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

Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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For the most part, owning an iPhone is a pleasing experience - reliable hardware mated to quality software both in terms of operating system and apps - what else could one want in their busy lives! However, sometimes, problems do occur. You try checking for iPhone update, and it might just be that your iPhone won’t update. Is your iPhone stuck on checking for update, too? You are not alone; these things happen. So, do not worry and read this guide to help you quickly fix the problem without stepping foot into an Apple Store! Read on to discover the ways, including one called Dr.Fone - System Repair(iOS), the ultimate solution to all your smartphone problems!

iphone stuck checking for update

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

Broadly, when you are checking for update stuck iPhone is likely an indicator of network issues/connectivity issues/issues at Apple’s end rather than something wrong with the device’s operating system itself. Nonetheless, here are common reasons why your iPhone won’t update.

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

There could well be an issue at Apple’s end that prevents you from checking for iPhone update at the moment. You should wait 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

Why won’t my phone update to iOS 17? The reason might be that Apple does not provide iOS 17 update for your iPhone model. The iPhone SE (Second generation or later), iPhone XR, XS, and above models are supported. iPhone X, iPhone 8 and earlier are not supported.

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.

ios shutdown screen

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

In the event that the restart did not resolve the issue, here’s the next best way to resolve the iPhone stuck at checking for update problem. Presenting Dr.Fone!

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 wondershare

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
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.

access toolbox on drfone

Step 2: Select your device.

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

select an appropriate option for ios

Step 3: Update your iPhone without data loss.

After clicking iOS Upgrade/Downgrade, click Upgrade iOS and attach your iPhone to the computer with a data cable so that the software recognizes the device and its firmware version. 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. Once the download is complete, Dr.Fone will be ready to update your iPhone without data loss.

continue to repair ios on the device

Click Repair Now to start the process.

Step 4: Once the update is complete, click Done.

successfully conclude updating ios

safe Downloadsafe & 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.

iphone wifi low data mode toggle

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.

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.

device button itunes toolbar

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

check for updates itunes

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.

restore iphone with itunes

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 Downloadsafe & secure

Alice MJ

staff Editor

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