Fix iPhone Stuck on Update Requested [iOS 27 Supported]

When upgrading to iOS 27, your iPhone can be stuck on Update Requested... It is not the same as a failed update. It usually means the iPhone has asked Apple's servers for the iOS 27 download and is waiting for the queue, network, storage, or battery state to be ready.

This guide explains how long Update Requested should take, what to check before restarting, and when the problem has moved from normal waiting to stuck-update troubleshooting.

Quick answer

If iOS update stuck on update requested appears on iOS 27, wait a few minutes first because Apple’s servers may queue the download. For iOS update requested stuck, new iPhone stuck on update requested, or anyone asking iOS update requested how long, check Wi-Fi, battery, storage, delete the update file if available, then use computer update or repair.

Update Requested means the iPhone is queued to begin downloading the update. During major iOS 27 traffic, waiting can be normal; a frozen screen plus no network activity is the sign to start troubleshooting.

This message marks the first stage of the OTA update process. It typically lasts just a few seconds, but if your iPhone update requested gets stuck for long, you may need to figure out the reasons behind so that you can find a suitable solution.

• Weak or unstable internet connection: Poor Wi-Fi can block communication with Apple's servers.
• Apple servers are overloaded: High traffic may delay your update request.
• Low Battery level: If your battery is low or not charging, the update may pause.
• Insufficient Storage: ot enough free space can stop the update from starting.
• Software glitches or system bugs: Minor iOS issues can interrupt the update process.

If your iPhone stuck at update requested while trying to install iOS 27, don't panic. Before diving into advanced solutions, start with these three basic checks to rule out the most common causes.

1 Ensure Enough Battery

Keep the iPhone charged or connected to power. Apple may pause update preparation when battery is low. Make sure your iPhone is charged to at least 50% before you can continue to update the iOS system.

2 Check Wi-Fi Status

Switch to a stable Wi-Fi network and avoid captive portals or weak hotel/public networks. Cellular settings alone may not be enough for a large iOS update.

If your iPhone's Wi-Fi connection is weak, you won't be able to get the new iOS firmware from Apple's official servers. Therefore, we suggest you to check your network connection or change to a reliable one.

3 Check Available iPhone Storage

Free storage before retrying. iOS needs room for both the download and temporary unpacking files.

Hence, you can check the iPhone storage and free up some for storing the iOS update by deleting those apps you don't use.

If the basic checks don't resolve the issue, it's time to move on to more advanced fixes. These solutions address deeper system or network problems that could be causing the update requested on your iPhone.

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1 Perform a Force Restart

If your iOS stuck on update requested, performing a force restart is a simple but effective way to refresh the system. Unlike a regular restart, a force restart closes all background processes and clears out minor system glitches that might be stopping the update.

It doesn't erase any data, and it is especially useful if your iPhone won't move past the current screen or complete the update. Since different iPhone models have different procedures, below are the details.

2 Reset Network Settings

If your iPhone has connected to a strong Wi-Fi but the iPhone says update requested nonstop, try to reset network settings. You may have accidentally changed the settings for network, causing this update trouble. This solution won't cause you any data loss expect for the network settings, please rest assured.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone> Reset Reset Network Settings. After the process, connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi again.

3 Update iPhone with Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes

If Settings cannot move past Update Requested, update with Finder, Apple Devices app, or iTunes. This keeps the process closer to Apple's official path before repair software is needed.

When your iPhone update says update requested, you can try this method to fix the OTA update gets stuck problem. Here's how to do.

Step 1: Make sure you have the latest version of Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes installed on your computer. If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, open Finder instead.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: If prompted, tap Trust on your iPhone and enter your device passcode to authorize Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes.

Step 4: Launch Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes and select your iPhone from the device list.

Step 5: In the Summary tab (Finder) or General tab (Finder), click Check for Update.

Step 6: If an update is available, click Download and Update.

Step 7: Keep your iPhone connected and wait for the process to finish. Your device will restart once the update is complete. Later, you can restart the update process as usual.

4 Fix iPhone Update Requested Stuck Issue with iMyFone Fixppo

If your iPhone has been stuck on the "Update Requested" screen for hours, keeps restarting during the update process, or eventually enters recovery mode, the issue is likely no longer a simple network or storage problem.

Instead of performing a full restore right away, you can try iMyFone Fixppo to repair common iOS update failures. It brings Standard Mode repair, firmware download, recovery mode tools, and data backup/restore into one workflow for stuck update screens, update loops, recovery mode, and other iOS 27 update problems.

Key Features of iOS System Repair Software:

• Standard Mode for Stuck Updates: Helps with iOS issues like iPhone stuck on update requested, iOS update paused, and failed update screens.
• Apple Tool Alternative: Useful when Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes fails to recognize your device or gets stuck during an update or restore.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports many iPhone models and iOS versions, including the latest iOS 27.
• 150+ System Issue Coverage: Handles related symptoms such as iPhone stuck on verifying update, iPhone taking forever to update, boot loop, and recovery mode.
• Update iOS Automatically: It can update your iOS to the latest iOS version while fixing the iPhone update stuck issue.
• Easy to Use: No technical knowledge required, just a few clicks to start repairing.
• Built-in Backup & Restore: Gives you a way to save and restore device data inside the same repair workflow when the iPhone can be detected.

Step 1: Download and install iMyFone Fixppo, launch it to enter the home screen, then click Start Repair.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer and choose Standard Mode when the device is detected and you want to try the lower-risk repair path first.

Step 3: Your iPhone will be detected once connected. Click the Download button to get the iOS firmware for fixing iOS update requested.

Step 4: When downloaded, please click the Start Standard Repair button for Fixppo to start repairing your device with the firmware.

After the repair finishes, let the iPhone restart and check Software Update again. If Update Requested returns immediately, recheck Wi-Fi, storage, Apple server status, and the downloaded update file.

5 Restore iPhone in Recovery Mode with Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes

Recovery mode restore is the last resort because it can erase the device. Try update or repair first when the computer gives you a choice.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and open the Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes program. If your computer is running macOS Catalina or higher, you need to launch Finder.

Step 2: For different iPhone models, entering recovery mode method could be different.

Step 3: When your iPhone has entered the recovery mode, you can see this window below. Please click the Restore button to reset your iPhone to factory settings.

Step 4: Later, your iPhone will install the latest version of iOS to your iPhone, followed by the iPhone update stuck on update requested problem being solved.

How long does Update Requested take?

A few minutes is common, and major iOS releases can take longer. If it sits unchanged for a long time, check Wi-Fi, battery, storage, and Apple server load.

Why is my new iPhone stuck on Update Requested?

New iPhones often need a large setup update. Weak Wi-Fi, low battery, server queues, or not enough storage can leave setup waiting at this stage.

Should I restart when iOS is stuck on Update Requested?

Restart only after basic checks and a reasonable wait. If the update file appears in storage, deleting it and trying again can be cleaner than repeated restarts.

iOS update stuck on Update Requested does not always mean something is wrong. In many cases, the update simply needs more time because of Apple's servers, network conditions, or device storage limitations.

Before attempting a restore, take a few minutes to check the basics: make sure your iPhone has enough battery, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and sufficient free storage. If the update remains stuck for an unusually long time, restarting the device or updating through a computer may help.

However, if the iOS 27 update stops progressing altogether, repeatedly fails, or leaves your iPhone stuck on an update or recovery screen, it may be time to use a dedicated repair solution like Fixppo. The key is to start with the simplest fixes first and move to advanced repair methods only when the update clearly is not moving forward.

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Article by

Melvin Cooper

Melvin Cooper has over 10 years of experience in the technology industry and is an expert at providing tips and handy solutions to Apple and Android users. Dedicated to helping millions of users improve their experience with mobile devices, he has maintained an impressive record of solving problems.