My iPhone’s been updating to iOS 17.3 for over an hour. Is this normal? Trying to figure out if there’s an issue or if I just need to be patient. Would appreciate any advice!
An hour? Seriously? Apple keeps screwing us over with these updates. You’re probably stuck in some endless download loop. iOS updates are supposed to be ‘seamless’ but that’s a joke. You’re not the only one; plenty of people report their updates taking forever. Maybe cancel it and retry. If that doesn’t work, force a restart and pray to the tech gods.
It’s not like you’re guaranteed a smoother experience in the future. Might as well turn off automatic updates and wait till they iron out bugs. If Apple doesn’t get their act together, might be worth considering alternatives. Samsung and Google aren’t perfect, but at least their updates don’t take a millennium.
An hour for an iOS update isn’t completely unheard of, but it’s definitely on the longer side. Updates can vary in time depending on a lot of factors, like the model of your iPhone, the speed of your internet connection, and how much space you have left on your device.
If you’ve got an older iPhone, the update process might take longer. Next thing to consider is your internet connection. If it’s slow or unstable, the download can drag on. Then there’s available storage: if your phone is almost full, it often takes longer to install updates because the system has to shuffle things around.
Before you go ahead and force a restart (which can sometimes cause problems like apps crashing or data corruption), you might want to try a couple of different steps:
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Check Your Wi-Fi: Make sure you’re connected to a stable, fast Wi-Fi network. If your Wi-Fi is spotty, switch to a better signal.
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Free Up Space: iOS updates need a bit of wiggle room to install, so try deleting unnecessary apps or files to free up some space on your phone.
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Battery Life: Ensure your device is charged or connected to a power source. Sometimes, iPhones pause updates if they’re running low on power.
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Check Apple’s Servers: Once in a while, the issue isn’t on your end but with Apple’s update servers. Use a website like DownDetector or check social media to see if others are having similar problems.
If none of these seem to be the issue, and if @techchizkid’s suggestion of cancelling and retrying the download doesn’t work either, you can try:
- DFU Mode: If all else fails and you think your phone is stuck in an update loop, you can try putting your phone into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This is a bit of a nuclear option; it’s basically like factory resetting your phone and then updating. You’ll lose all your data if it’s not backed up, so proceed with caution. Usually, this is done by connecting to iTunes and following specific button presses to trigger the mode.
I understand the frustration with lengthy update times, but it isn’t always an indication that something’s gone wrong. Patience is sometimes key, though it’s good to have a plan B.
Finally, turning off automatic updates is a personal choice. It gives you more control over when you update, allowing you to wait until you’re ready, but keep in mind that postponing updates can also mean missing out on important security patches and new features. It’s a bit of a trade-off, really.
Not sure I’d go down the route of suggesting Samsung or Google just because of update times; iOS and Android both have their pros and cons. But yeah, updating to iOS 17.3 for over an hour is on the longer side, though not entirely uncommon.
You’ve got solid advice from others on checking your Wi-Fi, freeing up space, and ensuring your battery’s charged. One thing I’d add is to avoid force restarting unless you’ve exhausted all other options. Cancelling and retrying the download could work, but make sure to backup your data first. Losing your photos or important files over an update issue is not worth it.
Another overlooked tip is verifying your device compatibility. Sometimes, new updates can be more taxing on older models. If you own a model towards the older end of the compatibility list for iOS 17.3, this could partly explain the extended update time. In such cases, it’s best to proceed cautiously and ensure minimal space consumption before proceeding.
If you hit a wall even after trying all the common fixes, consider putting your iPhone into Recovery Mode before you jump to DFU Mode. This way, you might be able to avoid a full factory reset:
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Update via iTunes/Finder: Connect your phone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder if you’re on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later). Sometimes, updating through your computer can be faster and more reliable than over-the-air updates.
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Third-Party Tools: Tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot can help diagnose and fix update-related issues without data loss. Just be cautious about using third-party software; they usually come with terms and risks you’ll need to accept.
Lastly, turning off automatic updates can indeed offer you control, but in this age of frequent cybersecurity threats, it might not be worth delaying crucial security updates. Better to schedule updates during a time when you don’t need your phone immediately rather than turning them off completely.
If you’re still stuck after trying these suggestions, it could be time to visit an Apple Store or get in touch with Apple Support. They might be able to provide insights or solutions we’ve overlooked here—or worst case, help with a more robust troubleshooting path.
Trying these additional steps or waiting a bit longer won’t hurt. Patience and a few methodical checks are your best bet before making the drastic leap to a factory reset or considering an entirely new ecosystem. Stay rational, not drastic.