iOS 11 Beta 6 or Public Beta 5 Stuck On Preparing Update? Here’s How to Fix It

BY Ali Hassan Mahdi

Published 17 Aug 2017

Apple released the sixth beta version of iOS 11 to developers a few days back. The update, which was followed by the release of public beta 5, comes with a number of bug fixes and improvements. The most notable changes are the new icons of some stock iOS apps, such as the App Store, Reminders, and Maps app. Additionally, there’s a new zoom-in animation when you unlock your iPhone.

Users who are part of the Apple Developer Program can install the latest OTA update from Settings > General > Software Update. While most users have been able to download and install the beta update without any issues, some are faced with a frustrating problem where the software update gets stuck on the “Preparing Update…” message and doesn’t seem to get past it.

If you just decide to wait until the message disappears or the issue magically resolves itself, then you’ll be disappointed because the update may remain stuck on that message forever. Luckily, there is a way to fix this issue and it can be done in a matter of minutes. Follow the steps below to find out how to fix iOS 11 beta update stuck on “Preparing Update…” message.

How to Fix iOS 11 Beta Update Stuck on “Preparing Update”

To fix this issue, you’ll have to delete the OTA update file from your device, then reinitiate the download process. The steps below will show you how it’s done.

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to General > iPhone Storage. Wait for a couple of seconds until all the storage data are loaded.

Step 3: Here you’ll find a list of all the apps and files that are taking space on your iPhone along with their storage space. Find and open the iOS OTA update file.

Step 4: Tap on the Delete button to remove the OTA update and all of its faulty files from your device.

Step 5: Now that you have removed the faulty update that was causing issues, you have to redownload it. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 6: You’ll notice that the “Preparing Update” message has disappeared and instead, it will state that an iOS 11 update is available for download. Tap on the Download & Install button to begin the download process again.

Hopefully, this time the OTA update should be downloaded without any issues. Make sure that you have a properly working internet connection to avoid interruptions during the download process. If you face the same issue again, follow the same steps as above to delete the OTA update from your device and reinitiate the download process.

iOS 11 is an evolutionary update to iOS, with a major focus on improving iPad productivity. iOS 11 unifies lock screen and Notification Center, finally introduces a new Control Center, and brings major and minor redesigns for various stock apps. There’s an overarching design change in iOS 11 as well. While iOS 7 was all about minimalism and thinness, iOS 11 is all about being big and bold. This new design, with reduced information density, is starkest in the fully redesigned App Store.

Apple is expected to officially release iOS 11 to the public in September, along with the new iPhone 8 that has been making headlines for the past couple of months.

You may want to read the following articles to learn more about iOS 11: