6 Ways to Fix iOS 17, 16 Stuck on Update Requested

iPhone stuck on Update Requested screen when updating to iOS 16/17? This guide will explain why iOS 17 stuck on update requested and how to fix this problem.

Lena

By Lena / Updated on February 5, 2024

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My iPhone Stuck on Update Requested Screen

My iOS 17 update is stuck on Update Requested and it's been like that for the last 4 days. Please help how to resolve this issue.

- Question from Apple Community

When a new iOS is available, we can go to Settings > General > Software Update to Download and Install the update. Then your iPhone will try to connect to the Apple server to download iOS update files. You will see the screen says Update Requested...

However, the requested update time is longer than usual, preventing you from proceeding to the next step. It seems that you meet the iOS 16/15 Update Requested Stuck issue. Why? Well, The main reasons why iPhone stuck on update request are as follows:

● Overloaded Traffic. There may be too many users trying to download the update at the same time, which will cause traffic overload.
● Software Crashed. A minor glitch on your phone or a deeper software problem will make your iPhone stuck on update request screen.
● Poor Network Connection. A strong Wi-Fi connection is a basic requirement for iOS updates. When Wi-Fi is poor, your iPhone will fail to send the request to Apple server.

This iOS 17/16/15 update requested stuck issue is annoying, but fortunately, there are several ways to help you get rid of it.

►Important:
Have you backed up your iPhone? If haven’t, please do it now!
Be aware that there is always a risk of data loss when upgrading to new iOS. You definitely do not want to find that you lose contacts, photos, or any other files after the update. Refer to this How to Backup iPhone Before iOS Update guide to backup your important data.

How to Fix iOS 17 Stuck on Update Requested

Here are all the possible ways that can help you fix the iPhone stuck on update request error. Try them in turn to eliminate triggers that prevent your iPhone from updating.

► These solutions apply to all iPhone & iPad models including:
iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X/XR/XS (Max), iPhone 11 (Pro Max), iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 12 (Pro Max/Pro/mini), iPhone 13 (Pro Max/Pro/mini), iPhone 14 (Pro Max/Pro/Plus), iPhone 15 (Pro Max/Pro/Plus)iPad Pro/Air/mini.

Tip 1. Reboot Your iPhone

This is the first simple trick to fix the iOS 17/16/15 stuck on update requested screen. The force restart can help clear out all background apps and refresh your device’s memory, which can fix minor glitches that cause the issue.

● Force restart iPhone 8 and later & iPad with Face ID :

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until you see the Apple logo.

● Force restart iPhone 7/7 Plus:

Press and hold the Top button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

● Force restart iPhone 6s, SE and earlier & iPad with Home button:

Hold down the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Force restart iPhone

Tip 2. Check Internet Connection

As we said above, the iOS17/ 16/15/14 stuck on update requested error will occur when the network is poor. So please make sure that you have connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. You can turn on/off Airplane mode to refresh the Internet. Or you may try to reset network settings to get rid of any Internet connection errors.

Go to Settings > Tap General > Tap Reset > Tap Reset Network Settings > Enter your passcode to confirm > Wait for the restart > Enter the WiFi passcode to rejoin the Wi-Fi to see if it resolves the issue.

Reset Network Settings on iPhone

Tip 3. Delete the Download Software

Check whether the software update file has been downloaded. If the update file is already downloaded but cannot be installed, you can delete the downloaded software update and install the update again.

Go to Settings > Tap General > Tap iPhone Storage > Tap the iOS update file > Tap Delete Update > Tap Delete Update on the pop-up window to confirm.

Delete Downloaded Software Update

As for deleting the iOS 16 beta profiles, you can tap "Settings" app > "General" > "VPN & Device Management" >"iOS 16 Beta Software Profile" > "Remove Profile".

Remove Ios Beta

Tip 4. Reset All Settings

The iOS 17/16/15 stuck on update request issue may happen due to a deeper software problem. In this case, you can try to reset all settings to troubleshoot the problem. After the reset, all settings will return to default but no data will be erased.

Go to Settings > Tap General > Tap Reset > Tap Reset All Settings > Enter your passcode > Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm.

Reset All Settings

Tip 5. Update Your iPhone via iTunes

After trying the above methods, if you cannot update your iPhone over-the-air, you may try iTunes to help you.

1. Make sure you have installed the latest version of iTunes on computer.

2. Run iTunes > Connect your iPhone to computer via USB cable.

3. Click the Device tab > Choose Summary > Click Check for Update button.

Check for Update

4. When the update is found, click Download and Update to make it.

Tip 6. Put Your iPhone in DFU Mode

If all the above methods cannot help you fix the iPhone stuck on update requested problem, this is the last solution you can have a try - put your iPhone into DFU Mode. It is a deep restoration that is more comprehensive and used to solve difficult and serious problems.

It will erase all content and settings and install the latest version of iOS. Please remember to backup your iPhone before the restore.

1. Make sure you have installed the latest version of iTunes on computer.

2. Plug in your iPhone and run iTunes.

3. Put your device in DFU Mode.

● For iPhone 6s/6s Plus an earlier & iPad with Home button:

Press and hold the Power button and Home button together for 8-10 seconds > Release the Power button but continue to hold the Home button until your device appears in iTunes > Release the Home button.

● For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for 8-10 seconds > Release the Power button but continue to hold the Volume Down button until your device appears in iTunes > Release the Home button.

● For iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR, iPhone 11/12/13 iPad with Face ID:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Then quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Then press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.

When the screen turns black, press and hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side button > After 5 seconds, release the Side button but continue to hold the Volume Down button until your device appears in iTunes.

Your iPhone screen display will be completely black if you have successfully entered DFU Mode. Try again if it’s not.

DFU Mode

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your device.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to fix iOS 17/16 stuck on update requested problem. You may encounter errors when downloading updates, which can cause your iPhone to get stuck. Hope one of the above methods can help you get out of trouble. If you like this guide, don’t hesitate to share it to help more people.