How to Fix the Unable to Verify Update iOS Error

iOS updates release the most advanced version of Apple’s operating system, but they seem to have come with more than their fair share of problems. While many people had trouble upgrading in the first place, with some experiencing the all-too-familiar “Unable to Verify Update iOS error,” those running the new iOS have also found their battery life seems to be draining much faster. While the latter doesn’t have a fix, just yet, here’s how to solve the other iOS errors. 

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How to fix the Unable to Verify Update iOS error

Make sure your phone is backed up (Go to Settings | General | Backup) before attempting to install any software. This, of course, is too late if you’re experiencing the issues above. Once you’re happy your data is safe, try the following to fix the Unable to Verify Update iOS error:

Shut Down the Settings App

1. Double-tap the “home button.” Swipe up on the Settings app until it disappears.
   
   
   
2. Reopen Settings and go to General.
   
   
   
3. Go to Software Update and attempt the install again.
   
   
   

Refresh your iPhone

If shutting the app doesn’t solve the problem, and you still get the Unable to Verify Update error message, refresh your iPhone or iPad guide. This refreshes your device’s memory and solves myriad other issues.

Power Source

To correctly install iOS updates, you’ll need a strong network connection and make sure there is enough battery to last for the duration of the update. We advise plugging the phone into a power source when carrying out any update.

Reset Network Settings

1. Go to Settings.
   
   
   
2. Go to General, scroll down and click on Reset.
   
   
   
3. Choose Reset Network Settings.
   
   
   
4. Then select Reset in the box that pops up.
   
   
   
5. When your device has completed the reset, rejoin your Wi-Fi network and try the update again.
   

Delete the Update

Sometimes corrupt update files are to blame. If you believe this to be the case:

1. Go to Settings
   
   
   
2. Go to General and then iPhone Storage
   
   
   
3. Scroll through until you see your current iOS update
   
   
   
4. Tap on Delete Update.
   
   
   
5. Go back to Settings, then Software Update and run the iOS update again.

How to Fix a Failed iOS Update

A small number of Apple users complained that updates have bricked their phone – a term used to describe a phone that can’t be used, making it as useful as a brick. Although there have been fewer issues with the rollout of iOS 11, some people are reporting issues. In particular, they’re experiencing an error that has been a regular problem in previous updates – the Unable to Verify Update iOS error.

If, while updating your phone to iOS 11, you’ve run into problems, here’s how to solve them. Alternatively, if you’ve installed iOS 11 and it’s causing apps to crash or your battery to overheat – an issue seen on older handsets –- you can revert back to a previous version, or complete a factory reset and try the installation again. If iOS 11 bricked your iPhone:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC’s USB or USB Type-C port via your charging cable.
   
2. Open iTunes. You may need to sign in to your Apple ID account. It also helps to be running the most up-to-date version of the iTunes software.
   
   
   
3. If iTunes is already open, close it and reopen.
   
   
   
4. Your phone needs to be in recovery mode to continue and the method of doing so depends on your handset.
   • On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and home buttons at the same time.
   • On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons at the same time.
   • On an iPhone 8 or newer, press the Volume Up button, then quickly press the Volume Down button and then press and hold the Side button till the iPhone reboots and you see the iTunes recovery screen on the iPhone.
     
5. A prompt will appear on iTunes on the Mac or PC asking whether you want to update or restore your phone.
   
   
   
6. Click Update.

The process shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes. If it does, or the Update screen fails to complete the process, repeat steps 1-3 again.

If you don’t have a PC or Mac, you can take the phone to an Apple store or authorised service provider. This method will also work if your iTunes doesn’t recognise your device or says it’s in recovery mode, if your screen is stuck on the Apple logo for several minutes with no progress bar, and you see the Connect to iTunes screen.

If you can’t update or restore your device with recovery mode, or you can’t use recovery mode because of broken buttons, contact Apple Support.

Wrapping Up

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Do you have any tips, questions or experience with fixing issues around iOS updates? Please share with us in the comment section below.