Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

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Home > iOS 12 Issues > iPhone Update Taking Forever? 8 Ways to Fix iOS 15/14/13 Taking Forever to Update

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

The latest iPhone software iOS 15 beta 4 update has been released and the iPhone users are excited to experience the new features of it.

But reported by some users including iPhone 12 users, it is quite a hard task to install or download the latest firmware as the iOS 15 is taking forever to update on their iPhone.

Therefore, we've come up with some useful solutions that can guard you to climb up the ladder and pave away your issue of iOS 15/14/13 taking hours to update no matter you are updating over the air or updating via iTunes.

FAQs about iPhone Update Taking Forever

Here are two frequently asked questions by many users who have encountered the iOS update taking forever issue.

Q1: Why Is My iPhone Taking So Long to Update?

  • Downloading other files while downloading the iOS update files
  • Unstable internet connection
  • System glitches

Q2: How Long Does iOS 15/14/13 Take to Download and Install?

About 30 minutes if your iPhone is fully charged with a stable network connection. There are two factors influencing the speed of downloading and installing the update files: internet connection and the size of the update.

So please make sure that your device has been connected to a stable WiFi network. Moreover, if your iPhone runs a relatively older version of iOS, then the large update files can easily takes over an hour.

Here we will take the iOS 14 update as an example:

TaskRequired Time (Minutes)
iOS 14 Download 3 - 10
iOS 14 Installation 10 - 20
Set up iOS 14 1 - 5
Total iOS 14 Update 30 - 60 +


The methods offered in the following parts works in different conditions. Just check the comparison table below and choose the suitable part for you!

Success RateDifficultyRequired TimeData LossWhen to Choose
Basic Methods in Part 1 Low Easy Short No

  • Update via OTA taking forever

iTunes Restore in Part 2 Medium Complex Long Yes

  • Update via iTunes taking forever

Software in Part 3 High Easy Short No
  • Update via OTA taking forever

  • Update via iTunes taking forever

  • Encounter all other system issues

  • If it happens before or during downloading firmware and your iPhone works normally, then you can try the basic solutions in the first part.
  • If you have this problem when installing the firmware and your iPhone freezes, then the iTunes method in the second part may work with the price of data loss.
  • If your iPhone freezes without a backup or you are unwilling to lose the existing data on your phone, then the method in the third part is definitely recommended.

6 Basic Solutions for iPhone Taking Forever to Update Over The Air

The following methods are the most basic ones you can try if you have met the iOS updates taking hours issue over the air.

  • 1.1. Check Network Connection
  • 1.2. Check iPhone Storage
  • 1.3. Check If There Is Any Problem with Apple Server
  • 1.4. Reset Network Settings
  • 1.5. Force Restart iPhone
  • 1.6. Use iTunes to Update iPhone

1.1. Check Network Connection

There is a possibility that the network connection must be posing a problem and hence, iOS 15/14/13 is taking hours in updating your iPhone.

If you are updating your device through the cellular data, you need to be sure that the network connection is consistent throughout the process. If it doesn't, we recommend that you use a Wi-Fi connection over Cellular data to stop iOS 15/14/13 taking forever to update.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

1.2. Check iPhone Storage

With the advents of newer updates, more storage is consumed by your device.

So, as a golden tip, you must ensure that your device has enough storage or else you're likely to meet the problems like "unable to update", "iOS 15/14/13 taking forever to update" or the 'Download and Install button grayed out'.

To check this, head on to the Settings, navigate to the 'General' tab, then get into Storage & iCloud Usage -> Manage Storage to check the status of your device storage.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

1.3. Check If There Is Any Problem with Apple Server

Well, if you are still reading the article then most likely, the Apple server may have been experiencing tremendous traffic and has been down temporarily, triggering iOS 15/14/13 taking forever to update issues in not just your device but in several other devices too.

Or perhaps, you might have been trying to upgrade your device when the Apple server is under the maintenance process.

To ensure if it is the root cause of the disruption, you can check it with Apple customer service. Generally, when new software is released, the server is usually very busy and some stuck issues could happen.

In such a situation, we would suggest you wait and update your iPhone sometime later.

1.4. Reset Network Settings

You can reset the network settings in order to remove all the glitches that might have been creating hindrance in network connection if iOS 15/14/13 is taking forever to update.

  • Tap on 'Settings' and visit the 'General' button.
  • In the 'General' tab, select the 'Reset' and then hit on 'Reset Network Settings'.
  • If asked, then enter the passcode and proceed by confirming the selection.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

1.5. Force Restart iPhone

If iOS 15/14/13 is taking hours to update, you must go with the simplest way of solving the problem by forcing a restart on your iPhone. Depending upon your iPhone model, the restart is carried out in a different way. For your ease, we have listed all of them right here.

  • For iPhone 6 or older models, press the Home button and Power button together till you see the Apple logo on your screen.
  • For iPhone 7/7 Plus, press the Volume down button and Side button simultaneously till the apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 8 or later models including iPhone 12, quickly press the Volume up button and then Volume down button. Finally, hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

1.6. Use iTunes to Update iPhone

If you have tried out the other steps and iOS 15/14/13 update is still not completed, then you can try to install the newest version using iTunes. Here's what you need to do.

  • Connect your iPhone with the PC and launch the iTunes.
  • Select the device icon from the iTunes' screen and get into the 'Summary' section.
  • Tap on the 'Check for Update' button followed by the 'Download and Update' option. Your device would now be updated with the latest software iOS 15.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

A Common Solution for iOS 15/14/13 Update Taking Forever via iTunes

If you cannot normally update iPhone to iOS 15/14/13, you can restore iPhone by using iTunes.

In this part, we will focus on how to restore your device using the Recovery Mode with iTunes. Please note that this method will erase all data on your device.

  • Connect your iPhone and PC by the lightning cable and launch iTunes on your PC.
  • To get into Recovery Mode you need to follow the force restart steps mentioned in the former part of the article. But this time don't let go of the buttons on Apple icon, instead, keep holding the buttons till you get to see the following recovery screen on your iPhone. If you are not sure how to do that, check this guide.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

  • Your iPhone will be detected in recovery mode and you need to click OK. You now need to choose the 'Restore iPhone' option. Confirm your actions.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

After the process is complete, if you want to restore your iPhone from a previous backup, you can reconnect it to your PC. Launch iTunes again, get into the 'Summary' section and this time you need to choose the 'Restore Backup' option. Choose the desired backup file from the popup windows and hit 'Restore'.

If you want to restore individual app data from iTunes backup, you can try this tool - iTransor iPhone backup and restore tool.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

The All-in-One Software to Fix iPhone Updating for Hours via OTA/iTunes

If it takes too long to update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via OTA or iTunes, you cannot miss this all-in-one tool to solve this issue easily for you. Keep reading on. iMyFone Fixppo iOS System Recovery is one of the most amazing tools to quickly fix all the iOS-related issues.

Not only does this powerful tool help you deal with iOS update stuck issues like iOS 15/14/13 taking forever to update, but also it is able to fix issues with no data loss on your device.

Moreover, it can serve as the best alternative to iTunes which can avoid the similar issue of iPhone taking forever to update. Just give it a try!

  • Just 3 clicks are needed to solve the iPhone update taking so long issue or update your iPhone.
  • It can also reset iPhone/iPad/iPod touch without password, fixing the "Forgetting password" issue.
  • It is compatible with all iOS devices and iOS versions, including the latest iPhone 13/12 (Pro/mini) and iOS 15/14/13.
  • It also solves other iOS-related issues, like iOS/iPadOS downgrade, iPhone glitching after update, iPhone screen lagging and so on.
  • It has been proved to be trustworthy by many media sites around the world, like Makeuseof, Macworld, 9to5mac.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?
Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

Step 1.Get the tool installed over your computer and launch it. Now, select the 'Standard Mode' from the main screen.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

Then connect your device to the computer. If it is able to be detected, this program will proceed to the next step. If not, you need to put your device in DFU or Recovery Mode with the on-screen instructions.

Step 2.Now your device will be detected by the software and all the compatible firmware versions for your device will be offered. Choose a firmware version and click the 'Download' button now.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

Step 3.Lastly, once the firmware download is complete, hit the 'Start' button to continue. You just need to wait a short while.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

If you still have doubts about this tool, feel free to check other users' feedback.

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?
Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

Conclusion

With all the 8 methods provided in this article, the iPhone or iOS 15/14/13 taking forever to update issue can be perfectly solved. Different methods are offered for iPhone in different conditions and the iMyFone Fixppo can help you handle various iOS issues with simple clicks!

Does the iOS 15 update take a long time?

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Why does iPhone 15 update take so long?

If the download takes a long time You need an internet connection to update your device. The time it takes to download the update varies according to the size of the update and your internet speed. You can use your device normally while downloading the update, and your device will notify you when you can install it.

How long will iOS 15 take to install?

Upgrading from iOS 15.1 or 15.1. 1? Installation shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes. Expect slightly longer install times for any iOS older than this.

How long does the iOS 15 Apple update take?

This takes around 10-40 minutes depending on how much content you need to back up and sync. Make sure everything is backed up to iCloud or your PC/Mac by using iTunes or Finder respectively.

Why is iOS 15.1 taking so long to update?

The problem is typically caused by a partially downloaded update file or a problem with your Internet connection on the software side. Other software problems, such as a small bug in your current iOS version, may also be present. This may prevent your phone from receiving new updates.

Why is iOS 15 so slow?

The main reason is that even though you have installed the new iOS, there still are some background tasks your iPhone needs to perform. Limited available storage space. After updating iOS, your iPhone storage may be full. Correspondingly, iPhone starts to slow down after the update.

Why is my iOS update taking so long?

Why is my iOS update taking so long? There are many reasons as to why iOS update taking so long such as unstable internet connection, a corrupt or incomplete software download, or any other software-related issue. And the time it takes to download and install the update also depends on the size of the update. 2.