7 Ways to Fix ‘iPhone Software Update Failed’ Error

Written By Harsha Alamchandani
Approved By Rohit Arora
Updated on 30 May, 2024
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Summary: Are you getting ‘iPhone Software Update Failed’ error message while trying to update your iOS? Learn 7 ways to fix ‘iPhone Software Update Failed’ error and seamlessly upgrade your iPhone to the latest iOS.

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Imagine you are downloading iOS 16.1 to fix the Black screen bug that almost once crashed your iPhone, and suddenly a message pops up, ‘iPhone software update failed!’

You retry, and it fails again. You are now irritated and equally clueless about further action.

Do not worry. This post shares the seven methods to fix such iPhone update failures and lets you upgrade your device to the latest iOS smoothly.

Fix the ‘iPhone Software Update Error‘

iPhone updates are the most awaited Apple announcements. iOS updates not only bring an array of new features and fix any bugs in the previous version but also get more security for the device.

No one wants to miss them, particularly due to any technical glitches.

Will the iOS update cause iPhone data loss?

There can be any reason for your device not able to update to the latest iOS, such as:

Network connection issue
Less storage space on your device
Unable to connect to the Apple update server
The device shut down during the process

However, below are the best methods you can try to resolve the iPhone update failure issue. These apply to all iPhone models and iOS versions, including iOS 10, iOS 11.1.4, iOS 12, iOS 13, iOS 14, iOS 15, iOS 16, and further updates.

Methods to fix the ‘iPhone software update failed’ error

Check network status
Wait for a few hours to retry
Restart your iPhone
Reset Network Settings on your iPhone
Update iPhone via iTunes
Free storage space in your iPhone
Manually update using IPSW Firmware

1. Check network status

Ensure you have a continuous, good-speed internet connection when updating iOS. The iPhone update success depends upon the speed of your Internet.

Close all the apps and do not download any other content on your iPhone while the Update is on.

2. Restart your iPhone

Simply restarting or rebooting your iPhone can fix failed update error.

To restart your iPhone (iPhone 8 and previous models):

Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears
Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone
Press and hold the Top (or Side) key again until you see the Apple logo

3. Reset Network Settings on your iPhone

If a restart does not help, the problem could be with your device’s network settings. For example, maybe Wi-Fi is not working, or your iPhone cannot connect to a Wi-Fi network. Reset Network Settings to fix any network-related issue that is not letting the Update complete. It will thereby fix the ‘iPhone software update failed error.

To Reset Network Setting on your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Now turn off your iPhone. Then, after a few seconds again, turn on and retry the iOS update.

Note: Reset Network Settings option deletes all your Wi-Fi passwords, network preferences, cellular settings, VPN, and APN settings. You can note down your passwords and preferences to add later.

4. Update iPhone via iTunes

Instead of directly downloading the software on your iPhone, update via iTunes on a computer.

Steps to update iPhone via iTunes

Connect your computer to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network
Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer
Connect your iPhone to the computer
Open iTunes and select your device
Click to follow Summary > Check for Update > Download and Update
If asked, enter your passcode
Update will start

5. Free storage space in your iPhone

‘iPhone software update failed’ error can also appear if your mobile does not have enough space for the latest iOS files. Free up more storage space by deleting unwanted apps, photos, videos, cache, junk files, etc.

To remove unwanted data, follow Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage and tap Manage Storage.

Now, try again to update your iPhone to the latest iOS.

6. Wait for a few hours before retrying

Whenever Apple launches a new iOS update, millions of users worldwide immediately try to connect to its servers for the Update. It naturally builds up huge traffic on Apple’s site, often preventing your device from connecting with the server. Thus, giving the ‘iPhone software update failed error. The best way is to wait a few hours before updating your iPhone.

7. Manually update using IPSW Firmware

You can update your iPhone manually by downloading the IPSW firmware files. IPSW files are firmware downloads for specific Apple devices and iOS versions. You can use these files to update iOS manually via iTunes.

Use this option as a last resort when all the above ways fail to fix the ‘iPhone software update failed error.

Steps to manually update iOS on your iPhone

Click “here” to download the IPSW file on your PC/Mac
Select your product (iPhone/model) and the iOS version you want to update. Click on Download
Connect your iPhone to the PC
Launch iTunes
Select your iPhone in iTunes
Select the IPSW firmware file by:
On Windows: Hold the SHIFT key and click on Update in iTunes
On Mac: Hold the OPTION key and click on Update in iTunes
Browse and select the IPSW file that you downloaded on your computer and click Choose
The iOS update begins.

Does the iOS Update Lead to iPhone Data Loss?

A smooth iOS update on iPhone does not lead to data loss. However, if the update process is interrupted due to a power cut or an error fails to update iOS, you may lose your existing iPhone data. Therefore, securing your data in iTunes or iCloud as a backup before updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version is best.

Nevertheless, if you somehow lose your iPhone data, seek the help of Stellar’s reliable iPhone Data Recovery Software. The software works in the below situations of iPhone data loss:

When you do not have a backup
You had a backup but were unable to retrieve it from iTunes or iCloud

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is a DIY software that is safe to download. It efficiently scans and restores missing photos, videos, contacts, call history, Camera Roll, Photo Stream, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Viber, Tango, Kik Messages, etc.

Wrapping Up

iOS updates are important. You cannot ignore or avoid upgrading your iPhone, citing technical issues. Whenever you encounter any iOS update error, try the above fixes and enjoy the benefits of your latest iOS.

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About The Author

Harsha Alamchandani

Harsha is a technical expert who loves Mondays, technology and is a big time Apple fan. She knows her way around the data loss problems and is always looking for ways to help out people.

27 comments

Indervir Singh says:

January 23, 2023 at 7:22 pm

I had issue when i update my iPhone 12 from iOS 16.2 to iOS 16.3 i click on download and install the update started downloading but when i open another app like whatsapp etc and the update is downloading in background , the update just stops or stuck , so is apple updates do no get download in background??
Or i need to keep settings and screen open for downloading updates ?? Please tell me

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  January 25, 2023 at 12:06 pm
  
  Hi Indervir,
  In support of your concern, I would recommend first trying the methods shared in this blog which I am sure will resolve the issue. There can be a possibility that your iPhone is running low on storage which is why the update stops downloading. You may even try updating your iPhone with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (MAC).
  I hope it helps!
  
  Reply
SB says:

January 18, 2023 at 3:04 pm

Thank you so much – this actually worked! I dont really leave reviews or comments unless its helpful. But i’d been having trouble updating an old ipad pro 1st Gen from ios9 to ios16, and i kept getting corrupt file download error messages. after googling, and going thru many links, this proved to be the most TRUSTWORTHY and free source for genuine help.
Just follow instructions as given and you will get your device working again!!
im now going to update my ipad mini!
Thanks again to the author!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  January 25, 2023 at 11:47 am
  
  Hi SB,
  I appreciate your comment about resolving the iOS update error on your iPad. Unfortunately, many other Apple devices face this error while updating iPhones through iTunes, and it doesn’t get recognized, or a corrupt iOS file is downloaded.
  
  Reply
Quynhchan Tran says:

October 20, 2022 at 12:48 pm

I tried to upgrade my iphone 14 from iOS 16.0.3 to iOS 16.1 RC and getting “Software Update Failed” error.
I followed “7 Methods to fix ‘iPhone software update failed’ error ” posted above, but still getting the same error.
Could someone please help

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  November 15, 2022 at 11:41 am
  
  Hi Quynhchan,
  Thanks for reaching out. I understand the issue, as many iPhone users face the same issue while updating to the latest iOS. So to update your iPhone, the most reliable method you can try is updating via iTunes. You need to connect your iPhone to a PC and download the latest iTunes version, and after connecting, it will automatically prompt an Update Available. Updating via iTunes is better because after initiating the download, the file will be saved on your PC instead of your iPhone. So there will be no space issue. Try it, and let us know if that works.
  I hope it helps!
  
  Reply
Amarilis says:

November 4, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Thanks a lot for this blog and helpful tips… I was able to update my iphone 5 manually using IPSW Firmware… if not for this tip…. my iphone 5 will be doomed. Tried updating from the phone it kept telling me unable to do so due to errors.. tried updating directly with itunes doesn’t work as well (kept showing error 4000 or file corrupted) finally tried using IPSW Firmware and it really worked. Thank you so much. ^^

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  November 5, 2019 at 8:23 am
  
  Hi Amarillis, Thanks for reading our blog and sharing your valuable feedback with us. Keep reading for the next update!
  
  Reply
Aditya says:

August 13, 2019 at 11:52 am

I am trying to installed latest iOS update on my Iphone 7 and it got stuck while updating and Itunes sign with Usb connect symbol showing on screen after restarting then phone.then i connect my phone to i tunes and try to recover but it showing error.Please help to solve this issue as i am unable to use phone since last 3 days.

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  August 14, 2019 at 9:41 am
  
  Hi Aditya, Please use Manually update using IPSW Firmware. If the issue will not resolve contact the nearest Apple store. Thanks!
  
  Reply
2. Albert says:
  
  April 23, 2020 at 7:23 pm
  
  I have the same problem I don’t know what to do to fix iPhone update fail.
  
  Reply
  1. Nishat Paiker says:
    
    May 6, 2020 at 12:03 pm
    
    Hi,
    Try the given methods in this post. Your problem should be resolved.
Matthew Millar says:

July 13, 2019 at 1:46 am

I’m trying to update my iPhone 5s from version 11.2.5 to its latest version 12. I have 12 hours remaining in the download which shouldn’t be that long to begin with. I’ve tried resetting my network, waiting 2 days for any outages in my network to be fixed, contacted my service provider who assures me there are no outages in my network. I don’t know what else i can do; try updated from a friends Mac?

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  July 16, 2019 at 7:20 am
  
  Hi Matthew, We would like to inform you that we can not assist to upgrade the ios. In case, there is any data loss after ios upgrade then we recommend to use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.
  
  Reply
Brian Alvey says:

January 10, 2019 at 2:34 am

I had the same issue on my iPhone error occurred “Software update failed an error downloading on iOS 12”. I try to update my iPhone to latest iOS but unfortunately fails. I used manual steps as you describe on your blog. It’s really helpful for me. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  January 24, 2019 at 8:50 am
  
  Hi Brian, Thanks for reading and share your valuable feedback with us!
  
  Reply
Steve Anchell says:

October 10, 2018 at 10:18 am

I’m unable to verify update iOS 12 failed verification because you are no longer connected to the Internet. Any help would be appreciated?

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  October 11, 2018 at 10:14 am
  
  Hi Steve, if you trying to update using the same network. Please try to update your device using another network or update your device with iTunes.
  
  Reply
Gary Baum says:

September 26, 2018 at 10:16 am

I had same issue when I updated my iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s yesterday from 11.4 to 12. In both cases, the update seemed faster than with prior updates. Especially with the camera roll as noted in your article. It has only been one day however, but so far so good. Thanks!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  September 27, 2018 at 4:56 am
  
  Hi Gary, Thankyou!
  
  Reply
Debbie says:

September 24, 2018 at 3:50 am

Thanks a lot for this blog! I waited for iOS 12 and when it released I couldn’t install it. this really helped

Reply