iPad stuck on an update? Try these fixes

⚡Fast fix

• Hold your horses: Major updates can sit for up to 15–30 minutes before installing.
• Use stable Wi-Fi: Public and captive Wi-Fi portals are a no-go.
• Give your iPad® a refresh: Try a force restart to reboot without deleting content.

---

Apple® released a major iPad update, and you're thrilled to try out the new features. You tap the update button and step away to do some work. Hours later, you come back to see your iPad frozen during the update. What's the solution?

Don't worry—Asurion Experts help people fix issues like this every day. Whether you're dealing with insufficient device storage or an unresponsive screen, we have a solution. Here's what to do if your iPad is stuck on Preparing Update.

What your iPad's stuck update screen is telling you

When a new iPad is stuck on a software update, it will show one of these screens:

• Update Requested: This means that your iPad is asking Apple's servers for the update file. Normally, you'll only see the message for a few minutes. But if your iPad is stuck on Update Requested with no end in sight, check the stability of your Wi-Fi.
• Preparing Update: After receiving the update from Apple, your iPad spends time unpacking it and readying your device for installation. If everything looks good, your device moves on to the next step. Know that this stage is the longest and the most likely place for your iPad to get stuck.
• Verifying Update: During this phase, your iPad performs a few integrity checks on the file. If it passes the tests, it will start installing the update. An iPad stuck on Verifying Update likely has a corrupted file.
• Installing Update: Here, your device tries to install the file. If the iPad is stuck on Installing Update, you may have an older device. It takes time for older iPads to write and install new software, especially for major updates.
• Estimated Time Remaining: This screen shows you how much time it will take to download and install the update. If your iPad update is stuck on estimating time remaining, it's not necessarily a failure. It may still be calculating.

Insufficient storage, a choppy Wi-Fi connection, and corrupted files can all cause your update to stop in its tracks. And if your iPad won't update at all, it may not be compatible with the latest Apple update.

How to fix an iPad stuck on Preparing Update

Try these troubleshooting steps if you can't get past the Preparing Update screen:

1. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to do anything. Major iPadOS® software updates need extra time to download.
2. Verify you have a stable Wi-Fi connection by opening an internet-supported app. Skip public or captive-portal networks, since they get congested fast.
3. Try to force restart your iPad. A forced restart won't erase your content and may clear technical glitches. Take these steps:
   • Press and release the Volume Up button.
   • Press and release the Volume Down button.
   • Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
   • If you're using an iPad with a Home button, press and hold the top button and the Home button until your device restarts.
4. Start the update process all over again.
   • Tap Settings > General > iPad Storage.
   • Tap iPadOS update > Delete Update.
   • Re-download the update through Settings.
5. Make sure you have enough space for the download. If you don't have several gigabytes of space, delete content you don't need.
6. Try downloading the update to your iPad using Finder® on Mac® or the Apple Devices app on Windows™. This may speed up the staging process.

When to put your iPad in recovery mode

Your iPad transitioned through a few screens, but now it shows nothing but the Apple logo. And it's been like that for hours. Is it time to put your iPad in recovery mode?

That may be your only option. Recovery mode makes it possible to update or erase your iPad with the help of a computer. It reinstalls iPadOS, returning your device to a usable state.

As a first option, try to update the iPad with recovery mode. This won't delete your data. But if it doesn't work, you'll want to back up your device before erasing it through recovery mode.

---

FAQ

How long should an iPad take to prepare an update?

Your iPad can take several minutes to prepare an update. Major updates can take longer, especially on older devices.

Can I cancel an iPad update that's stuck?

You can cancel stuck iPad updates through the Settings app. Simply delete the update and reinstall it to try again.

Will I lose my data if my iPad freezes during an update?

Experiencing a frozen iPad during an update doesn't mean you'll lose your data. Restarting your device may fix the issue without affecting your content.

Why does my iPad say Update Requested?

It's requesting the update file from Apple. Once it gets the file, you'll see the screen change.