Update Requested on iPhone: 6 Ways to Fix Stuck on It

Apple's iPhone is known to have frequent updates, with minor updates every few weeks and a major uplift once a year. This means iPhone users often get updates on their phones as long as their device is still supported by Apple.

However, sometimes, the devices are stuck on the update requested on iPhone. This means they can't update their iOS, nor can they turn this notification off—or put it away. So, how do you fix it? Why does this happen? Let's find out.

Apple's iPhone is an incredible device for many reasons. It has constant updates that allow users to keep their apps up-to-date and ensure the safety of their personal data. These updates are rolled out every few weeks or months—depending on the model.

Once every year, Apple also releases an overhauled and upgraded version of their iOS—which is usually accompanied by a new iPhone release. However, when such updates come around, a lot of users get stuck on "An Update Is Required" page.

So, let's keep digging to find reasons behind this and find some fixes for it.

How to Fix Stuck on Update Requested on iPhone [6 Ways]

There are a few known fixes for an iPhone when it says update requested. While the most obvious one is to free up some storage, there are simple fixes, such as charging your device. In this section, we're looking at six known fixes to this issue. So, let's begin.  

1. Charge Your Phone

A drained battery is the first and perhaps the most obvious reason your update doesn't go through. Apple's iPhones are known to have a good battery, but if they are not charged enough, the system will not commence the update.

If your iPhone is below 30%, then you need to charge it. So, make sure here's what you do:

Step 1. Connect the iPhone to the cable

Step 2. Connect the cable to Apple's provided adapter

Step 3. Connect the adapter to a wall outlet

Step 4. Wait until your phone is at least 80%

This will charge your phone, but the speed will depend on the iPhone version you have and the kind of charger you use. If your cable or adapter is outdated/slower, then try using another pair of cables and chargers.

2. Force-Reboot the iPhone

Sometimes, a simple reboot is all it takes to fix this issue. In many cases, the update system on the iPhone bugs out, and it gets stuck on the update requested error. So, how do you force reboot your iPhone to make it update smoothly? Here's how:

Step 1. Press and release the Volume Buttons (A) quickly (first lower, then upper)

Step 2. Then press and hold power/side button (B)

Step 3. Wait for the Apple logo to flash

This will force-restarted your iPhone and the entire iOS system. So, when you try to update again, it's most likely the problem will be fixed.

3. Reset your iPhone's Network Settings

Network settings often get in the way of updates on an iPhone. Therefore, when you update the iPhone, the network settings bug out and stop any sort of large files from downloading. This is one of the main reasons iPhones get stuck on the update requested. Here's how to fix that:

Step 1. Head into iPhone Settings app

Step 2. Tap on General settings, then head into Transfer or Reset iPhone option (A)

Step 3. Tap on Reset options at the bottom (B)

Step 4. Select Reset Network Settings (C)

This will reset the network settings, so you will have to connect to your Wi-Fi again. But before doing that, reboot your iPhone one more time and update to see if the issue is resolved.

4. Update iPhone using iTunes

Perhaps the best way to get rid of update requested on iPhone is by updating it manually. You can do it with the help of iTunes, your PC/Mac, and a data cable. So, once you have connected your iPhone to your PC or Mac, here's what you need to do:

Step 1. Startup iTunes on your PC or Mac

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your PC

Step 3. Wait for it to detect

Step 4. Click on Check for Update

This method will force the update on your iPhone device and cause the 'update requested iPhone' error to disappear.

5. Free Up Some Storage On your iPhone

Another reason your update may not go through is a lack of storage on your iPhone. To ensure that this doesn't happen, you can always try to free up some storage on your iPhone. There are a few ways of doing it, such as:

Step 1. Remove apps you don't use

Step 2. Transfer photos and videos to your PC/Mac using iTunes

Step 3. Delete app cache

Doing this will free up ample space to ensure that the update goes through. Remember, you need to ensure at least 10GB of storage is free on your iPhone.

6. Turn off Automatic Updates and Restart

The last thing you can do is turn off Automatic Updates so that the system doesn't commence any updates by itself. Therefore, you will have to go into settings to turn the Automatic Updates off. Here's how:

Step 1. Head into Settings and then tap on General (A)

Step 2. Go to Software Update (B) section

Step 3. Find the Automatic Update toggle (C)

Step 4. Turn the Toggle Off

This will stop the iPhone from commencing updates automatically. In the process, it'll also eliminate the update requested notifications. Later, you can update manually by going into the update settings.

What Does Update Requested Mean on iPhone

Apple's updates roll out every now and then. Sometimes, these updates are mere security patches, and other times they upgrade your apps or system UI. So, when your iPhone connects to Apple's servers, it'll notify you that you're connected to it.

The notification usually reads update requested on iPhone. So, if your phone is saying this, then there are a few reasons this might be happening:

• Apple has rolled out more than one update in a short time
• Your iPhone doesn't have enough storage to accommodate the updated download
• Your iPhone isn't charged enough to commence the update
• Your network settings do not allow a download that large

 The automatic update system has bugged out

There are other reasons, such as your iPhone no longer supporting the latest update. However, if you're suffering from either of these issues, let's keep going to help you find the fix for each one of them.

Conclusion

These are some of the best ways you can fix the 'update requested iPhone' error. These fixes will help you avoid this or go through with the update so that the error disappears. Make sure you follow each step properly so that the errors go away.

After that, you can update your iPhone manually or use the iTunes method to update it properly.

FAQs on Update Requested on iPhone

If you have further questions, you'll find their answers here:

1 How long does it take for an iPhone to request an update?

The request time for an update depends on when Apple releases such updates. However, if your internet connection is upwards of 1MBPs, then you can expect the update to finish downloading in 15 minutes and another 5 minutes to complete the installation.

2 Why is my iPhone stuck on the update requested by IOS 15?

If your network is slow, then your iPhone will not download the requested update, as it deems that the connection is unstable for smooth updating. Or, it could be that your iPhone doesn't have enough storage to accommodate the new update.

3. What does it mean when my iPhone says update requested?

Whenever Apple rolls out a new update, all the iPhones with automatic updates will receive the notification. But, if there's a network issue or the phone doesn't have enough storage, then the update requested will not go through.