Many users of the iPhone 12 Pro running iOS 17 have reported an issue where their device gets stuck on the “Requesting updates” screen when attempting to install a new software update. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are eager to access new features or security patches.

In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide practical troubleshooting steps to help you resolve it.

Why Does Your iPhone Get Stuck on “Requesting Updates”?

There are various reasons that can cause this issue, including:

• Network Issues: A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent your iPhone from properly downloading the update.
• Apple’s Servers: If Apple’s update servers are overloaded or experiencing downtime, your device may struggle to get past the requesting stage.
• Software Glitches: Minor iOS bugs could be interfering with the update process.
• Insufficient Storage: If there is not enough space on your iPhone, the update may fail to proceed.

How to Fix the “Requesting Updates” Issue on iPhone 12 Pro

Below are several troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the issue.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Since your iPhone requires a stable internet connection to request and download updates, ensure you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.

• Try toggling Wi-Fi off and on again.
• Restart your router if necessary.
• Switch to a different Wi-Fi network, if available.

If you’re using cellular data, try switching to Wi-Fi, as updates typically require a Wi-Fi connection to proceed.

2. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. To restart your iPhone 12 Pro:

• Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
• Wait about 30 seconds and then press and hold the Side button to turn it back on.

3. Free Up Storage Space

Your iPhone requires sufficient storage space to install updates successfully. To check your available space:

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Review the storage usage and delete unused apps, photos, or large files if necessary.

Once you free up storage, attempt the update again.

4. Reset Network Settings

If the issue persists, resetting network settings may help. Note that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections.

To reset:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset and choose Reset Network Settings.
3. Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.

5. Update Using a Computer

If none of the above solutions work, try updating your iPhone via a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).

Steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
3. Select your device and click Check for Update.
4. If an update is available, click Download and Update.

6. Force Restart and Try Again

If your iPhone is completely unresponsive, a force restart might help:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

7. Restore iPhone via DFU Mode

As a last resort, you can restore your iPhone using DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer.
2. Put your device into DFU mode by pressing the right sequence of buttons:
• Press and hold the Volume Up button, then release.
• Press and hold the Volume Down button, then release.
• Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black.
• Keep holding the Volume Down button while releasing the Side button.
3. Your computer should detect the iPhone in recovery mode. Choose Restore iPhone.

Note: This will erase all data on your device, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

Final Thoughts

Getting stuck on “Requesting updates” during an iOS update can be an annoying issue, but with the steps provided above, you should be able to resolve it. Start with basic fixes like checking your internet connection and restarting your device before trying more advanced solutions like restoring in DFU mode.

If you’ve tried everything and your iPhone 12 Pro is still stuck, it may be wise to contact Apple Support for further assistance.