How to Fix Update Downloads Stuck at a Percentage on Android and iPhone

Ever felt the moment a phone update freezes at 50 percent right when you’re juggling calls, messages, and a time crunch? You’re not alone. Stuck downloads frustrate both Android and iPhone users, and the pause can feel like a tech snag you can’t dodge.

This guide pulls from common real world fixes you can try today. You’ll learn practical steps that don’t require a technician, and you’ll see how simple changes to storage, network, and settings can get the update back on track. We’ll cover both major platforms so you can move confidently whether you’re team Android or team iPhone.

First, you’ll see quick checks you can perform with ease. Free up space, secure a stable internet connection, and confirm the device has enough battery to run the update without interruptions. If one fix doesn’t do the job, you’ll have a short list of things to try next, so you’re not left guessing.

If you’re dealing with an update that stalls at a certain percentage, the goal is to remove the most common bottlenecks. That often means improving storage space, refreshing the connection, and sometimes restarting the update process from a clean state. These steps come from real world solutions that work for many users, not from theory.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, step by step plan to move past the hiccup quickly. Most issues resolve in minutes, and you’ll be back to using your smartphone with minimal downtime.

Why Phone Updates Get Stuck at a Certain Percent

When a phone update stalls at a specific percentage, it can feel like a brick wall. The pause usually comes from a bottleneck in the update process, not a faulty device. Understanding the common causes helps you fix the issue quickly and get back to a normal update cycle. Below are the main culprits and practical actions you can take right away.

Slow or Unstable Internet Connection

A weak or choppy connection is the most common reason updates freeze mid progress. Downloads need a steady stream of data to fetch large files, and even small drops can cause the bar to hang. Signal strength matters more than you might think; a brief drop in Wi-Fi or cellular data can reset the download timer or trigger a pause.

• What to check: Look at the network icon on your screen. If the signal is weak, move closer to the router, or switch to a more stable connection.
• Quick fixes:
  • Restart your router and reconnect to the network.
  • Switch from a VPN to a direct connection if you’re using one.
  • Pause the update for a moment, then resume to re-establish the download link.
• Extra tips: If you’re on public or unstable networks, consider using a trusted mobile hotspot or a more reliable Wi-Fi source.

Not Enough Storage Space

Updates require extra space to unpack files and install components. If the device runs low on storage, the system may halt the download at the current percentage to prevent a failed install.

• What to aim for: Leave about 5 to 8 GB free on iOS devices and a similar buffer on Android. This spare space accommodates temporary files created during the update.
• How to check: Open Settings and navigate to Storage. Look for apps or media you can move or delete to free space.
• What to do next: Clear cache for apps you don’t use often, offload unused apps, or move photos and videos to cloud storage or a computer before retrying.
• Caution: Temporary files can linger after an update starts. It may help to restart the device after freeing space and then start the update again.

Low Battery Levels

Most devices pause updates if the battery dips below a safety threshold. This precaution prevents a mid install shutdown that could brick the device or corrupt system files.

• Battery rule of thumb: Charge to at least 50 percent before starting an update, and keep the charger connected until the install finishes.
• What to do now: If you see the progress stall, plug in your phone and allow it to reach the threshold. Avoid updates on battery saver mode during the process, as it can throttle performance.

Busy Servers or Glitches

Even with strong connections and plenty of space, updates can stall due to server-side issues. Large rollouts sometimes encounter peak load, temporary outages, or minor software bugs that affect download and installation progress.

• What to watch for: Server status pages from Apple or the device maker can indicate current outages or heavy traffic.
• What to do: If the server is the culprit, waiting a bit and retrying is often enough. If the problem persists, you can pause and resume the update or restart the device to reset the update session.
• Extra note: Minor glitches after a fresh OS release are not uncommon. A simple restart can clear lingering processes that block progress.

If the update remains stuck after trying these fixes, the next best steps are to restart the update from a clean state or perform a targeted reset of update components. Most users experience a resolve within a few minutes to an hour, depending on the cause.

Quick Fixes to Restart Your Update Download

When an update stalls at a certain percentage, it can feel frustrating. The issue often isn’t the device itself but the way the download and install processes interact with networks, storage, and power. These quick fixes focus on practical, do‑it‑now steps you can take without waiting for a tech support visit. Try them in order, and you’ll usually see the download resume or complete within minutes.

Switch to Strong Wi‑Fi and Disable VPN

A weak or unstable connection is the most common cause of a download freezing mid progress. A solid, consistent network helps the update file download without hiccups. Here’s how to optimize your connection quickly, with a note on Android versus iPhone differences.

• Test your network speed: Run a speed test to confirm you’re getting reliable bandwidth. If the result is poor, switch to a more stable network.
• Improve your signal: If you’re far from the router, move closer or reconnect to a different 5 GHz channel if available. A short distance can make a big difference.
• Toggle airplane mode: Turn on airplane mode for 15–30 seconds, then turn it off to reset your wireless radios and reestablish a clean connection.
• VPN note: If you’re using a VPN, disable it during the update. VPNs can add latency or cause intermittent drops that disrupt the download.
• Android vs iPhone specifics: On Android, you can also try switching from cellular data to Wi‑Fi mid download, then back again if the device is capable. On iPhone, ensure updates use Wi‑Fi only and avoid tethering or personal hotspots during the process.

When the connection stabilizes, pause the update for a moment and then resume. A fresh link often clears the hang and lets the download proceed smoothly.

Charge Your Phone Fully

Power reliability matters more than you might expect during updates. A dip in battery can trigger protective pauses that interrupt the process. A simple, proactive approach pays off.

• Plug in before you start: Always begin updates with the device connected to a charger. If you’re already in the middle of an update, keep it plugged in.
• Wait until a safe threshold: Allow the battery to reach a stable level before continuing. A 50 percent or higher baseline is a good practice for most devices.
• Avoid battery saver modes: Updates run best when power isn’t throttled. Leave the device out of battery saver mode until the install completes.
• Stay patient: If the progress stalls while plugged in, give the device a few extra minutes to finish background tasks before retrying.

Patience matters because some updates use temporary files and buffers that only flush correctly when the device has ample power headroom. Keeping the phone charged reduces the risk of mid‑install failures and helps the download resume more reliably.

Clear Space on Your Device

Updates need free space for the files they unpack and for temporary work during installation. If space is tight, the system may pause at the current percentage to avoid a failed install.

• Check current free space: On iOS, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see how much space is available. On Android, Settings > Storage shows the free space and what’s occupying it.
• Create a buffer: Aim to leave roughly 5 to 8 GB free on iOS and a similar cushion on Android. Extra room helps the system handle temporary files created during the update.
• Free up by cleaning: Delete apps you rarely use, remove large videos or photos you can back up to the cloud, or offload unused apps. Clearing cached data for apps you don’t rely on can also recover space.
• Offload and move data: If your device supports it, offload unused apps or move media to cloud storage or a computer. This step can quickly free up several gigabytes.
• After freeing space: Restart the device, then start the update again. If you still see the same percentage, try pausing and resuming the download to reinitialize the process.

A healthy amount of free space reduces the risk of the download stalling again and gives the installer room to operate without competing with other system tasks.

If you’ve worked through these fixes and the update still won’t progress, you can try a clean reattempt: restart the download from scratch, reset update components (where supported), or perform a targeted reset of network settings. Most users find success within a short window, sometimes just a few minutes, once the bottleneck is addressed.

Advanced Steps When Basic Fixes Fail

When the quick checks and common fixes don’t move the update along, it’s time to take more precise actions. These steps target deeper causes like stuck processes, corrupted update files, or server-side delays. They’re safe to try at home and require minimal tech support. Think of them as the last mile before a full reset. If you’re a busy smartphone user, you’ll appreciate how these steps can save you from a full device refresh.

Force Restart Your Phone

A force restart can clear stuck processes that block the update from progressing. It resets the system state without erasing data. Use the following model-specific combos and note what each action typically clears.

• Samsung devices
  • How to force restart: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button for about 10 to 15 seconds until the device restarts.
  • What it clears: Active system processes that may be stuck, temporary cache in memory, and interrupted update threads.
• Google Pixel
  • How to force restart: Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds or until the screen goes dark and the device reboots.
  • What it clears: Minor software hiccups and stuck background tasks that can halt an update.
• iPhone
  • How to force restart: Quick press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • What it clears: Ongoing background tasks and a partially loaded update session that might resume cleanly after reboot.

After the device restarts, try the update again. If the progress returns but stalls again, move to the next option. A clean reboot often unlocks a stubborn download pipe.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Delete the Stuck Update File

Sometimes the update file itself gets corrupted during the download. Deleting it forces the system to fetch a fresh copy. This is a safe, targeted reset that often resolves the problem without a full reset.

• iOS
  • Path: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Update
  • What you’ll do: Delete the update file if present, then start the update again from Settings > Software Update.
• Android
  • Path varies by manufacturer, but generally: Settings > Storage > System update or Software update, then look for any downloaded update package to remove.
  • What you’ll do: Remove the downloaded update, then retry the download from the update screen.
• After deletion
  • Reboot the phone and attempt the update again.
  • If the download stalls again at the same percentage, try a fresh download over a different network for a clean start.

This action ensures you’re not fighting a partially downloaded or corrupted installer. It’s a straightforward way to reset the update’s local footprint.

Check Server Status Pages

Sometimes the bottleneck isn’t your device at all but the services that deliver the update. Server outages or heavy traffic can stall downloads across many devices.

• Apple iOS updates
  • Check Apple’s system status page for updates and related services. If services show issues, wait and retry, or switch networks to see if the problem is temporary.
• Google Android updates
  • Use Google’s general service status or trusted third party monitoring sites. If the servers are down, you’ll want to wait or retry after a short interval.
• Samsung One UI updates
  • Look at Samsung’s official channels for outage news, and confirm status on Downdetector for user-reported outages.

If the status pages show problems, your best move is to wait a bit and try again. If the problem persists for hours, consider trying a different network or a later update window. A server-side hiccup often clears up quickly.

Use Recovery Mode with a Computer

When all else fails, recovering the update from a computer can fix deeper issues. This approach resets the update session while preserving your data, provided you follow the steps carefully.

• For iPhone or iPad
  • Connect to a PC or Mac with iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and later). Put the device into recovery mode, then choose to update or restore as needed.
  • Safety notes: Updating via a computer does not erase your data if you choose the update option. A restore option will erase data, so back up first if possible.
• For Android
  • Connect the device to a computer with Android SDK tools or use the device’s recovery options. In some cases you’ll flash a clean system image or reflash a factory image.
  • Safety notes: Flashing can erase data if you choose a full restore. Ensure you have backups before proceeding. Use official software from the device maker or trusted tools.

What to expect

• The computer-based recovery can repair corrupted update components that aren’t removable from the device alone.
• It may take longer than a standard update, but it often resolves stubborn stalls.
• If you’re unsure about any step, consult the official support resources for your device model.

If you reach this stage and still see no progress, you may be facing a rare hardware issue or a carrier-level constraint. In that case, reaching out to the device maker’s support team or your carrier can save time and prevent data loss.

Images may be used to illustrate the section where helpful, ensuring they add practical context and do not overwhelm the guide with visuals. The goal is to support understanding, not to distract or oversaturate the article.

Prevent Stuck Updates in the Future

Keeping updates from stalling in the first place saves time and prevents headaches. This section lays out practical habits you can adopt so your next Android or iPhone update goes smoothly. Think of it as a preflight checklist for your smartphone. By building these habits, you reduce the risk of a download sitting at a percentage and you stay on top of the latest features and security fixes.

Photo by Andrey Matveev

Build a pre-update routine

A quick routine before you initiate an update can prevent many common hiccups. Create a short, repeatable process that you follow every time.

• Charge and connect: Plug in your device and ensure it stays on a charger during the update. A steady power supply matters more than you think.
• Free space first: Aim for 5 to 8 GB free on both iOS and Android. More space means fewer temporary bottlenecks during unpacking.
• Stable network: Prefer a reliable Wi‑Fi connection over cellular data. If you must use mobile data, test the connection first and switch networks if you notice drops.

Maintain healthy storage long before updates

Low storage can quietly sabotage an update. Build a habit of clearing space regularly so you’re not reacting to a full storage warning.

• Free up periodically: Move photos to cloud storage, offload unused apps, and clean cached data from apps you rarely use.
• Organize media: Regularly back up photos and videos to a computer or cloud, then remove duplicates and large files you don’t need on device.

Optimize your network environment

A smooth download depends on a stable network near the moment you start the update.

• Use a trusted network: Avoid public or shared networks when possible. If you must use public Wi‑Fi, enable a VPN only when necessary and disable it during the update to reduce latency.
• Pause and resume if needed: If the connection wobbles, pause the update briefly and then resume to reestablish a clean download path.
• Limit interference: Turn off other devices that share the same network and reduce bandwidth hogs like video streaming during the update window.

Schedule updates strategically

Timing can make a big difference. The goal is to run updates when servers aren’t overloaded and your device can dedicate full attention to the install.

• Off-peak windows: Plan updates in the morning or late evening when network traffic is lighter.
• Manual updates when possible: Disable automatic downloads for updates so you control when the files are fetched.
• Reserve time: Set aside a window of 15 to 30 minutes, so you aren’t rushed if the process takes longer.

Keep firmware and apps aligned

Outdated companion software can complicate updates. A quick alignment helps prevent stalls.

• Check companion apps: Some updates depend on the latest framework or app versions. Update essential apps that support the OS before starting the system update.
• Clear app caches responsibly: If you must free space, consider clearing caches for apps that store large temporary files. This can free space without deleting personal data.

Save backups, not just before, but after

Backups protect your data if something goes wrong during the update, and they give you confidence to proceed.

• Local and cloud backups: Schedule a quick local backup to your computer and a cloud backup of essential data before updating.
• Verify restores: It’s worth testing a quick data restore after a backup to confirm you’re prepared.

Stay informed with official channels

Knowing when issues arise helps you plan better. Follow official status pages so you don’t waste time on workarounds during a server hiccup.

• Apple and Google status pages: Check for ongoing outages or known issues with updates.
• Manufacturer channels: Some brands publish update timelines and known issues for specific devices.

Build resilience with a lightweight fallback plan

Emergencies happen, but you can stay calm with a fallback plan.

• Alternative update path: If the primary update stalls, know how to install the update via a computer or can temporarily revert to a safe state.
• Minimal disruption backups: Have essential data secured so you can proceed with confidence even if the device needs a longer update session.

By adopting these practices, you reduce the odds of an update getting stuck. A thoughtful approach to battery life, storage, network quality, and timing keeps your smartphone ready for the latest features with minimal downtime.

Conclusion

Most stuck update downloads resolve quickly with a focused checklist. The root cause is usually space, network, or power, not a failing phone. By keeping a calm, methodical approach you can push past the pause in minutes.

Key fixes to keep in mind

• Free up storage space. Aim for a comfortable buffer so the installer can work without competing tasks.
• Check the connection. Switch to a stable network, pause and resume, or test a different network if needed.
• Keep power steady. Plug in the device and avoid battery saver modes until the install finishes.
• Retry after a clean start. If the update stalls again, delete the stuck file and start the download fresh.
• Verify server status. If the release is overloaded, waiting a short while before retrying often helps.

These steps cover the majority of cases you’ll encounter with both iPhone and Android devices. It’s reassuring to know that many updates simply need a cleaner download path or a little extra room to unpack. A quick reboot, a reset of network settings, or a restart from a clean state can save you from a full device refresh.

If you’ve already tried these steps, you’re not far from a smooth update. Most users experience progress once the bottleneck is addressed. Remember to back up important data before major updates so a hiccup won’t turn into a data worry.

Share your experience in the comments or bookmark this guide for later. Here’s to hassle‑free updates and a smartphone that stays current with minimal downtime.