5 Working Ways to Fix iPad Stuck on Verifying Update in 2024

Have you ever wondered, “Why is my iPad not moving past the update verification stage? It’s been like this for nearly a day, and nothing I do, be it trying to cancel the action or power it off, seems to work. I even attempted a force restart, but the slide to power off option won’t appear. My MacBook doesn’t recognize it either, even after I’ve trusted the device. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do?“

Typically, the process of verifying an update only lasts a few minutes, culminating in a successful iOS update. However, there are times when your iPad might remain stuck on the verifying update screen for hours, a situation that’s more common when attempting to install the latest iOS 17 Beta.

Fortunately, this problem can be resolved. Explore the five strategies listed below to overcome this hurdle and successfully update your iPad.

What Causes an iPad to Get Stuck During Update Verification?

Verification is a key step in the update process for iPhones and iPads. However, if it’s been longer than an hour and you’re left wondering why your iPad isn’t updating, there could be a few issues at play:

• Poor internet connectivity.
• Insufficient storage space on your iPad.
• Bugs in the iPad update.
• The update download was interrupted.

Resolving an iPad Stuck on Verifying Update

Unfortunately, if your iPad has frozen during an update, the iOS update cannot complete as intended. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of five methods, both free and premium, to address this issue.

Below is a brief comparison to help you make an informed decision before we delve into the detailed steps of each solution.

Method 1: How to Force Restart Your iPad

One of the simplest and fastest ways to escape the iPad’s verifying update limbo is through a force restart. This action helps to eliminate temporary glitches and memory issues that might hinder processes such as updates.

By force restarting, you give the system a fresh start, allowing it to proceed with the update. Depending on whether your iPad has a home button, there are two different ways to perform a force restart.

Follow these steps:

For iPads with a home button:

• Simultaneously press and hold the top (or side) and home buttons. Release them when the Apple logo appears.

For iPads without a home button:

• Quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button.
• Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears, then release the button.

Drawbacks:

While a force restart is effective for minor issues, it may not resolve more complex software problems.

Method 2. Solve iPad Update Verification Issues Safely

One of the most effective ways to address an iPad that’s stuck on verifying an update is through the use of specialized third-party software, like ReiBoot iOS Repair.

This tool is capable of resolving over 150 iOS issues across various Apple devices, including installing the most recent iOS update. The greatest advantage of using this tool is its ability to fix problems without causing any data loss or requiring an iTunes backup.

Features of this tool:

• Enables the upgrade and downgrade of iOS systems.
• Allows for iOS device reset without needing a Passcode, iTunes, or Finder.
• Facilitates entering or exiting Recovery Mode with just a single click.
• Addresses a wide range of iOS and iTunes errors, including 4013 and 4005.

Follow these steps to fix issues with your iPad not being able to check for updates using Tenorshare ReiBoot:

1. Download and install the ReiBoot tool on your computer, open it, and connect your iPad to your PC. Click “Start Repair.”



2. Once your iPad is recognized, select “Standard Repair.” The tool will then download the necessary firmware for the repair.





3. To commence the repair, press “Start Standard Repair.”

Following these steps, ReiBoot will fix the iPad stuck on the verifying update issue, and your device will restart with the latest version of iPadOS installed.

Method 3. Reestablish Network Settings

Often, issues with network connectivity can lead to the ‘iPad unable to check for update’ problem, as updates rely on server communication. If your internet connection seems stable yet the problem persists, resetting your network settings could be the solution.

Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the home screen, tap “Settings“, and select “General“.
2. Go to “Reset” and then tap on “Reset Network Settings“.

Drawbacks:

• This action will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN configurations, as well as disable Wi-Fi Assist.
• If the root of the problem is your internet connection, this method may not be effective.

Method 4. Remove and Redownload iPad Update Firmware

Should your iPad halt during an update, it’s possible the downloaded update file is corrupted or incomplete. Erasing this file allows your iPad to obtain a new, unblemished installation file directly from Apple.

Follow these instructions to delete the iPad update firmware:

1. From your home screen, open “Settings” and select “General“.
2. Navigate to “iPad Storage“. Locate the iOS update your iPad has attempted to install, tap on it, and then choose “Delete Update“.





3. Once the update is deleted, reboot your iPad and attempt the update again. This action often circumvents the update verification bottleneck.

Drawbacks:

• This procedure only removes the downloaded update but does not address underlying software issues that may also cause freezing.
• Simply deleting the firmware does not guarantee a fix if there are more significant software problems.
• Re-downloading the update might require substantial time, depending on your internet connection and the size of the update file.

Method 5. Utilize a Computer to Update the iPad

If all previous methods fail to resolve the iPad’s stuck screen during update verification, underlying OS problems could be the culprit. A solution in such scenarios is to reset your iPad to its factory settings. This process erases all content, providing a fresh start for your device.

Follow these steps:

1. Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iPad via USB.
2. Select “Summary“, then click on “Restore iPad“. Confirm the restoration prompt, and iTunes will commence erasing all data and reinstalling iPadOS from the backup.

Drawbacks:

• Success with this method assumes access to a computer and a prior iTunes backup.
• The restoration process will eliminate all existing data on the iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPad get stuck on an update?

Possible reasons include connectivity problems, insufficient storage, software bugs, or corrupted update files.

How can I move past the ‘verifying update‘ screen?

To bypass the verifying update screen, perform a force restart by simultaneously pressing the power and home buttons until you see the Apple logo. Alternatively, you might need to reset your network settings or delete the problematic update file.

What should I do if my iPad freezes and refuses to turn off?

In case your iPad is frozen and won’t shut down, try a force restart by holding down the power and home buttons. If that fails, let the battery fully drain before recharging, or seek assistance from Apple Support.

Conclusion

Dealing with an iPad that’s stuck on verifying an update can be frustrating, but there are five methods you can try to resolve the issue. While each solution has its own set of potential drawbacks, such as data loss or varying degrees of effectiveness, Tenorshare ReiBoot stands out as an exceptional tool. It offers an effortless solution to fix over 150 iOS issues without leading to data loss and is capable of reinstalling the latest version of iPadOS.