Full Guide to Fix iPad Stuck on Verifying Update & Update to iPadOS 18/26 Easily

Part 1. All You Want to Know About iPad Stuck on Verifying Update

Before discussing how to fix the iPad verifying update stuck error, knowing what it entails is important to become clear on. Here are some notable details.

1. What Does Verifying Update Mean?

Like verifying update on iPhone, the verifying update for iPadOS refers to the period when the iPad device starts the verification process for software upgrade. During this process, the device contacts the Apple Server, which typically takes around 2-3 minutes.

Issues with your WiFi connection, device settings, or Apple’s servers can prevent the iOS 26 Beta update from completing successfully. When this happens, you may see error messages like “iPad verifying update stuck” or “Unable to check for update” on your screen, indicating that the update verification process is halted.

2. How Long Does Update Verification Process Take?

Typically, the verification process for the update of iPadOS to other versions takes less than an hour after the Apple Server is contacted within 2-3 minutes. In some cases, the whole process can take around 3-5 business days maximum to complete. However, for iPadOS update verification, you should contact Apple assistance if the iPad verifying update stuck issues crosses a day.

At 1 hour past the verification process starts, you should know that there are glitches that occur if the process is stuck that long. It can cross some hours in case of low device storage, unstable network connection, software glitches, and other issues.

3. Why Does My iPad Stuck on Verifying Update?

Multiple potential causes exist for the "iPad stuck on verifying update" prompt. It is not simple to immediately know the main reason for the issue on your device. The screen might show that it is stuck on the Hello screen or the Slide to Upgrade part. Multiple issues can cause this. Here are some examples:

• Network congestion- When a completely new version of iPadOS gets released, users try to use iTunes or OTA to update their system. However, the network may get jammed with so many users trying the same method. So, that can cause the process to get stuck while users try to verify their device via Apple Server.
• Software issues- One of the causes for the iPad being stuck on verifying update error is software-based problems, like glitches. It is impossible to predict software glitches or their exact cause accurately. This reason can also cause other problems, like the white screen, black screen of death, boot loop, Apple logo stuck, or recovery mode stuck.

• External causes- Sometimes, the verification process blocks out due to a lack of enough storage space in the device. Additionally, if your network connection is unstable or slow, that can also cause the verification process to show issues.
• Hardware problems- Any damage to the device can cause issues like the software not updating properly on the iPad. Accidentally dropping the device or colliding with a hard object can cause hardware issues.

Part 2. How to Fix iPad Stuck on Verifying Update?

If you're encountering the “iPad verifying update stuck” error during the iOS 26 Beta update, there are several effective methods to fix it. The right solution depends on the root cause—whether it’s a network issue, a system glitch, or a temporary server problem.

1. Force Restart Your iPad

One of the most common methods for fixing the verifying issues for iPadOS updates is hard resetting the device. It works under different conditions that may cause further problems, like getting stuck in Apple logo/Recovery Mode, as well.

For iPad without Home Button:

• Step 1: Press the side button at the top and the home button simultaneously on your iPad. Hold them down for approximately 10 seconds until the Apple logo comes up. Alternatively, you can restart the locked iPad with Face ID by pressing the Volume Up button and quickly releasing it. Then, repeat the same for the Volume Down button.

• Step 2: After the device restarts, go to the Settings menu.
• Step 3: Click on the General option from the menu and tap on Software Update > Install Now.

For iPad with Home Button:

• Step 1: If you are using an iPad device with the Home button present, press it and the Power button simultaneously and hold them down.
• Step 2: Keep holding the buttons down until the Apple logo appears and the device restarts.

2. Free Up Space on iPad

For updating the iPad, there is a need to keep some storage free in the device. If your device has less free space than 750-800 MB, you need to reduce some of the storage capacity to free it for the upgrade.

• Step 1: Go to the Settings menu on your iPad and click on the General option.
• Step 2: Tap on the "iPad storage" option. The data about the remaining storage capacity will appear at the top. It is important to reserve at least 1 GB of storage to upgrade your iPadOS.

• Step 3: Delete unnecessary apps or media files from your device manager.

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  3. Delete Beta Profile if installed

  Sometimes, users notice the "iPad is stuck on verifying update" problem since they are utilizing their beta profile. The solution, in this case, is to delete the public beta profile. Then, wait until the next new software update is available and upgrade your iPad to that version.

  • Step 1: Go to the Settings menu on your iPad device and choose General > Profiles.
  • Step 2: Under the Profiles menu, select the iPadOS Beta Software Profile option.
  • Step 3: Then, choose the Remove Profile option. Add your passcode if the device prompts for it, and click the Delete button.

  

  • Step 4: Hold down the power on/off button on your iPad to shut the device off> Slide to power off.
  • Step 5: Then hold down the ON/OFF button on your device until the Apple logo appears and the device restarts.

  4. Remove the SIM Card Holder/Tray

  Another solution for fixing the issue of the iPad device being stuck in verifying update phase can be due to hardware issues or a misplaced SIM card. Removing it should help for a full reset without data loss.

  • Step 1: Use a SIM card ejector tool or a small bent paperclip and put it into the small pinhole at the side. This will push open the SIM tray.
  • Step 2: Put a little amount of pressure on this section to pop the SIM card tray out. Gently pull it out when the tray is protruding out from the socket.

  

  • Step 3: Take out the SIM card and replace it with the SIM card. Make sure to put it into place with the correct alignment on the SIM card tray. Then, put it in again in the right orientation.

  5. Reset the Network Connection

  One of the common reasons why the "iPad stuck on verifying update" issue occurs is due to weak network connections. So, if your device suddenly gets stuck at this point, you should check the connection power of your network. Change the network to cellular data or another WiFi connection than what you are using.

  In case the network issues are not noticeable, and other functions are going well, you should reset the device network settings to avoid the error. This removes all saved network passwords as well from recent history.

  6. Remove the Update Firmware for iPadOS and press Reinstall

  To fix the issues of iPad software updates getting stuck problem, you can remove the iPad update file directly from your device. Then, reinstall the firmware file again.

  • Step 1: Go to Settings and then choose General.
  • Step 2: The next step differs for iPadOS versions.
  • Users of iPadOS 11 and previous versions should click on the Storage & iCloud Usage option. Then, press the Manage Storage option.
  • For iPadOS users after the iPadOS 11 version, you should click on the iPad Storage option.

  

  • Step 3: Tap on the current iPadOS update available and choose the Delete Update selection.

  

  • Step 4: Go to Settings again and click on the General option. Tap on Software Update and reinstall the newest firmware version.

  

  7. Update the iPad via iTunes

  Another process you can try out is the option for the iTunes program to update your device. If you have tried it already, change the source and give the process another try.

  • Step 1: Use a USB connector to link your iPad device to the PC you are using.
  • Step 2: Launch the iTunes app and rap the device icon at the top-left of the screen.
  • Step 3: Click on Summary and then tap on the Update button.

  

Part 3. How to Update to iPadOS 18/26 Quickly Without Hassle?

If the “iPad verifying update stuck” issue still persists after trying standard fixes, using a professional iOS repair tool like Dr.Fone- System Repair (iOS) is a smart choice. This user-friendly software is designed to resolve common iOS problems—including those triggered by the iOS 26 Beta update—without data loss.

Users can use the software to fix 150+ types of system issues on iOS, iPadOS, and iPod Touch devices, like the black screen of death, screen stuck on logo, error 4013, and more. You can utilize it for the iOS update process with simple steps with zero data loss.

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Some popular use case scenarios

Here are some common issues that require the usage of Dr.Fone-System Repair (iOS) to rectify:

• White Apple logo
• Stuck in the boot loop
• iPad/iPhone won't turn on
• Black Screen of Death
• iPad/iPhone Keeps Restarting
• Screen Frozen

How can Dr.Fone-System Repair (iOS) update iPadOS safely?

• Step 1: Download the Dr.Fone software on your device in the latest version. Follow the instructions for installing the software and launching it.
• Step 2: Choose the System Repair option from the Home interface.

• Step 3: In the next window, choose the iPhone option. This includes iPadOS devices as well.
• Step 4: Choose the "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" option from the next page of options.

• Step 5: You should click on the Upgrade iOS choice to upgrade your iPad device.

• Step 6: Use a compatible USB cable to connect your iPadOS to the computer.
• Step 7: After the successful connection process, the software will produce some options for upgrading the device. Choose the iPad firmware you want to use and press the Download button.

• Step 8: After choosing the firmware, the package will start installing into the device. Wait while this is in progress.
• Step 9: Next, press the Repair Now option to allow the software to fix any issues remaining in the version.

• Step 10: Press the Done button when the repair is fully finished.

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Conclusion

If your iPad gets stuck on verifying the update during the iOS 26 Beta update, several factors could be causing the issue—ranging from unstable network connections to software glitches or server delays. You can turn to Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) as a powerful alternative. This tool helps fix system-related errors—including the “iPad verifying update stuck” issue—without data loss and even allows you to update your device directly. Ultimately, choose the method that best suits your situation and comfort level.

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