such a situation, many iPhone users resort to updating the software via Finder/iTunes. Credit where the credit is due, it does not disappoint on most occasions.
To get going, connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer using a USB cable and then launch Finder or iTunes. After that, select your device and then click on Check for Updates to update your device.
Fixed iOS 16 Software Update Stuck Issue on iPhone and iPad…!
There you have it! I guess you have overcome the hurdle and updated your device to the latest iteration of iOS/iPadOS. Now that you have gotten the better of the issue, it’s time to take the OS for a long spin and dig into all the cool features like Lock Screen customization, Landscape Face ID, Quick Note, and Focus Filters to your heart’s liking. But before you start digging into the software, be sure to share your feedback and the trick that came to your rescue.
