Symptoms
- Progress bar stuck at 'verifying update'
- 'Preparing update' shows no progress for a long time
- Been stuck at the same step for over 30 minutes
- Update was downloading fine before this step
Likely causes
- CommonManufacturer's verification servers are busy, especially right after a new releaseMany phones try to verify updates simultaneously when a major release first goes out.
- CommonWeak Wi-Fi connection during the verification stepThis step still needs an active connection even though the file already downloaded.
- PossibleLarge update requiring more time to verify than expectedBigger OS updates naturally take longer at this stage.
- PossibleGenuinely stuck due to a corrupted downloaded fileA damaged download can hang indefinitely at verification instead of failing outright.
What to do
- Wait at least 30–45 minutes before assuming it's truly stuck, especially right after a major release.
- Confirm the phone remains connected to strong Wi-Fi throughout.
- If stuck well beyond a reasonable time, force restart the phone.
- Delete the downloaded update and redownload it fresh.
- Try again during off-peak hours (later at night) if this is a newly released update.
- Update via a connected computer's software tool if the phone-based method keeps failing.
- Free up storage space in case low space is silently affecting the process.
Tools and parts
- Computer with cable (if needed)
When to call a pro
If it remains stuck for hours across multiple attempts and a computer-based update also fails, contact the manufacturer's support.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.