Here’s how you can fix iOS 26 stuck on “Preparing Update” issue when trying to update your iPhone or iPad to latest version of iOS to come out of Apple.
With iOS 26 now rolling out to everyone, people are eager to go ahead download and install the update on their iPhones. The download and install process can take some time depending on your device model, the update size and the speed of your Internet connection.
So, if you have downloaded iOS 26 update but after the update has been downloaded, you’re greeted with an issue where your iPhone seems to be stuck on “Preparing Update” message with seemingly no end in sight, try the following workarounds to see if they can help fix the problem for you.
Restart Your iPhone
First and foremost, you should simply restart your iPhone and then head back into Settings > General > Software Update section to try and install the iOS 26 OTA update again. If a simple reboot doesn’t fix it, then try the following fixes.
Use Strong WiFi
You need to make sure your iPhone is near the router and has stable and consistent connection. A weaker connection to WiFi could be why it’s not going past the “Preparing Update” screen.
Remove OTA Update & Try Again
Head over to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Scroll down to find “iOS 26” in the list. Tap on it and then tap “Delete Update”
Now head back to Settings > General > Software Update section screen and download the update again. Once downloaded, tap on “Update Now” to see if this redownloading of the OTA update helps you get past “Preparing Update” section.
Free Up Storage
iOS updates require free space on iPhone due to temporary files. Delete unnecessary apps or files on your phone that you no longer need to free up at least 10 GB of space and try again.
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