Checking For Update and Stuck iPhone? Here’s How To Fix

Part 1: Common Reasons Why the iPhone Is Unable to Check for Update

When your iPhone gets stuck on “Checking for Update,” it's often due to network connectivity issues or temporary problems with Apple’s servers—not necessarily a fault in the device’s operating system. Still, it's frustrating and can delay important updates. Common causes of a stuck iPhone during the update process include unstable Wi-Fi, server overload, outdated system settings, or low device storage. Understanding these issues is key to resolving them quickly.

1.1: Internet Connection Down

Why won’t my phone update? Maybe your internet connection went down just as you were checking for iPhone update. You can easily test it by using any app, as most of them require the internet to work properly. The best way to check is to launch Safari and try visiting a website.

1.2: Apple Server Issue

Sometimes, the reason your iPhone is stuck on “Checking for Update” isn’t on your end—it could be an issue with Apple’s servers. When this happens, the update process may be temporarily blocked. The best course of action is to wait for a while and try again later.

1.3: Using VPN/ Content Blockers

Using VPN and content blocker apps generally does not cause issues with the Apple update system. However, it is in your best interest to always disable VPNs and content blockers before trying to check for iPhone update. This is because, depending on settings, they might be the reason why is iPhone checking for update stuck and not working.

1.4: Incompatible Hardware

Wondering why your iPhone won’t update to iOS 26 Beta? This often happens because Apple limits updates to supported models. Devices like the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), iPhone XR, XS, and newer are eligible, while older models such as the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and earlier aren’t supported. This can cause your iPhone to get stuck on “Checking for Update.”

Part 2: Easiest Fixes You Should Try First

Let’s start with the easiest ways to fix iPhone unable to check for update. The two fastest ways to fix unable to check for update iPhone issue is restarting the phone and if that does not work, using a third-party app called Dr.Fone – System Repair to fix the issue in a jiffy.

2.1: Restart iPhone

Restarting almost always resolves most issues. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Shut Down.

Step 2: Slide to shut the device down.

Step 3: Once the device is shut down completely, wait a few seconds and press the Side button to start the phone.

2.2: One-Stop Fix to Update Your iPhone Without Data Loss: Dr.Fone – System Repair

If restarting your device didn’t fix the iPhone stuck on “Checking for Update” issue, don’t worry—there’s a reliable solution. Introducing Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS), a powerful tool designed to quickly resolve update glitches and get your iPhone back to normal without data loss.

Did you know that you do not have to update your iPhone from within Settings strictly? You can always use other ways to update your iPhone, such as using Dr.Fone - System Repair(iOS), a multi-utility tool that allows you to fix nearly all smartphone issues in just a few clicks.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Fix iPhone Checking for Update Stuck

• Fix iOS issues in a few clicks without any data loss
• Troubleshoot and repair a variety of iPhone errors
• Enjoy a safe, reliable, and seamless experience
• Work for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Available on: Windows Mac

Start Download

Start Download

3981454 people have downloaded it

Here’s how to update your iPhone with Dr.Fone.

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone and Select System Repair.

Start by launching Dr.Fone on your computer, and from the sidebar on the left, click Toolbox and select System Repair. You may also click System Repair banner in the app window.

Step 2: Select your device.

In System Repair, you will see Android and iOS. Select "iOS" and then, click "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade".

Step 3: Attach iDevice

As you attach the device with a proper USB cable, the platform detects the device and continues to establish a proper connection.

Step 4: Select iOS Firmware and Download.

You will also see a list of versions available for your device. Select the version you want to update to, and the download will initiate.

The firmware starts to download on the platform and is verified before it is made ready for installation on the iDevice.

Step 5: Update your iPhone.

Once the download is complete, Dr.Fone will be ready to update your iPhone without data loss.

Step 6: Click Repair Now to start the process.

You can analyze the completion of the process through the progress bar appearing on the next screen.

Step 7: Conclude Upgrading iOS/iPadOS

As the operating system is upgraded on your iDevice, continue to click Done to conclude the entire process.

The Best Solution for iOS 26 Beta Issues

Tips: Dr.Fone - System Repair now enables zero-data-loss solutions for iOS 26 Beta crashes (boot loops/black screen/failed updates) and one-click downgrades to signed versions (e.g. iOS 18.5), completing in 10 minutes. Supports all iPhone models, bypassing iTunes factory reset risks. Downgrades require open Apple signing windows (real-time tool verification). Pre-export critical data when reverting from iOS 26.

Try It Free Try It Free

safe & secure

Part 3: Other Fixes

Now, there are other fixes you can try if you have the time.

3.1: Force Restart iPhone

Apart from the standard restart method, there is another way to restart iPhone, called Force Restart. You can force restart iPhone as another helpful way to fix random issues.

Step 1: Press the Volume Up key on your iPhone once and release.

Step 2: Press the Volume Down key once and release.

Step 3: Press and hold the Side button until the iPhone restarts.

This is called a Force Restart.

3.2: Check Low Data Mode in Wi-Fi Settings

It is possible that you are unable to check for updates on iPhone due to a setting called Low Data Mode that is usually activated on newer iPhone models with fresh software installs. Here’s how to check for and disable Low Data Mode in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the info button on your connected Wi-Fi network name.

Step 2: Ensure that Low Data Mode is disabled.

3.3: Check Device Storage

If your iPhone does not have enough storage space free, it might be why it refuses to check for update or is stuck at checking for update. Check your free storage and clean up if necessary.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

Step 2: Remove apps or offload apps if required, to make room for the iOS software download on your phone. On average, it is best to have around 10 GB free for software update to work seamlessly.

3.4: Check for Updates Using iTunes

If you simply cannot make enough free space on the iPhone, you can use your computer and iTunes to check for updates.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer.

Step 2: Launch iTunes on Windows or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier.

Step 3: Click the iPhone button in the iTunes toolbar.

Step 4: Click Summary from the sidebar and click Check for Update button to check for updates.

3.5: Restore iPhone Using iTunes

You can use iTunes to restore your iPhone as well, but beware, this process will delete user data.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows computer.

Step 2: Launch iTunes on Windows or a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier.

Step 3: Click the iPhone button in the iTunes toolbar.

Step 4: Click Summary from the sidebar on the left and click Restore iPhone.

Follow the process to factory reset your iPhone and update it to the latest version. This method deletes user data on the device. You might be required to backup iPhone using iTunes if you use this method.

Final Words

Is your iPhone stuck on checking for update but not moving forward? We understand how incredibly frustrating it is when that happens! We understand you want to resolve this iPhone unable to check for update problem quickly. So, this comprehensive guide offers solutions that range from simply force restarting the iPhone and checking your internet connectivity to other ways such as using Dr.Fone - System Repair(iOS) to check for updates on iPhone and update your iPhone reliably and quickly in just a few clicks. Download the app today and get started!

safe & secure