The marvelous iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have become an integral part of our daily lives, seamlessly blending technology and functionality to provide a myriad of services. One crucial aspect of maintaining the optimal performance of these iconic devices is keeping their software up-to-date. For a tech geek, software updates can be one of the most anticipated things. But what happens when some particular update turns into a nightmare? Software updates are the most crucial part of a smartphone because they keep the device running at its best. However, sometimes software updates fail to install or take a longer time, like forever, to install. Today in this guide, we will discuss all about iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Software Update Error or Update Taking Forever and how you can fix this issue.
The process of updating an iPhone’s software is designed to enhance its features, fix security vulnerabilities, and improve overall performance. Yet, it can be fraught with frustration when things go south. Apple has introduced a new update to iOS 17.0, which users are eager to install. However, we found out on different Apple forums that when users update their software, it either fails or sticks and takes forever to update. This can be frustrating at times, as users are eager to experience the new features. Also, your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are useless if it’s stuck on an update.
Users from the Apple community often report seemingly never-ending update installations, with the progress bar inching along at a glacial pace. This Update Taking Forever scenario with your iPhone 14 Pro series can definitely leave you questioning whether your device is stuck or if there’s a genuine problem. If you have also encountered the same and are unable to figure out what to do next, then do not worry. We have everything covered for you. In this guide, we have explained how to fix the software update error or update taking forever on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. This guide will also provide you with reasons why these errors occur.
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Why iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Software Update Error or Update Taking Forever
There are a number of possible reasons why a software update error is occurring in the iPhone 14 Pro or Max. Some of the most common reasons are:
Network Issue: If your internet connection is too slow, it will definitely take longer to download and install the software update. So, it is advised to update your device when your internet speed is better.
Storage Issue: Low free storage can be another reason why updating takes forever. Installing a software update requires certain free storage. Hence, it is advised to uninstall certain apps that you no longer use and make sure you have enough free storage.
Hardware issue: Hardware issue is the least common issue; sometimes minimal hardware failure prevents software updates from getting installed. This is very rare, as one or two hardware failures will ultimately make your device dead.
We will also offer practical solutions and tips to address the above issues, so you can easily update your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max with confidence and ease.
Backup Up Data before updating iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
Before you start upgrading your phone software, it is advised to create a backup on your Mac. It would help to restore your data with no data loss. Regardless of your device model, you should always create a backup because if a major software update doesn’t work normally, you can roll back to the previous update via backup. Here is how you can take a backup of your iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max.
- Plug your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max into your Mac using a lightning cable.
- Launch the Finder app. On the sidebar, select your iPhone.
- Now click on the general tab.
- Under Backup, select to backup all data on your iPhone to your Mac.
- You can also encrypt your backup. (Skip if you don’t wish to.)
- Finally, click backup now, and after a moment, your iPhone data will be backed up.
Fix: iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Software Update Error or Update Taking Forever
The solution to these kinds of issues normally involves restarting, restoring, and resting your iPhone. Other than this, there is nothing you can do (obviously, there are some methods, but the base is the same). If you are unable to restart your device, force restart it. If you are unable to restore your device, then you can only reset it as a last option.
Method 1: Force Restart iPhone
If your iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max is stuck in update mode and taking a long time, then it’s time to do the needful. Force restarting the device will make sure that the updating process is not stuck in the middle. Here is how you can force restart your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
- Firstly, tap the volume up and then the volume down keys.
- Now tap the side key and wait until the screen goes black.
- Keep holding it until the Apple logo appears on your phone screen.
- As the logo appears, release all the buttons and force a restart, which will be completed successfully.
This method has worked for almost all the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max users who were facing this issue.
Method 2: Delete Faulty Update
Once you have done force restarting your phone, try again to update and see if it gets stuck or not. If it does, then you must delete the software update. Here is how you can delete it.
- Navigate to settings and head to the general section.
- Select iPhone Storage and delete the software update from your phone.
- Now confirm the deletion, and it will be deleted.
Finally, download a new copy of the software update and install it. I hope this works out for you. If you are still struggling with the update taking forever, then quickly move on to the next fix below.
Method 3: Update iOS with iTunes
If your phone is stuck on the Apple logo while updating, then this method can help you out. Most users get stuck in the update process when they update iOS through OTA. Whereas, updating through iTunes is safe, and you are less prone to these errors. Here is how you can update your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max using iTunes software.
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac and launch iTunes (make sure you are on the latest version of iTunes).
- Once iTunes detects the phone automatically, look for the summary option in the sidebar and click on it.
- Now click on check for updates. If any update is available for your iPhone, it will be listed there.
- Finally, download and update. (You will be asked for the passcode of your iPhone; do make sure to provide it.)
Now your iPhone will automatically boot, and it is fully updated. If somehow you were not able to perform this method, then quickly move on to the next fix listed below.
Method 4: DFU restore with iTunes
This is the final option you have when you are stuck while updating your iPhone 14 Pro or Max. Customer support mostly uses this method to fix any issue with your OS, so there is a high chance of resolving your issue.
However, all your data will be wiped out of your phone when the device boots into DFU mode. So do not forget to make a backup (as already mentioned in the guide). Here is how you can boot your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max into DFU mode and restore them.
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac and launch iTunes (make sure you are on the latest version of iTunes).
- Then press the volume up and then the volume down keys.
- Now tap the side key, wait until the screen goes black, and hold the volume down button with it.
- Just after the 5 seconds, release the side key.
- When the screen is completely black, you have entered DFU mode.
- iTunes will automatically detect your iPhone, and a popup will appear on the screen.
- In the pop-up, simply tap on “Restore and Update,” and you are good to go.
This method will ultimately work for you and help you get your iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max out of the software update forever issue.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of this guide for fixing iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Software Update Error or Update Taking Forever issues. We understand that an interminable wait during the update process can be equally exasperating. Whether you’re a seasoned iPhone enthusiast or a novice user, understanding how to troubleshoot software update errors and minimize the time spent waiting for updates can be an amazing experience. So make sure to follow the above troubleshooting methods one by one and in case you face any troubles, ask in the comments section below.