iOS 26 Stuck on Update Requested? 8 Easy Ways to Fix

When your device displays “Update Requested”, it means your iPhone has contacted Apple’s servers to start downloading iOS 26, but the download hasn’t started yet.

This status is normal at first but can indicate issues if it stays on the screen for too long. Common reasons include:

• Server delays: Apple’s servers may be busy, especially right after a new update release.
• Slow or unstable Wi-Fi: A poor internet connection can prevent the update from downloading.
• Insufficient storage: iOS updates require free space to download and install.
• Software glitches: Bugs in your current iOS version may interfere with the update.
• Network restrictions or VPNs: Certain settings can block the update request.

Understanding update requested iOS 26 helps you identify the cause and decide which fix to try.

The time for iOS 26 stuck at update requested can vary depending on several factors:

• Internet speed: Slow Wi-Fi can stretch the download time to hours.
• Apple server traffic: Updates right after release often take longer due to high demand.
• Device storage and performance: Older iPhones or devices with less free space may experience delays.

Typically, the “Update Requested” message should only last a few minutes. If it stays for more than 30–60 minutes, your update is likely stuck and needs troubleshooting.

Way 1. Fix iPhone Update Requested by Prefessional iOS Repair Tool

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a professional iOS repair tool designed to fix a wide range of iPhone issues, including iOS 26 stuck on update requested, without erasing your data.

When an iPhone gets stuck on “Update Requested,” the problem is usually caused by software glitches, corrupted update files, or system-level conflicts that prevent iOS from communicating properly with Apple’s servers. ReiBoot works by repairing these underlying system issues while keeping your personal data safe. It essentially refreshes the iOS system files and clears minor bugs that can block the update process.

How to use ReiBoot to fix iOS 26 update requested issue:

1. Step 1. Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer, then connect your iPhone using a USB cable. Once the device is recognized, click Start to proceed.

2. Step 2. On the next screen, choose Standard Repair.

3. Step 3. Click Download to get the latest firmware package for your iPhone. The program will automatically fetch the iOS 26 official file.

4. Step 4. After the download completes, tap Start Standard Repair to begin the process.

5. Step 5. Wait while ReiBoot repairs your device. The iPhone will restart automatically once the repair is finished, and you will successfully update to iOS 26.

2. Check Apple’s System Status

Sometimes the iOS 26 update requested stuck issue isn’t on your device—it’s on Apple’s servers.

1. Visit Apple System Status to see if iOS Software Update is active.
2. If the servers are busy or down, the update can’t start. Waiting until they’re back online often solves the problem quickly.

3. Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection

A weak or unstable network is one of the most common reasons for update requested iOS 26 issues.

1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.
2. Avoid using cellular data or frequently switching networks while the update is pending. Stable connectivity ensures your device can communicate with Apple’s servers and download the update without interruptions.

4. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting can clear temporary glitches that block the update process.

1. Hold the side button + volume button (or just the side button on some models), then swipe to power off.
2. Turn your iPhone back on and check if the update progresses. This simple step often resolves minor software hiccups without any other effort.

5. Free Up Storage Space

Updates require sufficient free space. If your device is nearly full, iOS 26 may get stuck at “Update Requested”.

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Remove unused apps, large videos, or unnecessary files to free space.
3. Ensuring enough storage allows the update to download and install smoothly.

6. Pause and Resume the Update

Sometimes the update just needs a little push to start downloading.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Tap Pause Download, wait a few seconds, then tap Resume.
3. This action can refresh the download process and often fixes the stuck state.

7. Reset Network Settings

If your iPhone can’t reach Apple’s servers properly, resetting network settings can help.

1. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
2. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and retry the update.
3. This clears any conflicting network configurations that may be preventing the update.

8. Update via iTunes or Finder

When all else fails, updating through a computer often resolves persistent issues.

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer.
2. Open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
3. Select your device and click Check for Update.

4. This method bypasses device-side glitches and downloads the update directly from Apple’s servers.

Even after trying the common fixes, some users notice that iOS 26 update requested can take a surprisingly long time. This doesn’t always mean something is wrong—it often reflects normal circumstances during the update process.

• High Apple server load, immediately after release.
• Device age and performance, especially on older iPhones.
• Background apps consuming resources and slowing the download.
• Large update size, which may take longer on slower networks.

If your iPhone shows iOS 26 stuck on update requested, it usually means the device is waiting to download the update. Most of the time, patience and basic troubleshooting like restarting, freeing storage, or using a stable Wi-Fi connection will solve the issue.

For persistent problems, advanced methods like updating via a computer or using Tenorshare ReiBoot are highly effective and safe. By following these steps, you can quickly fix update requested iOS 26 and enjoy the new features without frustration.