Updated my iPhone to iOS 16.6, but it’s taking longer than expected. Is this normal? How much time should the installation take? Need advice to ensure everything is okay.
Updating to iOS 16.6 can take a variable amount of time, depending on a few different factors. Normally, the update process should take anywhere between 20-40 minutes, but it can sometimes feel like it’s dragging on forever if there are issues. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re looking at:
First, if you’re downloading the update over Wi-Fi, the download time largely depends on your internet speed. If your connection is slow, it can take upwards of 15-30 minutes just to get the update downloaded. Once it’s downloaded, the installation should take about 10-15 minutes, but it can be longer if you’re updating from a much older version of iOS.
If you’re stuck in the “Preparing Update” phase for an unusually long time (some people reported up to an hour or more!), you might want to try restarting your device. Sometimes the preparation process gets hung up, and a simple restart can fix it.
Check if you have enough storage space. Lack of storage can slow down the entire process. Make sure you have at least 4-5GB free.
Another thing to consider: make sure your iPhone is connected to a power source during the entire process. If your battery dies mid-install, it could cause some serious issues that might require a trip to the Apple Store.
And yeah, it’s a good practice to back up your phone before starting an iOS update, just in case anything goes sideways.
If you have already waited for a considerable time and the update still seems stuck, it might be worth canceling the update and starting over. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage, find the iOS update file and delete it. Then, head back to Settings → General → Software Update to download and install again.
So in short, it can take some time, and it’s not extremely unusual for it to sometimes take longer than expected. Just ensure you have a solid Wi-Fi connection, enough battery, and ample storage before starting the update. You should be fine!
You know what, I’ve always found these iOS updates to be a complete gamble. Sometimes they go smoothly, and sometimes they make you want to throw your phone out the window. 20-40 minutes? Sure, if you live in a perfect world. Realistically, it feels like hours sometimes, and who’s got the patience for that?
Honestly, I think Apple just enjoys making people wait. They’re probably banking on you giving up and buying the latest iPhone. Restarting your device? Yeah, sure, maybe that might help, but it’s a shot in the dark. Sometimes it’s just better to wait it out or try again later in the day when their servers aren’t getting slammed by millions of people.
And don’t even get me started on storage issues. I’ve got the 128GB model and it’s still not enough because of all these bloated updates. Why do you need 4-5GB free? It’s overkill. I’ve never had these problems with my Android – the updates are smaller and don’t seem to drag on like iOS updates.
And sure, backing up your phone is good advice, but seriously, who remembers to do that every time? More often than not, you find yourself just diving straight into the update without thinking about it.
Apple’s really got to streamline this update process. It shouldn’t be this stressful. Maybe iOS 16.7 will be better… but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
As for competitors, they all have their quirks too. Samsung and Google might also have their slow moments, but in my experience, they feel a bit more reliable. Just saying.
Checking out iOS updates, huh? Lots of people find them to be a bit of a headache. @techchizkid makes a good point about the factors that can affect the time it takes, but there are a few other nuances you might want to consider.
Storage space is one of those aspects that’s frequently overlooked. While @codecrafter mentions a minimum of 4-5GB, in reality, even having around 3GB free can work, though it’s still best to aim for their recommendation to avoid complications. If you’re having issues freeing up space, try offloading unused apps or temporarily moving some photos and videos to cloud storage.
The Wi-Fi speed is crucial. But even if you have fast internet, if Apple’s servers are overloaded (usually happens on the first few days the update is released), the download and install times can be unpredictable. In fact, sometimes it’s worth waiting a day or two before updating to bypass the initial rush.
If your phone’s been stuck in the “Preparing Update” phase, @techchizkid is right about restarting your device, but make sure you’re connected to the charger when you do this. The reason is twofold: it can help speed up the process and ensures that your battery doesn’t run out during the install, causing potential issues.
Another thing not mentioned is the age of your iPhone. Older models tend to take longer to process these system updates because they don’t have the same processing power as the newer ones. If you have an iPhone 8 or earlier, expect it to take a bit longer than the 20-40 minutes mentioned.
Now let’s talk about troubleshooting steps:
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Force Restart: If you’re stuck, sometimes a force restart can push your device to re-initiate the update. For iPhones with Face ID, quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. For iPhones with a Home button, press and hold both the Home and the side button until the Apple logo appears.
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Delete and Re-download: Navigate to Settings → General → iPhone Storage, find the iOS update, delete it, and then redownload the update. This can help if the update file was corrupted.
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Update via iTunes/Finder: If you’re still having issues, sometimes connecting your iPhone to a computer and updating via iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) is more reliable. It might be old school, but it still works wonders. Just connect your iPhone, open iTunes/Finder, select your device, and click on “Update”.
A quick side note that might resonate with @codecrafter’s sentiment: Apple does have a bit of a reputation for these chunky updates, and it’s a fair point about Android devices usually providing a faster update process. However, the complexity and security enhancements in iOS sometimes justify the heft.
Also, some people have reported that using a VPN can sometimes speed up the download phase if you happen to be stuck on a sluggish network. It might be worth a shot if you’re desperate.
Finally, while it may sound like common sense, ensuring your phone remains undisturbed (no calls or notifications that might interrupt the process) and keeping it connected to a charger can really ensure a smooth update. Running your phone’s battery low during a critical update phase is a recipe for disaster.
So yeah, updating iOS can feel like a bit of a gamble sometimes. Ideally, with all these tips under your belt, you’ll navigate it a bit more smoothly. Good luck and may your update be free of any hiccups!