It is always important to update the iPhone to get the new features, security and other related improvements. Nevertheless, there is iPhone ‘Update Requested’ status, and it may be quite confusing to some individuals. This article will break down what the term ‘Update Requested’ means on an iPhone as well as detailed on how best to deal with this issue.
What Does ‘Update Requested’ Mean on iPhone?
Update requested on an iPhone usually means that the device is requesting an update to the latest version of the software it is currently running.
Understanding the Update Process
Whenever Apple has a new iOS update in its system, people across the world can hardly wait to install it. The update process involves several steps:
- Checking for Update: Your iPhone directly connects to Apple’s server and downloads the latest version of the iOS.
- Downloading the Update: After the update is located, it literally downloads right to your device.
- Preparing the Update: Following download, the iPhone sets them up for installation to be executed later on.
- Installing the Update: Last of all, the update is installed and your iPhone restarts again, to finally being updated.
The ‘Update Requested’ Phase
Update requested is the status that appears after an iPhone confirms an update but before it proceeds with downloading the update. This status means that your device has put the update request to a waiting list to download the update whenever a place is available on the Apple servers. This phase is critical to balance the pressure on Apple servers and to let all users have an as smooth as possible upgrade experience.
Possible Reasons To Get ‘Update Requested’
- Server Overload: During busy hours, Apple’s servers may be highly busy with the number of updates being commanded. This is perhaps seen especially when a new update is released and there is rush by millions of users who want to put it on their device.
- Network Issues: If you are experiencing slow or unstable internet connection, this may take a lot of time in the updating of the system. The following are some reasons which bring this: poor Wi-Fi signal or Interference.
- Device Storage: Running out of storage space can also be a cause for the update not downloading because of the limited space. If you attempt to update your iPhone and find that there is not enough free space then the update will not continue.
- Software Glitches: Sometimes, the bugs in the software can hamper the flow of the update process, although they are small. Such glitches can depend on numerous causes like the corrupt files or setting.
Why Do You Need to Update Your Phone When the Software Update is Requested?
It is necessary to update your phone when the software update is requested to prevent the malfunctioning of the phone. The main reasons why it is important are the following:
- Improved Security: They might also contain new features and the removal of bugs and security exploits that might be taken advantage of by hackers or viruses. This way, the device has the newest security products to prevent and protect it.
- Better Performance: It enhances your device by making available applications and software, corrects bugs that may slow down your phone or other devices.
- Adding New Features: Software updates are always a measure that provides for putting up new characteristics, functions, or optimizing those already included in the package, in order to improve function ability with the user.
- Compatibility: Upgrading the software adds an ability of the device to run new applications and software.
- Bug Fixes: They can fix predefined bugs in the software, crashes or challenges that may bring instability in the device.
How to Fix ‘Update Requested’ on Your iPhone
Step 1: Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
Internet connectivity is very crucial during the update process because a firm and steady connection is required through the process. Make sure that your iPhone is signed in to a good Wi-Fi network. Do not establish connections via cellular data connections since one may be slower and not stable. You can perform a connection test by paging through a website, or streaming a video as this helps in identifying whether the page being viewed loads fast without pauses or freezing.
Step 2: Check Apple’s Server Status
Apple offers a system status page through which users can ascertain the status of their servers. Go to Apple System Status to see if there are any known problems with iOS updates. In the event that the servers are offline, you have to proceed in waiting until the servers are back online. This page will also indicate whether the update services are functional or dysfunctional.
Step 3: Free Up Storage Space
Lack of space is always a problem for updates to occur. To free up space on your iPhone:
- Delete Unnecessary Apps: Delete applications that you do not use any longer, or are not necessary for your business. This can be done by going to the Home screen and holding the app’s icon until it starts to vibrate, then tapping the ‘X’.
- Clear Photos and Videos: Backup and remove photos and videos that could be unnecessary on the gadget. To remove media from your iPhone, upload your stuff to iCloud, Google Photos, or another backup service first.
- Clear Cache: For this go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This can actually mean a decent amount of storage if your apps frequently cache data to SD card or use it as local storage.
Step 4: Restart Your iPhone
It is recommended to boot the device because it can help fix common software issues. To restart your iPhone:
- Hold the power button for a few seconds and then slide the ‘slide to power off’ bar.
- Slide to power off your iPhone as a way of shutting down your iPhone.
- Turn the power button when the device is off and hold it until the logo of Apple appears on the screen.
Turning off the device and turning it back on is also beneficial as this clears any short temporary problems that might be causing the update problem.
Step 5: Try Updating Again
After ensuring a stable connection and sufficient storage, try initiating the update again:
- To check this update, Go to Settings and navigate to General > Software Update.
- Tap ‘Download and Install’.
Step 6: Update Using iTunes or Finder
If the update still stalls at ‘Update Requested’, you can try updating your iPhone using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later):
- Plug in your iPhone to the computer that you are using.
- Open iTunes or Finder.
- Choose your iPhone in the list on the left of the page.
- Go to your toolbar and click ‘check for update’ and follow all the prompts.
This can mostly avoid some problems associated with the wireless functionality of the device and impose the update over the computer’s more stable connection.
Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 7: Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can resolve connectivity issues:
- Navigate to the Settings app on the iPad, then to General, then switch to the Reset option.
- Tap ‘Reset Network Settings’.
- You may be asked to enter a passcode and the transaction confirmation.
This will wipe out Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and previous VPN & APN settings, which solve any conflicting issues as well.
Step 8: Contact Apple Support
If you have not been able to rectify the problem through the above guidelines, you are advised to consult Apple Support. They can give further detailed procedures on how to solve a specific problem, or diagnose if it’s in the hardware. The ways through which you can contact the Apple Support include through the Apple Support app, the Internet or by physically visiting Apple Store.
Detailed Troubleshooting Guide
Restart Your Router
It can happen that you have some problems not with your iPhone, but with the Wi-Fi network. Restarting your router can refresh the connection and resolve any network-related problems:
- Unplug your router from the power source.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and wait for it to restart.
- Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network and try updating again.
Use a Different Wi-Fi Network
If the problem still persists try to connect your iPhone to the other wireless network, in case the problem is with the router. This can help determine whether the problem that you are facing relates to the current network. Many users think that using such options as libraries, cafes or even a friend’s home as Public Wi-Fi can be a good variant to test.
Disable VPN and Proxy Settings
It is also possible for VPNs and proxy settings to cause issues with the update statistics. Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy settings on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
- Turn off the VPN if it is enabled.
For proxy settings:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the ‘i’ icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
- Scroll down to HTTP Proxy and set it to ‘Off’.
Force Restart Your iPhone
A force restart can sometimes resolve more stubborn software issues:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press, and quickly release the Volume Up button, followed immediately by pressing, and quickly releasing Volume Down button, then Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Want you to grab and hold the Volume Down button together with the Sleep/Wake button to make the Apple logo appear to restart your device.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Power off the device and hold at the same time the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button till the Apple logo is displayed.
Force restart is also different from a regular restart and is suited for severe software issues since it is a more comprehensive process.
Reset All Settings
Erasing all content and settings on the iPhone may help fix software-related problems without removing users’ information. This will reset Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, and other settings to their defaults:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap ‘Reset All Settings’.
- Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm.
This can solve problematic situations connected with settings conflicts that appear when two or more applications and plugins are incompatible.
Restore Your iPhone
Finally, you can reset your iPhone with iTunes or Finder if you want to bring back the settings and content of your iPhone. This will erase all content and settings, so make sure to back up your data first:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes or Finder.
- Select your iPhone from the sidebar.
- Click ‘Restore iPhone’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
Erase and reset your iPhone provides the iPhone with a new setting, thus solving any internal software problem that may be affecting the iPhone.
Preventing ‘Update Requested’ in the Future
● Schedule Updates During Off-Peak Hours
Some suggestions to reduce the load on servers are to perform your updates during evenings and nights when most of the users will be sleeping. This minimizes the probability of facing a server that is congested with many clients.
● Maintain Sufficient Storage
Always monitor the amount of storage space available on your iPhone and clear up the space if it is almost full. It should also be noted that free space on the device should not be less than 2-3 GB in this case, so that updates can be performed as smoothly as possible. It is advisable to make use of iCloud storage or other methods of external storage in order to regulate the data appropriately.
● Keep Your iPhone Charged
Make sure your iPhone has sufficient charge when updating to avoid it power off in the midst of the process. It is recommended that you plug in your device to a power source as the update process will consume some power hence draining the battery. Updates could require some time and raw power; therefore, it is pivotal that the device is charged.
● Use Reliable Wi-Fi
It should be noted that one should use only a stable and reliable Internet connection when updating. Never use borrowed or unsafe networks because they are usually slow or have fluctuations. Whenever possible, it is better to use home Internet via a wired connection, preferably using a network provided by the owner of the house with a stable signal.
Conclusion
The ‘Update Requested’ status on your iPhone can be frustrating, but understanding its meaning and knowing how to fix it can help you navigate the issue smoothly. Ensure a stable internet connection, free up storage, and follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article to resolve the problem. Keeping your iPhone updated is crucial for optimal performance and security, so don’t delay the updates. By following the tips provided, you can ensure a seamless update process and avoid getting stuck at the ‘Update Requested’ status in the future.
FAQs
1. Why is my iPhone stuck on ‘Update Requested’?
Your iPhone might be stuck on ‘Update Requested’ due to server overload, network issues, insufficient storage, or software glitches. Follow the steps outlined in this article to resolve the issue.
2. How long does ‘Update Requested’ usually take?
The ‘Update Requested’ status typically lasts a few minutes to a few hours, depending on server load and network conditions. If it takes longer, there might be an underlying issue that needs addressing.
3. Can I cancel an iOS update once it’s started?
Yes, you can cancel an iOS update in progress by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, finding the update file, and deleting it. This stops the current update process, and you can try again later.