New iPhone Stuck on Software Update During Setup? 5 Fixes!

"Hey all, I bought a brand-new iPhone 15 today and started setting it up, and transferring my data from my old iPhone 13. All went fine until it forces me to update to the iOS 18 and then it gets stuck. I waited for about 2 hours for it to proceed but nothing happened. Any tips on how to fix this or am I just screwed?" — from Reddit

If you’ve recently bought a new iPhone and are stuck on the software update screen during the setup process, you're not alone. Many new iPhone users have faced the same frustrating issue: the device seems to hang on the update, preventing you from completing the initial setup. This can be especially troublesome if you’re excited to start using your new phone but can’t get past the setup process.

In this article, we'll explore why your new iPhone might be stuck on the software update and provide you with several effective methods to resolve the issue. Whether you are trying to skip the update, restart the phone, or use a computer to fix it, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into each method to help you get your iPhone back up and running smoothly.

• Why Is New iPhone Stuck on Software Update During Setup
• Method 1: Force Restart Your iPhone
• Method 2: Skip Software Update during Setup
• Method 3: Wait for It to Fix Itself
• Method 4: Fix with iSumsoft iOS Refixer
• Method 5: Update and Restore iPhone Using iTunes

Why Is New iPhone Stuck on Software Update During Setup

When setting up a new iPhone, if you choose to transfer data from an old iPhone, the system will prompt you to update the software before proceeding. However, sometimes the software update takes too long or even gets completely stuck. There are several reasons why this could happen:

Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: The software update requires a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection to complete. If your Wi-Fi connection is slow, intermittent, or drops during the process, the update might fail or freeze.

Heavy Server Traffic from Apple: When Apple releases a new iOS update, millions of users try to download and install it at the same time. This can overload Apple’s servers, leading to delays or errors during the update process.

Corrupted or Interrupted Update File: If the update file becomes corrupted during the download process, the iPhone might be unable to install it correctly. This could happen if there is an issue with the download, like an interruption or network problem. The update process could then get stuck, as the device keeps trying to apply a faulty file.

Method 1: Force Restart Your iPhone

If your new iPhone is stuck on the Software Update screen during the setup, the first step you should try is to force restart the device. Many users have reported that after a force restart, the software update is complete, allowing them to continue transferring data and complete the iPhone setup.

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Method 2: Skip Software Update during Setup

If your iPhone is still stuck, another effective solution is to skip the software update during the initial setup process. By doing so, you can complete the setup without waiting for the update to finish, and then update your iPhone later at your convenience.

Step 1: Set It Up Again without Transferring Data

1. When your iPhone is stuck on the Software Update screen, press and hold the Side button.

2. When a menu appears with an option to start Over, tap on it to restart the setup process.

3. During the setup process, when you are prompted to transfer data from iCloud or your old iPhone, choose the option to skip this step.

4. Complete the rest of the setup steps. Since you’ve skipped the data transfer, the setup should proceed without encountering the software update screen.

Step 2: Update iOS via Settings

In your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install the iOS update.

Step 3: Transfer Data

1. If you want to transfer data from your old iPhone, erase your new iPhone first by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

2. Once your iPhone is erased, set it up again and transfer data from your old iPhone, and this time, you won’t be stuck on Software Update screen.

Method 3: Wait for It to Fix Itself

Several users have reported that simply leaving it alone for a moment and it will fix itself. While this may sound counterintuitive, sometimes the iPhone just needs more time to complete the software update, especially if the process is being delayed by factors such as slow internet speeds or temporary server issues. If you're not in a rush, this method can be an easy way to get past the update screen without taking any further steps.

Method 4: Fix with iSumsoft iOS Refixer

If you’ve tried the methods above, I believe that the issue is most likely resolved. However, if your new iPhone is still stuck on the Software Update screen, you may want to consider using iSumsoft iOS Refixer as your next step. This powerful tool is designed to fix a variety of iOS issues, including devices stuck on the software update screen, boot loops, and more.

1. On your computer, download and install iSumsoft iOS Refixer, then launch the software.

2. Select System Repair.

3. Select Standard Mode, and on the next page, click Start to confirm your selection.

4. Click Next after ensuring your iPhone is connected to your computer via USB cable. The software then automatically detects your iPhone.

5. Click Download to download the latest firmware package for your iPhone.

6. Click Repair to begin fixing your iPhone, then wait for the process to complete.

7. When the software prompts that the repair was successful, your new iPhone has been repaired and updated to the latest iOS.

8. You can now proceed with setting up your new iPhone, and during this process, you can transfer data without being prompted for a software update.

Method 5: Update and Restore iPhone Using iTunes

If you prefer not to use a third-party solution, another option is to update and restore your iPhone using iTunes. Several users report that this also works!

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

2. Press and release the Volume Up button, and press and release the Volume Down button, then hold the Side button until the recovery mode appears.

3. Open iTunes on your computer, but do not sign in with an Apple ID.

4. Choose Restore in iTunes, and click Update and Restore.

5. iTunes will restore your iPhone to factory settings, which erases your iPhone and installs the latest iOS on it.

6. When the restore is complete, set up your iPhone again, and this time you won’t be prompted for an update.

Conclusion

If your new iPhone is stuck on the software update screen during setup and transferring data, there are several ways to resolve the issue. Whether it’s due to slow internet speeds, server congestion, or a simple software glitch, most of the time, the problem can be fixed by waiting, force restarting, or skipping the update during setup. If those methods don’t work, you can also try advanced solutions like using iSumsoft iOS Refixer or restoring your iPhone through a computer. These are effective methods shared by users on Reddit.

In most cases, the issue can be resolved with patience and the right troubleshooting steps. However, if the problem persists, reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance might be necessary. With these solutions, you can quickly get past the update screen and continue setting up your iPhone without further delay.