Why Does an iPhone Say “Update Requested”?

If you’ve ever tried to update your iPhone and noticed the message “Update Requested” appearing on the screen, you might have wondered what it means and why it happens. This message appears when your iPhone has started the update process but has not yet begun downloading the new iOS version. While this is usually a normal part of the update sequence, it can sometimes last longer than expected, leading to confusion and frustration.

What Does “Update Requested” Mean?

When Apple releases a new version of iOS, millions of users attempt to download it at the same time. To manage server demand and ensure a smoother experience, Apple uses a system that places devices in a queue before starting the download. The “Update Requested” status means that your device has successfully contacted Apple’s servers and is waiting for its turn to begin downloading the software update.

Why Does It Stay Stuck on “Update Requested”?

While this step normally takes just a few minutes, there are times when an iPhone remains stuck on this status for an extended period. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including:

High Server Traffic: When a new iOS update is released, Apple’s servers can become overloaded, resulting in longer wait times before the download begins.
Poor Internet Connection: If your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable, your device may struggle to reach Apple’s servers, causing delays.
Software Glitches: Occasionally, the update process may encounter a minor software bug preventing it from advancing beyond this stage.
Insufficient Storage: If your iPhone does not have enough free space available, the update may not be able to proceed.

How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on “Update Requested”

If your iPhone remains stuck on “Update Requested” for an extended period, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Try browsing the internet or opening another app that requires an internet connection to verify that your Wi-Fi is working properly.

2. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can resolve many minor software glitches. To restart your iPhone:

For iPhone X and later: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears. Slide to turn off, then turn it back on after a few seconds.
For iPhone SE (2nd generation) and earlier: Press and hold the power button until the slider appears, then restart your device.

3. Delete the Update and Try Again

If the update is stuck, deleting it and starting fresh can sometimes fix the issue. Follow these steps:

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Find the iOS update in the list and tap it.
Tap Delete Update, then return to Settings and try downloading the update again.

4. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, network settings can interfere with the update process. Resetting them can help:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi and attempt the update again.

5. Try Updating Using a Computer

If the problem persists, you can update your iPhone using a Mac or Windows PC:

Connect your iPhone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On Windows or older macOS, open iTunes.
Select your device and click Check for Update.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Conclusion

Seeing “Update Requested” on your iPhone is a normal part of the iOS update process. However, if your device remains stuck at this stage for too long, checking your internet connection, restarting your device, or trying other troubleshooting steps can help resolve the issue. By following the solutions outlined above, you can ensure a smooth update process and keep your iPhone running optimally with the latest software improvements.