Waiting for an iPhone to verify an update can feel like forever. Apple’s iOS updates are designed to enhance your iPhone experience but sometimes, the verifying step seems to take its sweet time. On average, the verification process should take just a few minutes, yet it may vary based on several factors.
Factors like internet speed, server traffic, or even the iOS version being installed can affect the duration. If it’s stuck much longer, it could signal a problem. Ensuring your device is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network and has enough battery life can help move things along.
Other times, the device might get stuck verifying, needing a hard reset or connecting to iTunes for a fix. Understanding why this happens and how to solve it will keep your device running smoothly and updated.
How Long Does “Verifying Update” Take on iPhone?
Typically, the “Verifying Update” process on an iPhone should take 1–5 minutes.
During this stage, your iPhone is checking the integrity of the downloaded iOS update file and confirming it with Apple’s servers before installation begins.
However, the time can vary depending on a few factors:
- Internet speed: A slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection can delay verification.
- Apple server load: If a new iOS version has just been released, millions of users may be updating simultaneously, causing temporary slowdowns (source: GeeksModo).
- Device performance: Older iPhones may take slightly longer to process updates.
- Battery and storage: Low battery or insufficient storage can interfere with the update process.
⚠️ When It’s Taking Too Long
If your iPhone has been stuck on “Verifying Update” for more than 15–20 minutes, it’s likely frozen or facing a network issue (source: SimplyMac).
Common causes include:
- Poor Wi-Fi connection
- Apple servers being busy
- A corrupted update file
- Software glitches
🧰 How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on “Verifying Update”
If the process seems stuck, try these steps:
- Wait a few more minutes — sometimes it resolves itself.
- Check your Wi-Fi connection — make sure it’s stable and strong.
- Force restart your iPhone:
- For iPhone 8 or later: Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Sleep/Wake until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Sleep/Wake until the Apple logo appears.
- Delete and redownload the update:
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage → iOS Update → Delete Update.
- Then go to Settings → General → Software Update and download it again.
- Use a computer to update:
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC and update via Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier).
✅ Key Takeaways
- Normal verification time: 1–5 minutes
- If it takes 15+ minutes, it’s likely stuck
- Check Wi-Fi, restart, or use a computer to update if needed
- Patience helps — Apple’s servers can be temporarily overloaded after major iOS releases
Key Takeaways
- Verify update typically takes a few minutes.
- Several factors can affect the duration.
- Solving stuck updates involves troubleshooting steps.
Understanding the iPhone Update Process
Updating your iPhone involves several steps. These steps are important to know since they can help you avoid common problems.
Stages of iOS Software Update
The iPhone update process begins with a notification about the new update. Users can find this update by going to Settings > General > About. Then, they select Update iOS. The first stage is downloading the update. This step can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the update and the speed of the Wi-Fi network.
After downloading, the iPhone verifies the update. This process checks if the update file is complete. Once verification is done, the update installation starts. During this stage, the screen shows a progress bar, and the device might restart several times. The installation can take 10-20 minutes.
Common Reasons for Update Delays
Several factors can cause delays in the update process. One common reason is insufficient battery. If the device isn’t fully charged, the update might pause until the battery level is higher. Similar problems arise with weak network connections. If using cellular data or a weak Wi-Fi network, the download, and verification stages can take longer.
Sometimes, Apple’s servers may be slow, especially after the release of a new iOS update like iOS 17. Too many users trying to update at once can cause a bottleneck. Software glitches, such as corrupted files or failed downloads, also contribute to delay. Checking the Apple Support page can offer quick solutions to such problems.
The Role of Internet Connectivity
A stable internet connection is crucial during the update process. A strong Wi-Fi network ensures quicker download speeds and smooth verification of update files. Slow or unstable connections can cause errors or extend the time needed for each stage. Using Settings > Wi-Fi to confirm a solid connection is essential before starting the update.
If Wi-Fi is unavailable, users may update via cellular data, though it might be slower. To avoid interruptions, ensure the iPhone maintains a steady network connection. Keeping the device close to the router or switching to a faster network can help complete the process faster with fewer errors.
