6 Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now [iOS 18/17]

As Apple continues to roll out new versions of iOS 17, including the latest iOS 17.2, many users are choosing to update their iPhones. However, there are problems with iPhones getting stuck on the 'Install Now' stage of the iOS 17 update, which can take up to an hour and a half without making any progress. Why does my iPhone just say 'Install now'? This article will explain the reasons behind the issue and provide solutions to fix iPhone (iOS 17) stuck on 'Install now'.

• Part 1: Why Does My iPhone Just Say 'Install Now'?
• Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Stuck on 'Install Now'?
• Solution 1: Check for the Network Connection and iPhone Power
• Solution 2: Check for the iPhone Storage
• Solution 3: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now by Force Restart
• Solution 4: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now with Erase All Content (data loss)
• Solution 5: Using iTunes/Finder (data loss)
• Solution 6: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now with iSumsoft iOS Refixer (no data loss)

Part 1: Why Does My iPhone Just Say 'Install Now'?

Why is it taking so long for an iPhone to install? It's confusing that the iPhone is stuck on the 'Install now' stage while updating iOS 17. Depending on the size of the install package, it typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes. If it takes more than an hour to install, something is wrong. Here are the possible reasons for iOS 17 being stuck on 'Install now':

• Software Bugs and Glitches - This is the most likely reason that iPhone keeps saying 'Install now'. It is not uncommon for users to fail to update iOS 17, causing various issues during the installation. Apart from the one mentioned above, users may also get stuck in Update Requested and even freeze on the Apple logo.
• Network Connectivity - Make sure you have connected to a stable Wi-Fi or Cellular network. If disconnected from the network, it is inevitable that the iPhone stuck on Install Now.
• Storage Space - If your device doesn't have enough storage space, you will fail to update iPhone.
• iPhone Power - Updating iOS uses more iPhone power than usual, make sure your phone power is above 80%.
• Device Compatibility - To update to iOS 17, check if your device supports the iOS 17. This version supports iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), iPhone XR, iPhone XS and newer iPhone models.

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Stuck on 'Install Now'?

This section will present you with 6 practical and effective methods for solving this problem, and you will be able to choose the best one on the basis of your situation.

Solution 1: Check for the Network Connection and iPhone Power

When iPhone stuck on the 'Install Now' stage, the first step is to make sure that your iPhone is connected to a stable and available network and, additionally, that your iPhone has enough battery power. If not, consider switching to a different network and charging your phone. You can go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, then enter your Screen Lock passcode to proceed, which allows you to reset your network.

Solution 2: Check for the iPhone Storage

To update iOS, the available space must be larger than the size of the iOS software. To check the storage on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, you may see the used and available space on the top screen, followed by a list of recommendations and installed apps with the amount of storage each one uses. For the unnecessary apps, you can tap it and then continue to tap delete to access more available space.

Solution 3: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now by Force Restart

Considered the simplest and most effective way, force restart may help you address iPhone stuck on 'Install Now'. Here's how to conduct a force restart:

Step 1: Press and quickly release the volume up button.

Step 2: Press and quickly release the volume up button.

Step 3: Press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.

Solution 4: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now with Erase All Content (data loss)

If you restart your device but remain on Install Now, you can choose to Erase All Content and Settings from your iPhone, which will set the device to default. From Settings, tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings > Continue. Then follow the onscreen instructions to reset your device.

Solution 5: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now with iTunes/Finder (data loss)

iTunes and Finder are official tools for Windows and Mac, respectively. You can use either of them to attempt to repair your iPhone. However, please note that this method may also lead to data loss unless you have previously backed up your device. Follow these steps to use iTunes or Finder:

Tips: iTunes must be the latest version.

Step 1: Connect your device to your computer, then launch iTunes.

Step 2: Click the Device icon on the interface.

Step 3: Select Summary on the left sidebar, then Click Update and then follow the onscreen instructions to reset your iPhone.

Note: For Finder, its operations are similar to iTunes. Connect the iPhone to the Mac and start Finder, then click your device and click General > Update, and follow the instructions to complete the process.

Solution 6: Fix iPhone Stuck on Install Now with iSumsoft iOS Refixer (no data loss)

If you prefer to resolve the issue without losing any data, iSumsoft iOS Refixer a powerful iOS repair tool, is an ideal solution, providing two modes: Standard and Advanced. The Standard mode allows you to fix the "iPhone stuck on Install Now" problem without data loss, while the Advanced mode helps you address more complex iOS-related issues.

Learn how to use iSumsoft iOS Refixer:

Step 1: Download and install the software on your computer. Then connect your iPhone to the computer and launch the application.

Step 2: From the Home page, select System Repair.

Step 3: Select Standard Mode.

Step 4: Click Start to begin fixing the iPhone stuck on the Install Now issue.

Step 5: You are required to download a firmware package by clicking Download.

Step 6: After the successful download, click Repair to proceed.

Step 7: When 'Repair Successfully' appears on the screen, the issue has been fixed successfully and you can click Done to exit the program.