iOS 18: How to fix iPhone stuck on “Verifying Update” screen

Many users who are installing iOS 18 update are experiencing an issue where a spinning pop-up indicator message saying “Verifying update…” appears stuck on screen. This is a fairly common issue that is somewhat annoying because while the iOS 18 update is verifying, the entire iPhone is unusable.

Fortunately, fixing a stuck verifying update issue on iPhone is dead simple for almost all cases.

In this tutorial. I will explain how to fix iPhone stuck on verifying update during iOS 18 update, step-by-step.

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).

How long does it take to verify iOS 18 update?

iOS 18 software update file download should take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. – the ‘Preparing Update…’ part should be similar in duration (15 – 20 minutes). – ‘Verifying Update…’ lasts anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes, in normal circumstances.

Why is My iPhone stuck on “verifying update when updating to iOS 18?”

• slow internet connection
• Server outage.

Are you experiencing this problem as well? Is your iPhone stuck on “verifying update” loop during iOS 18 update? Here is how you can fix this issue:

How to Fix iPhone Stuck on verifying updateWhen Updating to iOS 18

Before you start troubleshooting, please ensure that the iPhone has an active wi-fi connection, the iPhone has enough available storage space to install an update.

Solution 1. Force Restart your iPhone

The first thing you should try when iPhone is stuck on verifying update is to force reboot the device.

• Quickly press and release the volume up button. Next, quickly press and release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side or power button until you see the apple logo.

Once your iPhone has booted back up again you can attempt to reinstall the update by going to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” and choosing “Install” as usual.

Solution 2. Refresh wi-fi

Refreshing wi-fi will help to increase the internet Speed. Here’s what to do:

• Turn off and on Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off Wi-Fi and wait a few seconds and turn back on.
• Restart your Modem and router. Simply disconnect the modem/router from the power outlet, wait 10 seconds and then reconnect the power.
• Enable and disable airplane mode. Go to control center, enable airplane mode and wait for 30 seconds, then disable it.

See also: iOS 18: WiFi Not Working, Slow or Disconnecting? Fix!

Solution 3. Are you using VPN?

A VPN might be preventing your iPhone to reach Apple update servers. To see if VPN is the problem, turn off VPN and then check if your problem is fixed. Here is how you can check this:

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If it says Connected, turn it off.

Solution 4. Date, time, and time zone

Check the date, time, and time zone to ensure they are set correctly. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically.

Solution 5. Reset network settings

This process resets your wi-fi networks and passwords, APN and VPN settings, and cellular settings. Go to the settings app. Find and tap on general. Scroll down to the bottom and tap Transfer or reset iPhone. Choose Reset and then reset network settings. Next, type in the passcode of your iPhone. In the pop-up window, tap reset network settings to confirm this process.

Solution 5. Wait

Note that seeing the “Verifying Update” message is not always an indicator of anything being stuck, and it is perfectly normal for that message to appear on screen of an updating iPhone for a while. Additionally, the verifying update process can take a minute or two as the Apple servers are contacted. The verifying update procedure can take even longer if you attempt to update an iPhone when a new release of iOS has just debuted, because many millions of users are all attempting to update their devices at the same time, which can sometimes cause delays in processing. The good news is this typically resolves itself in a short period of time.

So, simply wait a while. Let the update verify as usual, do not intervene.

Did these tips work for you? Do you know of another trick to fix iOS 18 update if it is stuck on the “Verifying update” screen? Drop a comment and let us know.