Fix iOS 18 Preparing Update Stuck on iPhone/iPad [Newest Guide]

Part 1: How Long Should Preparing Update Take iOS 18?

The process of preparing updates for iOS updates can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, spending time on the device and the internet connection speed of the device connected to it. If your iPhone/iPad device gets stuck on preparing an updated screen for a longer period, there may be an issue which needs to be fixed in order to update the device.

Part 2: Why Is iOS 18 Update Taking So Long to Prepare?

Several factors can contribute to your iOS 18 update taking a long time to prepare:

• Device Storage: Insufficient storage can slow down the preparation process.
• Internet Connection: A slow or unstable internet connection may delay the download and verification of the update.
• Apple Server Traffic: High demand on Apple’s servers during a new release can cause delays.
• Background Processes: Other apps or processes running on your device may impact update speed.
• Software Glitches: Temporary software issues can hinder the update process.

Part 3: How to Fix iOS 18 Preparing Update Stuck on iPhone/iPad | 7 Fixes

If you cannot update your iPhone/iPad due to the “iOS 18 stuck on preparing update" issue, follow the top 7 fixes that can help you resolve it efficiently.

Fix 1: Check Network Connection

Ensure that your device is connected to a stable internet connection to download and install the iOS 18 update. If you’re using the Wi-Fi network, consider switching to cellular data and trying again. Also, avoid using the VPN version during the installation process, as it can slow the process.

If you’re facing internet issues, consider restarting the Wi-Fi internet router and see if it’s fixed. If the issue isn’t from the router, reset the network settings by navigating to Settings >> General >> Transfer & Reset >> Reset Network.

Fix 2: Check Storage Space

Generally, iOS bigger updates take 2GB to 2.5GB of storage space. Before you attempt to update your iPhone to the iOS 18, make sure there’s enough storage space available on the device so the update’s files can get saved easily. Otherwise, you’ll face “iPhone stuck on preparing update ios 18 " or update stuck midway problem.

You can check your iPhone's storage space by navigating to Settings >> General >> iPhone Storage. If there isn’t enough space, delete unnecessary apps, photos, and videos to free up space.

Fix 3: Fully Charge Your Device

A low battery can also cause the update process to fail or get stuck on preparing the update screen. The CPU requires a full output from the battery to process the iOS update. Insufficient battery can badly affect the update process, leading to the “iOS 18 stuck on preparing update " issue.

Before you attempt to update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 18, make sure the device is fully charged.

Fix 4: Force Restart iPhone/iPad

If your device gets stuck on the preparing update screen, force restarting your iPhone/iPad can help fix it. Force restarting refreshes the OS by clearing the cache's memory, and configuring the settings on the device also helps fix the temporary glitches.

Following are the steps to force restart an iPhone/iPad:

• Press and release the Volume Down button.
• Press and release the Volume Up button.
• Press and hold down the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
• Wait for the device to boot normally.

Fix 5: Delete the Update File and Try Again

The iPhone's preparing update screen can get stuck due to the corruption of the previous update file. This can interfere with the newer installation file, leading to the “iphone stuck on preparing to update ios 18". Consider deleting the update file and then installing the iOS 18:

• Go to the Settings >> General >> iPhone Storage.
• Locate the iOS 17 file in the list and tap on it.

• Tap on the Delete option to delete the file, then initiate the iOS 18 update process again.

Fix 6: Update iOS 18 without iTunes [One-Click & No Stuck]

If your iOS 18 update stuck on "Preparing Update," a reliable solution is to use Tenorshare ReiBoot. This powerful tool can help resolve various iOS issues, including update-related problems. With just a few clicks, ReiBoot can repair your device and upgrade to iOS 18 without any stuck issue. Whether you’re facing software glitches or other complications, Tenorshare ReiBoot offers an efficient way to ensure a smooth update process.

• Launch the Tenorshare Reiboot after installing it on your computer. Click on the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade option.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible cable, then select the Upgrade option.

• You can download the iOS 18 update file by clicking on the Download button. If you’ve already downloaded it, you can browse it.

• Once the firmware package is downloaded, click on the Initiate Upgrade button.

• It will start the installation process on your iPhone or iPad, which will take a few minutes to complete. Don’t interrupt until your iPhone restarts automatically.

Fix 7: Update iOS 18 with iTunes

Besides updating your iPhone/iPad to iOS 18 through OTA updates, you can also update it via iTunes. If your iPhone is getting stuck on preparing an update screen frequently, consider updating using iTunes. Here’s how to update iPhone/iPad to iOS 18 via iTunes:

• Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and launch it.
• Connect your iOS device to the computer using a compatible cable.

• Click on the Summary option in the left sidebar.


• Click on the tiny iPhone icon, then click on Check for Update.
• If the newer versions are available, click on the Install Update button.

Part 4: How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update in iOS 18 [Safe & Quick]

If none of the above solutions fixed the “iPad stuck on preparing update iOS 18" issue, there might be some stubborn bugs or glitches on the device interfering with the newer iOS 18 update. An easy and efficient way to eliminate it is using Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a powerful design for iPhone and iPad to fix the iOS related issues such as the iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, the iPhone's black screen, and “iPad stuck on preparing iOS 18". Here’s how to fix “iphone stuck on preparing update ios 18":

• Launch the Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer and click Start Repair. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible cable.

• Choose the Standard Repair, then click on the Standard Repair button.

• You need to download the firmware file required for the repair process now. Click the Download button to initiate it.

• Once the firmware package is downloaded, you can start the repair process. To initiate it, click on Start Standard Repair process.

• Wait for the progress bar to get complete, and don’t interrupt it. Once the process is completed, your iPhone/iPad will restart automatically.