Fix iPhone Stuck on Update Requested or Preparing Update (iOS 18)

How to Fix iPhone Stuck on "Update Requested" or "Preparing Update" (iOS 18)

If you are trying to install the latest iOS 18 but your screen is perpetually stuck on "Update Requested" or "Preparing Update," you are not alone. This bottleneck occurs when the iPhone's update daemon (SoftwareUpdateServices) fails to establish a secure, high-priority handshake with Apple's TSS (Signing) servers, or when the downloaded update OTA (Over-the-Air) package fails a checksum verification. Instead of waiting hours for a process that has likely crashed, you need to manually clear the update cache and re-trigger the download sequence. This guide provides a detailed technical workflow to bypass these installation loops efficiently.

Strategic Advice: Connectivity issues are often the silent culprit behind update delays. If you've also noticed signal drops, read our guide on ➜ Fixing iOS 18 Cellular Data Issues.

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⚡ Vital Installation Readiness

• Power State: Your iPhone must be above 50% battery or connected to a fast charger.
• Storage Overhead: iOS 18 requires approximately 12GB–15GB of free space to decompress the update safely.
• Network Protocol: Disable all VPNs and ensure you are on a private Wi-Fi (not a public hotspot).

The "Why": Understanding the Update Queue

When you tap "Download and Install," your iPhone sends a request to Apple's servers for a unique "Blob" (SHSH2) that authorizes the installation for your specific hardware. If millions of users are requesting this at the same time, the server may place your device in a "Update Requested" queue. However, if it moves to "Preparing Update" and stays there, the issue is local; the iPhone is struggling to unpack the encrypted `.ipsw` chunks because of a file-writing conflict or insufficient RAM to handle the background extraction process.

Comparison: Update Stuck States

Display State	Actual System Process	Likely Failure Point
Update Requested	Waiting for Server Signature	Server Congestion / DNS Failure
Preparing Update	Unpacking/Verifying Package	Storage Space / CPU Throttling
Verifying Update	Final Cryptographic Check	Incomplete Download (Checksum Error)

1 Purging the Corrupted Update Cache

The most effective fix is to delete the half-downloaded, corrupted file. Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Find the "iOS 18" entry, tap it, and select Delete Update. This clears the software update daemon's temporary directory and allows for a clean start.

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2 Resetting Network Kernel Stacks

A "Requested" state often hangs due to stale DNS entries. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This forces the iPhone to flush its DNS cache and establish a fresh connection to Apple's content delivery networks (CDNs).

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3 Forced Restart (Kernel Cache Flush)

Execute a hard reset to ensure no background processes are locking the update file: Press Vol Up, then Vol Down, then hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears. This releases the "lock" on system files.

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4 Using Finder/iTunes for Wired Injection

If OTA (Wi-Fi) fails, the wired method is 100% reliable. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC. In Finder/iTunes, click Check for Update. This allows the computer to handle the heavy decompression and signature verification, bypassing the iPhone's internal CPU limitations.

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5 Disabling Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode restricts background downloads and system-intensive tasks. Ensure it is OFF in Settings > Battery. If enabled, the system will intentionally slow down the "Preparing Update" phase to save energy, leading to an apparent freeze.

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Final Verdict

The "Update Requested" loop is almost always a network-server sync issue, while "Preparing Update" is a local storage/processing issue. If you have deleted the update file and tried the wired (iTunes) method and it still fails, check for a Beta Profile that might be conflicting with the public iOS 18 release. Removing any old profiles from Settings > General > VPN & Device Management is the final step to ensuring success.

Written by: Quick Error Fixes Team

Specialized in iOS system architecture and Apple server-side handshake protocols.

Installation FAQ

Q1: Why is my iPhone saying "Update Requested" for over an hour?

This means the Apple servers are congested. Try toggling Airplane Mode or restarting your Wi-Fi router to force a new server connection.

Q2: Will I lose my data if I delete the update file?

No. Deleting the update file in iPhone Storage only removes the installer, not your personal photos or apps.

Q3: Is it better to update via Wi-Fi or Computer?

Updating via a computer (Mac/PC) is technically superior as it downloads the full IPSW file and performs a more thorough verification than OTA updates.

Did you get to 100%?

If your update is still stuck after trying these steps, tell us your iPhone model and the exact error message in the comments below! We're here to help.