Getting stuck on the "Verifying update" screen during an iOS update is frustrating, but thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes and effective solutions to get your iPhone update moving again. We'll cover everything from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting, ensuring you get back to enjoying your device.
Why is My iPhone Stuck Verifying Update?
The "Verifying update" stage checks the integrity of the downloaded iOS update file before installation. This process ensures the software is complete and hasn't been corrupted. However, several issues can interrupt this process, leading to the dreaded freeze. These include:
- Poor internet connection: An unstable or slow Wi-Fi connection is a primary culprit. Interruptions during the download or verification process can lead to failure.
- Software bugs: Occasionally, bugs within iOS itself can cause verification to hang indefinitely.
- Insufficient storage: If your iPhone doesn't have enough free space, the update might fail to verify or install.
- Corrupted download: A partially downloaded or corrupted update file will prevent successful verification.
- Hardware issues: While less common, hardware problems, especially with the iPhone's storage or memory, can also contribute.
How Long Does Verifying Update Take on iPhone?
The time it takes to verify an iOS update varies depending on several factors, including the size of the update, your internet connection speed, and your iPhone model. While it usually takes only a few minutes, it can sometimes take up to 30 minutes. If it's been significantly longer than this, it's likely stuck.
What to do if your iPhone is stuck verifying update for a long time?
If you've waited for an extended period, it's time to troubleshoot.
Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing a Stuck "Verifying Update"
Let's delve into practical solutions to resolve this issue:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
- Restart your router: A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary network glitches. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Switch to a different network: Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or using your cellular data (if available) to see if the problem is network-specific.
- Check your internet speed: Run a speed test to ensure you have a stable and fast connection.
2. Force Restart Your iPhone
This simple step often resolves temporary software glitches. The method varies slightly depending on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears.
3. Free Up Storage Space
Delete unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and other files to free up storage space. You'll need sufficient space for both the download and the installation of the update. You can check your available storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
4. Try Updating Again Later
Sometimes, server-side issues with Apple's servers can cause temporary problems. Try updating again after a few hours or the next day.
5. Connect to iTunes/Finder (For Older iPhones)
If the above steps fail, connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes (for older macOS versions) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) to attempt the update. This can sometimes bypass software glitches on the device.
6. Restore Your iPhone as a New iPhone (Last Resort)
This is a drastic measure that will erase all your data. Only resort to this if all other solutions fail. Remember to back up your data if possible before proceeding. You can do this through iCloud or iTunes/Finder. After restoring, you can restore your data from your backup.
What if I'm still stuck after trying all these steps?
If you've exhausted all the above options and your iPhone remains stuck on the "Verifying update" screen, contact Apple Support directly. They may be able to diagnose a more complex hardware or software problem.
By systematically following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Verifying update" issue and successfully update your iPhone. Remember to always back up your data regularly to avoid data loss in case of unexpected problems.
