Dealing with an iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update: Easy Solutions
Jerry Cook- Updated on 2024-09-14 to iPhone 15
Jerry CookUpdating your iPhone 15/16 to the latest iOS software version is important to get new features and security patches. However, sometimes, an iPhone 15/16 can become stuck or frozen while trying to install an iOS update. If your iphone 15 pro stuck on downloading software update and won't finish the software update, don't worry - you have options to try and fix it.
Trying to update your iPhone 15/16 only to have it become unresponsive can be frustrating. The good news is there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get your iPhone 15/16 unstuck from a software update. With some time and patience, you can likely get your iPhone 15/16 unfrozen and the software update successfully installed.
- Part 1. Why does iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update?
- Part 2. How to Fix iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update?
- Fix 1. Force Restart Your iPhone
- Fix 2. Charge your iPhone
- Fix 3. Fix iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update Fastly & Effortless
- Fix 4. Restart the Software Update Process
- Fix 5. Skip the Software Update and Install iOS Later
- Fix 6. Offload or Uninstall Apps
- Fix 7. Try Updating Your iPhone on Cellular
- Fix 8. Use PC or Mac to Update Your iPhone
- Part 4. People Also Ask about iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update
Part 1. Why does iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update?
Here are some common reasons an iPhone 15/16 may get stuck during a software update:
Insufficient storage space - The iOS update requires a certain amount of free storage space on your iPhone in order to download and install. If your iPhone is low on storage, the update may get stuck or fail to complete. Clearing up storage space may help resolve this.
Slow/unstable internet connection - Downloading the iOS update requires a steady, high-speed internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal or unstable cellular data connection can disrupt the download and cause it to freeze.
Outdated version of iOS - Sometimes, there are bugs or issues with an older version of iOS that prevent the next update from installing properly. Updating from a very old iOS version can lead to the update getting stuck.
Part 2. How to Fix iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update?
Fix 1. Force Restart Your iPhone
Force restarting your iPhone essentially reboot it, which can help "unfreeze" iphone 15 pro max stuck on software update. To force restart:
- On iPhone 15/16/14/13 - Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Fix 2. Charge your iPhone
Having sufficient battery charge is important for completing a software update. Connect your iPhone to a charger and allow it to charge to at least 50% before trying the update again. A low battery can cause the update to freeze or fail.
Fix 3. Fix iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update Fastly & Effortless
If you have tried the various troubleshooting steps, but still your iphone 15 plus stuck on software update, the best solution may be to use a dedicated iOS repair tool like UltFone iOS System Repair. You can choose the tool for software update without stuck. This powerful software is designed specifically to resolve many different iOS system issues, including fixing software update failures.
UltFone iOS System Repair provides an all-in-one solution for over 150+ iOS system problems. It can easily repair an iPhone stuck on an update without causing any data loss.
Key features that make UltFone iOS System Repair the ultimate solution include:
- Downgrade iOS and exit recovery mode without iTunes
- Fix iOS issues like Apple logo, reboot loop, black screen
- Reset iPhone without password, iTunes, or Finder
- Upgrade to the latest iOS version
- Support all iPhone models, including iPhone 15/16
Here is how to fix new iphone software update stuck using UltFone iOS System Repair:
- Step 1Connect your iPhone 15/16 to your computer and open UltFone iOS System Repair. Click on "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" in the bottom right.
- Step 2Select the "Upgrade" optionto download the latest iOS firmware file.
- Step 3Now, click on the “Download” button to download the firmware.
- Step 4Once the firmware is downloaded, click "Initiate Upgrade" for UltFone to begin installing the new iOS version on your iPhone.
- Step 5UltFone will automatically delete the old iOS version stuck on your iPhone 15/16 and start installing the new firmware. And your software update iphone 15 stuck have been fixed.
Fix 4. Restart the Software Update Process
If your iPhone 15/16 is stuck on a software update, even with a good WiFi connection and enough battery charge, you can restart the update process. Here is how to fix iphone 15 pro stuck on software update:
- Press and hold the Side button on your iPhone 15/16 until the power off slider appears. Slide to turn your iPhone off.
- Once it's powered down, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on.
- Now go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap "Download and Install" to restart the iOS download.
Fix 5. Skip the Software Update and Install iOS Later
If your iPhone 15/16 software update stuck when you are first setting up the device, you can skip this step and come back to update later.
To skip updating during the initial setup and fix new iPhone stuck on software update:
- Press and hold the Side button to turn off your iPhone.
- Once powered down, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on.
- Proceed through the setup process. When you reach the Software Update screen, do not tap "Install Now".
- Tap through and skip the software update for now. Finish the rest of the setup process.
- Once your iPhone 15/16 is fully set up, you can install the latest iOS update by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping "Install Now" on the update you skipped earlier.
Fix 6. Offload or Uninstall Apps
If your iPhone 15/16 doesn't have enough free storage space, it may get stuck trying to download and install the iOS update. Try freeing up storage by offloading or deleting apps:
To offload an app and fixing iPhone 15/16 pro stuck on software update:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and review the list of installed apps.
- Tap on a large app you want to offload and select "Offload App" to temporarily remove it. This deletes the app but retains its data.
To fully delete and uninstall an app:
- Press and hold on an app icon until they start to wiggle.
- Tap the "-" on the app icon to delete it.
- Tap "Delete" to confirm removing the app and all of its data.
Fix 7. Try Updating Your iPhone on Cellular
If you have issues updating on WiFi, switch to cellular data:
- Open Control Center and tap the WiFi icon to disable it.
- Make sure Cellular Data is enabled.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap "Download and Install" to have your iPhone download the update over cellular data.
Fix 8. Use PC or Mac to Update Your iPhone
You can also update your iPhone by connecting it to a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac):
- Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your Windows PC or connect your iPhone to a Mac.
- Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Open iTunes/Finder, and it should detect your iPhone. Click "Check for Update".
- iTunes/Finder will download the latest iOS update to your computer. Follow the prompts to install the software update on your iPhone.
Part 4. People Also Ask about iPhone 15/16 Stuck on Software Update
Q1. Can I turn off my iPhone while updating?
It's not recommended. Forcing your iPhone to power off during an update could cause damage or data loss. Wait for the update to complete, even if it's stuck.
Q2. How long does iPhone 15/16 update take?
Most iOS updates take 5-15 minutes to download and install. If it gets stuck for over 30 minutes, try the troubleshooting fixes covered in this article.
Final Word
Dealing with an iphone 15 pro software update stuck can be annoying. But in most cases, you can get it successfully updated with some simple troubleshooting steps.
Follow the solutions in this guide like force restarting, retrying over cellular, using a computer, and ultimately, the UltFone iOS System Repair tool. With some patience, you'll get your iPhone 15/16 upgrade completed and be able to enjoy the latest iOS features and improvements.
- 1-click to enter/exit iOS recovery mode free
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- Support iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11 Pro/XR/XS/X and iOS 18/17/16/15.
