How to Fix Software Update Failed

The update for iOS 17 Beta keeps giving me an error: software upgrade failed. An error occurred while downloading 16 Beta. Not sure why and how do I fix failed to update software.

Software updates can fix many iPhone glitches like iPhone flashing Apple logo, iPhone stuck on lock screen, etc. However, you may meet situations like the above users said – iOS software update failed, iOS 17/16 keep failing, iPhone stuck on the update requested, etc.

It is one of the most common issues when people download iOS software updates to cause updates to take so long. When iPhone won’t update, you may get messages that say the iPhone could not be updated. an unknown error occurred, iPhone could not be updated error 4000 on iTunes. Now, we’ll show you the reasons and some quick methods to fix the problem.

Why Is My Software Update Failing?

Firstly, let’s start with the reasons why you’re unable to update your iPhone or iPad. Maybe one of the reasons caused the error:

• Not enough available storage space on your device.
• Downloading the update takes a long time.
• Unable to reach the update server.
• The update doesn’t complete.
  

  Software Update Failed Error on iPhone

8 Ways to Fix Software Update Failed Issue

1. Remove and download Software Update again

If you can’t install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, you can try downloading the update again:

1. Go to Settings > General > [Your Phone name] Storage.
2. Find the update in the list of apps.
3. Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
4. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.

2. How to Successfully Update iPhone Software on Mac/PC

AnyFix – iOS System Recovery is the ultimate iOS system repair tool that supports you to upgrade or downgrade iOS. You can upgrade or downgrade to any version of iOS as long as Apple is still signing it. Therefore, you can take an early peek at the latest iOS beta version, and successfully update to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 if you’re suffering from software update failed error. All it takes is just a few clicks of the mouse, and no complicated manual operations.

Besides, AnyFix allows you to check for iOS problems and fix the corrupted system. You can fix all the update issues, like iPhone or iPad won’t update, update requested, stuck on verifying update, etc.

With AnyFix, you can choose to update to the latest iOS version directly. Or, you can repair the iOS system and then update it on your iPhone. Here we will first show you the steps to update to iOS 17.

Step 1: Get the latest version of AnyFix on your Mac or PC > Launch the software and connect your iPhone via USB cable.

Step 2. Click on Upgrade/Downgrade iOS from the main interface.

Step 3. Select 1 click to upgrade iOS/iPadOS and click Start Now.

Step 4. Download the firmware version from the list > Head to Upgrade after downloading.

Step 5. Once the Upgrade is completed, you can check it on your device now – iOS 17 is successfully updated on your iPhone.

Also, if you want to fix software problems like iPhone black screen, iPhone won’t turn on, etc., go back to main screen and choose System Repair.

3. Close Software Update Failed Window and Try Again

On the “Software Update Failed” pop-up, you will see two options: “Close” and “Settings”. Tap on the “Close” button to exit this error message, wait for a few minutes, and then tap on “Download and Install” again. This time if it is still stuck on that error screen, close it and try again.

4. Wait for a Few Hours

Although the new iOS is shiny and very attractive, you won’t need to rush to the great mass fervor of downloading new iOS. Just wait for a few hours and even several days, it will be much smoother to download iOS over the air. Meanwhile, there are many things to do: back up your iDevice, reclaim enough storage space, or read iOS reviews online.

5. Check the Internet Connection

iOS update needs a stable wifi connection and enough battery. So if your update takes a long time to download even update fails, you need to check your wifi connection. Firstly, restart your Wi-Fi with a strong and stable Internet connection. If it’s still not working, here are the steps to reset network settings: Open Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

6. Manage Your iPhone Storage

Sometimes, an iOS software update failure can appear if your device doesn’t have enough space to download and install an update. So you need to manage the storage to free up some space by deleting unwanted apps, photos, videos, cache, and junk files, etc.

Open Settings > General > Tap “iPhone Storage” to view and manage storage.

7. Try to Update via iTunes

Because the “Software Update Failed” error seems to only happen to users who upgrade on iDevice directly, you can try upgrading to new iOS 13 or iOS 12.4/12 by using iTunes on the computer. We’ve heard many users successfully download new iOS on the computer instead of OTA.

8. Upgrade with IPSW File (For Advanced Users)

This method is for advanced users who are familiar with firmware files and is capable of manually updating to iOS software update with the IPSW file. This option can be the best way to bypass the “Software Update Failed” error message. Before you do this, remember to fully backup your iPhone.

1. Download the correct IPSW file.
2. Open iTunes, and connect your iPhone to the computer.
3. In the Summary, you should see the “Restore iPhone…” button.
4. Hold down the Shift key and click on Restore iPhone….
5. Select the downloaded IPSW file.
6. The iTunes restore will install the iOS version you choose on your iDevice.
7. Then, restore from the backup you just created to get all data back.

Further Reading: How to Downgrade to Unsigned iOS >

The Bottom Line

All the tips above are trying to help you out of Software Update Failed Error for the newest iOS 17. And AnyFix is an iOS solution that allows you to update to iOS 17 directly. Besides, you can fix other update failures with AnyFix. Feel free to download and try it now! If your devices did make it, please share this post with your friends or on Twitter. If not, please tell us in the comments below.