How to Fix iPhone Frozen During iOS 26 Update

Every newly released iOS version is fixed with lots of awesome features and improvements. To enjoy the new features, most of us would update our iPhone or iPad to the latest version. However, some iOS users encountered some unexpected situations during updating and installing, such as iPhone frozen in the update process, getting stuck in a black screen, white screen, or even in a restarting loop.

In such cases, what should we do to solve the tricky situation and complete the update process successfully? Don’t worry. Here in the following, we have collected 4 reliable & efficient methods to help you fix the iPhone frozen during update issues with ease. Keep on!

You may also like: How long does it take to update iOS 26

Why Does iPhone Freeze During iOS 26 Update?

There are several reasons why your iPhone freezes during iOS 26 update. Generally, it can be caused by insufficient storage, low battery status, and poor network connection. That’s why it’s important to confirm your iPhone storage and charge it before updating. Some other reasons like software glitches and system incompatibility, can also lead to the iPhone frozen when updating iOS. Here we will introduce 3 efficient ways to solve this problem.

Method 1. Force Restart Your iPhone/iPad

A force restart is the most straightforward way to get your iPhone out of the frozen status during iOS 26 update. As you can’t control your iPhone by tapping on the screen, it’s better to use the buttons. Here’s how to force restart an iPhone:

• Quickly press and release the volume up button.
• Quickly press and release the volume down button.
• Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

If your iPhone boots into the system after force restarting, you can check the storage and battery status to ensure if it’s available for iOS 26 update. If the force restart not working, you can check the next solution.

Method 2. Fix iPhone Frozen During iOS Update [No Data Loss]

The iPhone frozen during iOS update issue can be stubborn because you can’t check anything in iPhone settings. But don’t worry, there is a more reliable way. AnyFix, as an iOS system repair tool, helps fix any iOS update issues on iPhone and iPad. It can quickly detect your device status and repair it without data loss. After that, your iPhone will be updated to the latest iOS version.

Why choose AnyFix?

• Fix iOS update issues without data loss.
• Upgrade or downgrade iOS without iTunes.
• Repair 150+ iOS system issues for iPhone/iPad.
• Support the latest iPhone 17 and iOS 26.

Steps to fix iPhone frozen during iOS update with AnyFix:

Step 1. Download and install AnyFix on your computer and connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Open AnyFix and select System Repair.

Step 3. Select the Update Issues option and click Start Now.

Step 4. Choose standard repair. It will not cause data loss on your iPhone.

Step 5. Download firmware for your iPhone.

Step 6. Click Fix Now once the firmware download is completed. When the repair is completed, your frozen iPhone will be back to normal now.

Method 3. Fix iPhone Frozen During iOS Update in iTunes [Data Loss]

If your iPhone freezes during an iOS update, you can also use iTunes or Finder to update iOS on a computer. This method is mainly recommended for those who have backed up their iPhone data. With this solution, your device will be put into recovery mode and restored to factory settings when updating. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer.

Step 2. Open iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac.

Step 3. Click Trust this computer when iTunes detects your device.

Step 4. Click Summary on the left iTunes main screen. Then click “Check for update“.

Step 5. Click the Update button to get the latest iOS version.

iTunes or Finder will start the update process immediately. Wait for the update to finish. After that, your iPhone will restart and be updated to a new iOS version.

FAQs About iPhone Frozen During iOS 26 Update

1. Can I stop an iPhone update in progress?

You can stop iOS update download progress on your iPhone by disconnecting from the network. But if it’s in the process of updating the system, you can’t stop it.

2. Why is my iPhone updating so long?

The update time depends on the size of the update and your storage. A major iOS update usually takes longer to update. Besides, you should always keep your iPhone connected to a strong WiFi and get it charged.

3. How to avoid my iPhone freezing during update?

To reduce the possibility of iPhone freezing during iOS update, you should first check its storage. Then connect to a stable network, charge your iPhone, and avoid any interruption during the update process.

The Bottom Line

We have explained why iPhone frozen during iOS update and provided you with 3 proven ways to fix this issue. By force restarting your iPhone, you can check if your iPhone is available for the update. Using iTunes/Finder to get the updates can help bypass the frozen issue on a computer, but it can cause data loss if you don’t have a backup. AnyFix stands out as a powerful tool to fix iPhone frozen when updating to a new iOS. It will fix the system issue along with updating your iOS to the latest version. Try AnyFix now and enjoy a seamless iOS update experience.