While updating your iPhone to iOS 18, you realize it’s spending an unusually long time updating. Your iPhone is stuck on “estimating time remaining” and you don’t know how to fix this issue. In this article, I’ll explain how to fix iPhone stuck on “estimating time remaining” when updating to iOS 18, step-by-step.
Before you try the solutions below, having patience may resolve this issue. Wait some more to see if it resolves on its own. If your issue does not resolve after several hours, then read on for solution.
Please note,this guide applies to all iPhone models that support iOS 18 including: iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone Xr, and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).
Why is My iPhone stuck on “estimating time remaining during iOS 18 update?”
- slow internet connection
- Not enough storage space on an iPhone
- Server outage
Are you experiencing this problem as well? Is your iPhone stuck on “estimating time remaining” loop during iOS 18 update? Here is how you can fix this problem:
How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Estimating Time Remaining When Updating to iOS 18
Solution 1: Check your Wi-Fi connection When iOS 18 Stuck on Progress Bar
You may have a slow internet connection. Since the update requires an active internet connection, you may have a slow download speed or you may be having Wi-Fi related problems if you are experiencing this problem. You may want to check a few things:
- Are you also downloading other files at the same time? This may include downloading other apps from the App Store. This may also include YouTube videos or watching Netflix. Stop other download activities as doing so will improve your download speed and wait to see if your issue is fixed.
- You may want to restart your Modem and router.
- Restart your device.
- Reset network settings by heading to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. (Please note: this will erase your settings including your Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings etc).
- Enable Airplane Mode and wait for a few seconds and then disable it by going to Settings > Airplane Mode.
See also: iOS 18: WiFi Not Working, Slow or Disconnecting? Fix!
Solution 2: Clear iPhone Storage If iOS 18 Stuck on Update
This issue can be caused by lack of enough storage space. Your iPhone requires at least 2 GB of free space to upgrade to iOS 18. You may need to create space to speed up the installation. Please follow these steps to free up space:
- Start the Settings app on your iPhone and go to General > iPhone Storage and see how much available space you have on your iPhone. Scroll down and you will see that there are Recommendations to free up space.
- Try to delete apps, videos or photos you don’t need.
Solution 3: Check the Apple’s server
Are you trying to install iOS 18 update immediately it has been released? Apple’s update servers may be very busy since many people are trying to update simultaneously. People can’t wait because the iOS 18 update brings a lot of new exciting features. If this is the case, Apple’s server might be slow to respond because they are overloaded because of this high demand. Maybe you can wait a few hours and try again when Apple’s servers are less busy.
Another related issue is that Apple’s servers may be down. Apple provides a support page where you can check whether or not there is a problem. If Apple’s servers are not available, do not worry, it is temporary. And Apple will resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Solution 4: Hard Reset iPhone to Fix iOS 18 Stuck on Update Requested
Sometimes forcing your iPhone to restart is all you need to do to fix estimating time remaining iOS 18 update stuff issue.
First, plug your device to a power outlet and charge it for at least 15 minutes. Then:
- Quickly press and release the volume up button then quickly press and release the volume down button and then press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
Solution 5: Delete Update and Download It Again
You may also need to Reinstall update to fix this iOS 18 update issue. Simply follow these steps to delete and re-download the system update file:
- Start the Settings app on your iPhone and go to General > iPhone Storage, find iOS 18 software and then tap on “Delete Update”. Now, restart your iPhone.
- Next, start the Settings app and go to General > Software Update, check if the latest iOS 18 appears. Tap “Download and Install”. Before doing so, ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Solution 6: Use your computer to download iOS 18 update
You may need to update your iPhone using a computer. Please follow these steps::
- On your computer, launch Finder (if your Mac is running macOS Catalina) or iTunes (if your Mac is running macOS Mojave or earlier)
- Next, build a connection between your iPhone and your Mac.
- Now, click your device in iTunes or Finder
- Next, click General or Settings, then click Check for Update and then click Update.
Conclusion
We know it’s frustrating when iOS 18 update is stuck on “estimaiting time remaining”. Now you know exactly how to fix this issue if you ever see “estimating time remaining” message on your iPhone. Thank you for reading. And feel free to ask any question you have on the comments section.