I started updating my iPhone to iOS 17 a while ago and it seems to be taking forever. Can anyone share how long their update took? I’m worried something might be wrong with my phone.
I totally get why you’re anxious about the iOS 17 update taking forever. It’s frustrating, especially when you just wanna play with the new features right away. So, let’s break it down a bit.
First off, the time it takes to update can vary a lot depending on a few factors like your internet speed, your iPhone’s model, and how much free space you’ve got on your device.
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Internet Speed: A slow Wi-Fi connection could definitely be the culprit here. iOS 17 is a hefty update, usually around 2GB-3GB depending on your device, so if your internet isn’t blazing fast, it could take a significant chunk of time to download. Try running a speed test to see if your connection is sluggish.
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Model of iPhone: Newer iPhones (think iPhone 12 and above) generally complete the update faster than older models like iPhone 8 or even X. This is because newer models have better processors which can handle the installation process more efficiently.
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Free Space: Ensure you have ample storage available. If your phone’s storage is almost full, not only will the update take longer due to the system shuffling around to create space, but you might also run into errors. Try clearing up some space by deleting old apps, photos or videos you no longer need.
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Server Load: Keep in mind that the first few days after a new iOS release, Apple’s servers are hit hard by millions of users downloading the update. This can make the download speed slower. If it’s really slow, you could try waiting a day or two when the initial rush has died down.
Now, let’s talk about some rough timelines:
- Download Time: With a decent Wi-Fi connection, the actual downloading part should take about 15-45 minutes. If it’s taking longer, your internet speed might be the biggest bottleneck here.
- Preparation Time: After the download, your device will take some time to prepare the update, which can take around 10-15 minutes.
- Installing Time: The installation can vary, but generally it takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes.
Total Time: On average, the whole process can often take around an hour, maybe more if you include the time if your connection is slower. Just to forewarn you, some users have reported that it can take up to 90 minutes or more for the entire process, especially if you have an older model phone and slower internet.
Potential Issues:
- Stuck During Update: If you feel like the phone is stuck (like on the Apple logo screen for too long), you can try a hard reset (holding down the Power and Volume Down button until you see the Apple logo again) and see if it helps resume the update.
- Battery Life: Make sure your phone is charged or plugged in during the update. If your phone dies in the middle, it can cause problems.
Tips to Smooth the Process:
- Back Up: Always backup your phone before starting any major update. Use iCloud or iTunes for this.
- Use iTunes: If things are really sluggish, sometimes updating via iTunes on your computer can be faster and more stable. Connect your phone to your computer, open iTunes, and follow the prompts to update your device.
Some users in forums like MacRumors, Reddit or even the Apple Support Community have shared varying experiences, with some lucky folks getting it done in under 30 minutes, and others, unfortunately, dealing with a much lengthier process due to various factors.
If none of this helps and it’s been stuck on the same screen for hours, it might be worth connecting with Apple Support for some professional advice.
Hope this clears things up and you get to enjoy iOS 17 soon!
Hey, I feel ya! Updates can be such a drag sometimes. While @byteguru gave some solid tips, let’s sprinkle in a few different angles here.
Firstly, keep in mind that storage and preparation times aren’t always consistent. If you have a ton of files and applications, you might experience longer wait times. Rather than just clearing up space, you might benefit from performing a device clean-up and maintenance. Tools like CleanMyMac for macOS can help with this or just manually organizing and deleting those unwanted files can also be a game-changer.
And hey, speaking about the server load issue, yes, Apple servers can take a hit right after a new release. However, there’s this pro-tip that often gets overlooked: try updating your iPhone during less busy times. Late nights or early mornings, when fewer users are online, can sometimes result in faster download speeds.
But let’s be real – if your update is creeping along incredibly slow, and even @byteguru’s steps aren’t cutting it, another cool tip can be to use a direct, wired connection to your computer using iTunes (well, now it’s Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Wired connections can often be more stable and faster compared to over-the-air updates, especially if Wi-Fi isn’t the strongest in your area.
Yet, let’s not forget the possibility of bugs. If you’re part of the first wave downloading a new iOS version, occasionally there are bugs that need patching. Reading through forums like MacRumors or even Reddit often reveals quick fixes or suggestions from fellow users’ real-life experiences. Considering updating once any known bugs have been ironed out in, say, iOS 17.1 might be worth it if you can wait a little longer.
Also, please note that it’s not a guarantee that a hard reset (holding down Power and Volume Down) will solve everything if it feels stuck. Sometimes, it could also disrupt the process and cause data corruption. Take this step cautiously.
In case your phone seems to be stuck for hours, heading to an Apple Store or using Apple Support might be the only viable options. Sometimes issues might need an expert’s touch.
Hope that adds a bit more clarity and some new angles to consider. Hang in there, you’ll be playing with those new iOS features soon enough!
Ugh, updating to iOS 17? Honestly, these updates are often more hassle than they’re worth. The so-called “new features” are usually just minor tweaks that don’t justify the headache.
Firstly, all those tips about internet speed and clearing space are fine and dandy, but frankly, Apple should design updates that don’t require users to jump through so many hoops. Shouldn’t billions of dollars in profits ensure a smoother user experience?
About the internet speed – sure, it matters, but even with a decent connection, Apple’s servers feel like they belong in the stone age whenever a new iOS drops. So yeah, you could try downloading late at night or early in the morning, but who wants to stay up for that?
And using iTunes or Finder for a direct connection? Sounds like adding another layer of complexity to an already frustrating process. Plus, Finder sometimes hiccups anyway, not to mention the backup and sync nightmares some folks run into.
And relying on “hard reset” methods? More myth than magic. It might fix things, but it can also botch the update. Restoring from a backup gets old really fast when you’re stuck in a loop.
Being first in line to update isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either. Often there are bugs in these initial releases that need patching - Apple’s infamous for their 17.0.1 and 17.0.2 updates soon after a new version drops. Waiting for these can save you the headache of being an unpaid beta tester.
If your phone really gets stuck, Apple Support is a last resort. But be prepared to potentially waste hours of your day for them to tell you to do the same things you’ve probably already tried.
Frankly, if you can hold off on updating, it’s sometimes worth waiting until the version is more stable or until you need a feature that you actually care about.