5 Ways to Fix an iPad Stuck on Verifying Update (2024)

By . in Mobile. Updated on .

Updating your iPadOS typically takes only a few minutes. However, sometimes your iPad might get stuck on the verifying update screen, especially when installing the latest iPadOS 17 Beta.

Fortunately, there are ways to resolve this issue. Before we look into the solutions, let’s explore the common causes of an iPad getting stuck during an update.

Why Does an iPad Get Stuck?

If your iPad is stuck for longer than usual during an update, here are some issues at play:

  • Poor internet connection.
  • Not enough storage space on your iPad.
  • Bugs in the iPad update.
  • Interrupted update download.

Resolving an iPad Stuck on Verifying Update

Here is a list of five methods to address this issue. Below is a brief comparison to help you make a more informed decision about each method before we go into the details.

Methods Easy to Use Guaranteed Fix Risk of Data Loss Additional Features
1. Force Restart Yes No No N/A
2. Tenorshare ReiBoot Yes Yes No Solves over 150 iPadOS issues Enter/exit Recovery Mode Reset without a passcode Upgrade/downgrade iPadOS
3. Reset Network Settings Yes No Yes Resets Wi-Fi/VPN, Wi-Fi Assist Fixes corrupted firmware
4. Delete Update No No Yes Reverts to factory settings
5. Update via Computer Yes No Yes Enables iPad backup
Method 1: Force Restart Your iPad

One of the simplest and fastest ways to escape the iPad’s verifying update limbo is through a force restart. This action helps to eliminate temporary glitches and memory issues that might hinder processes such as updates.

By force restarting, you give the system a fresh start, allowing it to proceed with the update. Depending on whether your iPad has a home button, there are two different ways to perform a force restart.

Follow these steps:

For iPads with a home button:

  • Simultaneously press and hold the top (or side) and home buttons. Release them when the Apple logo appears.

For iPads without a home button:

  • Quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button.
  • Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears, then release the button.
    • Guide on how to force restart an iPad

Drawbacks:

While a force restart is effective for minor issues, it may not resolve more complex software problems.

Method 2. Solve with ReiBoot App

Another effective way to address an iPad that’s stuck on verifying an update is through the use of specialized third-party software, like ReiBoot iPadOS Repair.

This tool is capable of resolving over 150 iPadOS issues across various Apple devices, including installing the most recent iPadOS update. The greatest advantage of using this tool is its ability to fix problems without causing any data loss or requiring an iTunes backup.

Features of this tool:

  • Enables the upgrade and downgrade of iPadOS systems.
  • Allows for iPadOS device reset without needing a Passcode, iTunes, or Finder.
  • Facilitates entering or exiting Recovery Mode with just a single click.
  • Addresses a wide range of iPadOS and iTunes errors, including 4013 and 4005.

Follow these steps to fix issues with your iPad not being able to check for updates using Tenorshare ReiBoot:

  1. Download and install the ReiBoot tool on your computer, open it, and connect your iPad to your PC. Click “Start Repair.”
    2. Step 1 of iPad repair process with ReiBoot
  2. Once your iPad is recognized, select “Standard Repair.” The tool will then download the necessary firmware for the repair.
    3. Downloading firmware in ReiBoot
    Firmware download process
  3. To commence the repair, press “Start Standard Repair.”
    4. Starting the standard repair process

Following these steps, ReiBoot will fix the iPad stuck on the verifying update issue, and your device will restart with the latest version of iPadOS installed.

Method 3. Reset Network Settings

Often, issues with network connectivity can lead to the ‘iPad unable to check for update‘ problem, as updates rely on server communication. If your internet connection seems stable yet the problem persists, resetting your network settings could be the solution.

Follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the home screen, tap “Settings“, and select “General“.
  2. Go to “Reset” and then tap on “Reset Network Settings“.
    3. Network settings reset instructions

Drawbacks:

  • This action will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN configurations, as well as disable Wi-Fi Assist.
  • If the root of the problem is your internet connection, this method may not be effective.
Method 4. Delete Update

Should your iPad halt during an update, it’s possible the downloaded update file is corrupted or incomplete. Erasing this file allows your iPad to obtain a new, unblemished installation file directly from Apple.

Follow these instructions to delete the iPad update firmware:

  1. From your home screen, open “Settings” and select “General“.
  2. Navigate to “iPad Storage“. Locate the iPadOS update your iPad has attempted to install, tap on it, and then choose “Delete Update“.
    3. Guide to deleting iPad update from storage
    Confirmation step for update deletion
  3. Once the update is deleted, reboot your iPad and attempt the update again. This action often circumvents the update verification bottleneck.

Drawbacks:

  • This procedure only removes the downloaded update but does not address underlying software issues that may also cause freezing.
  • Simply deleting the firmware does not guarantee a fix if there are more significant software problems.
  • Re-downloading the update might require substantial time, depending on your internet connection and the size of the update file.
Method 5. Update via Computer

If all previous methods fail to resolve the iPad’s stuck screen during update verification, underlying OS problems could be the culprit. A solution in such scenariPadOS is to reset your iPad to its factory settings. This process erases all content, providing a fresh start for your device.

Follow these steps:

  1. Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iPad via USB.
  2. Select “Summary“, then click on “Restore iPad“. Confirm the restoration prompt, and iTunes will commence erasing all data and reinstalling iPadOS from the backup.
    3. Instructions for restoring iPad via iTunes

Drawbacks:

  • Success with this method assumes access to a computer and a prior iTunes backup.
  • The restoration process will eliminate all existing data on the iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPad get stuck on an update?

Possible reasons include connectivity problems, insufficient storage, software bugs, or corrupted update files.

How can I move past the ‘verifying update‘ screen?

To bypass the verifying update screen, perform a force restart by simultaneously pressing the power and home buttons until you see the Apple logo. Alternatively, you might need to reset your network settings or delete the problematic update file.

What should I do if my iPad freezes and refuses to turn off?

In case your iPad is frozen and won’t shut down, try a force restart by holding down the power and home buttons. If that fails, let the battery fully drain before recharging, or seek assistance from Apple Support.

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