iOS/iPadOS 26 Update Bugs - All Fixed

Bothered by various update issues while updating from iOS 18 to iOS 26? Stay ahead with innovative iOS 26 without a hitch. Here you can browse common bugs to quick fixes, resolve issues and optimize your iPhone and iPad devices with our exclusive insights.

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After Update

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Discussed iOS 26 Bugs and Workable Solutions

Bugs #1

iOS 26 Update Not Showing up

If the iOS 26 update does not appear in the "Software Update" option of the Settings app, this could be due to issues with the Apple servers, an outdated version of iOS, or network administrator restrictions.

Fixes:

  • 1. Check Network Settings: Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, poor network connection, especially in corporate or public networks, might prevent updates from appearing.
  • 2. Restart Your Device: Restarting your device can refresh your system's settings and may assist in bringing the update screen up.
  • 3. Update via iTunes or Finder: Connect your device to a computer and use iTunes (for Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (for macOS Catalina or newer) to check for the update manually.
  • 4. Check Storage Space: Ensure your device has enough storage space for the update. A lack of space can impact the update from appearing. Go to Settings > General. Here, you will find a detailed list showing how much storage each app and content type (like photos, videos, apps, system data, etc.) is using.



Bugs #2

iOS 26 Download Stuck

The iOS 26 update process may stall during the download phase. This can be caused by server overload, interrupted Internet connection, or insufficient device storage.

Fixes:

  • 1. Pause and Restart the Download: You can try pausing the download in the Settings app and then resuming it after a few minutes. Sometimes, simply pausing and then resuming the download can fix the issue.
  • 2. Free Up Storage: Remove unnecessary apps and data to ensure there's enough space for the update. You can check your storage capacity in Settings under General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). This will also provide recommendations for freeing up space.
  • 3. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This won't delete your data but will reset Wi-Fi passwords and cellular settings. If the download issue might be related to your network connections, resetting these settings could help.

Bugs #3

iOS 26 Update Paused

Updates may pause due to low battery or unstable internet connections. This can occur even if the update has already started installing.

Fixes:

  • 1. Connect to a Power Source: Ensure your device is connected to a charger to avoid disruptions due to low battery. Plug your device into a charger before starting the update process.
  • 2. Switch to a Reliable Wi-Fi Network: Ensure the Wi-Fi network is stable. If necessary, move closer to the router or reset it. A stable internet connection is essential for downloading the update files without interruptions.
  • 3. Clear Software Update File and Redownload: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the update file, delete it, and then redownload the update. If your update is failing or stuck, the installation file might be corrupted.

Bugs #4

iOS 26 Stuck on Preparing Update

This issue typically occurs when the device is preparing to install the downloaded update. It can be caused by software glitches, fragmented files in the update, or insufficient storage space.

Fixes:

  • 1. Force Restart Your Device: Different models have different methods, but generally, you can force restart by pressing and holding the power and volume buttons until the device reboots.
  • 2. Delete and Redownload the Update: Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, delete the existing update file, and then attempt to download and install the update again.
  • 3. Increase Storage Space: Ensure your device has enough free space to accommodate the update by deleting unused apps and media.



Bugs #5

iOS 26 Taking Forever to Update

The iOS 26 update process is extremely slow or is stuck in the "Updating" state. Several factors can cause the iOS 26 update to take forever, such as a slow internet network, insufficient storage space, or software glitches.

Fixes:

  • 1. Restart the Update: Try restarting the update process using a computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes to update your iPhone.
  • 2. Check Internet Connection: Ensure the device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  • 3. Check Apple's Servers: Check Apple's System Status page to see if there are any issues with the iOS update service.

Learn More:

Visit this guide on How long does it take to update iPhone iPhone updates.

Bugs #6

iOS 26 Stuck in Recovery Mode

Devices may sometimes get stuck in recovery mode, indicated by the iTunes logo and a cable icon on the screen. This can happen due to corrupt update files or other profound system errors.

Fixes:

  • 1. Force Restart the Device: This often helps the device exit recovery mode without requiring further steps. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > quickly press and release the Volume Down button > press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • 2. Use iTunes/Finder to Restore: Connect your device to a computer and open iTunes or Finder, then select your device. You can choose to update or restore. If updating does not work, you might need to restore the device, which will erase all data.
  • 3. Third-Party Repair Tools: Use third-party software to fix iOS issues. These tools can often resolve recovery mode problems without data loss.



Bugs #7

Unable to Install for Storage Issues

There may be some storage-related issues, such as limited available storage and inaccurate storage. In this case, you cannot download and install iOS 18 update file.

Fixes:

  • 1. Free up iPhone Storage: Clear app caches and delete unused apps to free up storage space. Find out which apps are taking up the most space in Settings > General > [Device] Storage. Regularly review your apps and delete those you no longer use.
  • 2. Optimize iPhone Storage: Optimize iPhone Storage: Go to Settings >Tap your name > iCloud > Photos. Click "Optimize iPhone Storage" to reduce storage usage for photos. It automatically replaces full-resolution photos and videos with smaller, device-sized versions on your iPhone.
  • 3. Back Up to iCloud: Backup photos and videos to iCloud or an external storage device. Go to Settings, tap your name, then select iCloud > iCloud Backup.



Bugs #8

iPhone Overheating

iPhone overheating can affect both performance and longevity of the device. It is often caused by many factors, including running resource-intensive apps, issues with charging or battery problems or software bugs.

Fixes:

  • 1. Remove the Case: Sometimes, the heavy case can cause the iPhone to overheat. Removing it can help the phone cool down. If you notice your iPhone getting unusually hot, try removing the case to allow the iPhone to cool down.
  • 2. Avoid Hot Environments: Keep the iPhone in a cooler environment. Place the iPhone in a well-ventilated area. To prevent this, avoid leaving your iPhone in direct sunlight, such as on a car dashboard.
  • 3. Limit High-power Apps: Limit the usage of applications that consume significant power, like some video websites. Some applications can cause your iPhone to work harder, which increases heat.



Bugs #9

iPhone Keeps Restarting

iPhone may restart unexpectedly after the iOS 18 update. This issue can be caused by software conflicts or memory issues.

Fixes:

  • 1. Reset All Settings: Resetting can resolve some underlying software conflicts. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. It puts all system settings to their original state, so you must reconfigure your settings, like Wi-Fi networks, or wallpapers.
  • 2. Update Apps: Ensure all apps are compatible with iOS 18. You can update the apps to their latest versions. Outdated apps can sometimes cause compatibility issues, especially after a major iOS update.
  • 3. Restore iPhone: Back up your iPhone and perform a factory reset. To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. After that, restart your iPhone.

Bugs #10

iPhone Battery Drain

The battery drain may sometimes follow an iOS 18 update. Battery Drain might be due to battery health issues, new features, or apps running in the background.

Fixes:

  • 1. Check Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see which apps are using the most battery power. Uninstall apps you don't use often, or force quit apps that are draining a lot of battery in the background.
  • 2. Disable Background App Refresh: Check for power-hungry apps running in the background.
  • 3. Disable Location Services: These features can drain the battery faster.
  • 4. Enable Low Power Mode: Go to Settings > Battery > Enable Low Power Mode. You can also turn off unnecessary features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.
  • 5. Replace Battery if Needed: If your iPhone is over 4 years old, your battery may need replacement as maximum capacity drops below 80%. Take your iPhone to an Apple Store to have the battery replaced if it's draining too quickly even after trying the above fixes.

Bugs #11

Siri Not Working

Users may find Siri unresponsive or not working as expected after updating to iOS 26. This could happen due to issues with microphone access, network settings, or Siri's settings being accidentally altered.

Fixes:

  • 1. Check Microphone and Siri Settings: Go to Settings > Siri & Search and ensure that the Listen for 'Hey Siri' option is enabled. If it's off, turn it on and follow the prompts to set it up. Also, check that your microphone is not blocked by a case or debris.
  • 2. Re-enable Siri: Sometimes, toggling Siri off and then back on can resolve temporary issues. Disable Siri from Settings, restart your device, and then re-enable Siri to reset its functionality.
  • 3. Check Network Connection: Siri requires a stable internet connection to function properly. Ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.You can toggle Airplane mode on and off to reset your connection if needed.
  • 4. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This step will erase all current saved network settings including passwords and update them to default settings.

Bugs #12

Black Screen After Update

Some users may encounter a black screen after updating to iOS 26. The device may become unresponsive, with no display or backlight, even though the update appears to have completed.

Fixes:

  • 1. Force Restart Your iPhone: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. This can wake up the system if it's stuck in a temporary glitch.
  • 2. Charge Your iPhone: Connect your device to a power source and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. A black screen could indicate the battery has completely drained.
  • 3. Use Recovery Mode: If the screen remains black, connect the iPhone to a computer, put it into recovery mode, and use iTunes or Finder to update or restore the system.

Bugs #13

Flashlight Not Working on iPhone

Some users report that the flashlight stops working after updating to iOS 26. The flashlight icon in the Control Center may be grayed out or unresponsive, and camera-based apps may also fail to trigger it.

Fixes:

  • 1. Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that interfere with hardware features.
  • 2. Close Camera or Flashlight Apps: The flashlight won’t work if the camera or an app is already using it. Close all open apps and try again.
  • 3. Reset All Settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This does not delete personal data but resets system configurations that might affect the flashlight.

Bugs #14

iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo After Update

In some cases, the iPhone may become stuck on the Apple logo during or after the update. This often indicates an issue with the boot process or corrupted update files.

Fixes:

  • 1. Force Restart the iPhone: This may allow the device to complete the startup process.
  • 2. Enter Recovery Mode: Connect your device to a computer and enter recovery mode. When prompted, choose "Update" to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
  • 3. Restore via DFU Mode: If recovery mode doesn't help, use DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode to perform a deeper restore. Note: this will erase all data on the device.

Bugs #15

iPhone Not Turning On After Update

After updating, some devices may fail to turn on entirely, showing no response to button presses or charging attempts. This can result from incomplete installations, power failure, or software corruption.

Fixes:

  • 1. Charge the Device Fully: Plug the iPhone into a charger and wait at least 30–60 minutes. Make sure the charging setup is functional.
  • 2. Force Restart: Use the volume and side button sequence to perform a force restart. This can recover the device from certain types of system freezes.
  • 3. Connect to Computer and Update or Restore: If the device remains unresponsive, connect it to a computer, enter recovery mode, and use iTunes or Finder to update or restore the system.

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