By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-06-26

100 % Helpful

iOS 26 Unable to Check for Update on iPhone? Here's the Fix

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-06-26 / Fix iPhone

I have been stuck on iOS 26 beta software update for a couple of hours. I’m on the update requested screen and nothing has progressed, is there any action I should take?

Many iOS users have reported recently that their iPhone unable to check for update iOS 26, taking long time for downloading process, reaching the server failed and stuck on the update screen motionless.

So, here in this article, we are going to fix the iPhone/iPad stuck on checking for update. We have gathered up an entire list of solution that can be helpful to fix iPhone/iPad check for update stuck.

Why does It Say Unable to Check for Update on iOS 26?

Unable to Check for Update iOS 26: Two Major Scenarios Users Encountered

One-Click Solution to Fix "iOS 26 Unable to Check for Update Issues"

Other Solutions to Resolve iPhone Unable to Check for Update iOS 26

Why does It Say Unable to Check for Update on iOS 26?

Why does my iPhone say "unable to check for update"? There are several possible reasons. Understanding the root cause can help you choose the most effective solution:

Unstable Wi-Fi – A weak or interrupted internet connection can block the update process.
Apple Server Issues – Sometimes Apple’s servers are down or overloaded.
System Glitch – Temporary iOS bugs may prevent update checks.
Low Storage – Not enough space on your device can stop updates.
Device Compatibility – Jailbroken or outdated devices may fail to connect properly.
New iOS Release Surge – iOS 26 was just released, so expect potential update delays or errors due to high server demand.

Once you know the cause, it’s easier to fix. Let’s move on to the solutions on how to fix unable to check for update iPhone.

Unable to Check for Update iOS 26: Two Major Scenarios Users Encountered

#1 iOS 26 Update Issue: "Unable to Check for Update" After Updating

Many users report that after upgrading to iOS 26, they encounter an "Unable to Check for Update" error on the iOS update page.

This issue appears to stem from a system glitch within iOS 26 itself, preventing the device from properly connecting to Apple’s update servers.

Common symptoms include a persistent error message when attempting to check for new updates, even with a stable internet connection. This problem affects iPhone and iPad users seeking to install the latest iOS patches or beta versions.

The Latest News:

The 'Unable to Check for Update' issue after updating to iOS 26 has been officially fixed by Apple.

#2 Unable to Check for Update for iOS 18 Users

Some iOS 18 users face difficulties checking for the iOS 26 update, as the option to update does not appear in the Settings app.

This issue may occur due to compatibility limitations, outdated software configurations, or server-side restrictions from Apple, preventing older iOS versions like iOS 18 from detecting the iOS 26 update.

Affected users often see no update prompt or receive an error when attempting to check for updates, leaving them unable to upgrade to the latest iOS version.

One-Click Solution to Fix "iOS 26 Unable to Check for Update Issues"

Whether you're seeing the "Unable to Check for Update" error after upgrading to iOS 26 or are stuck on an older version like iOS 18 and can't find the new update, the root cause is often a system glitch. Tenorshare ReiBoot is a professional iOS system repair tool designed to resolve these exact issues without data loss.

It directly targets and repairs the corrupted system files that prevent your device from communicating with Apple's update servers.

For users already on iOS 26: ReiBoot’s Standard Repair fixes the system bug causing the error, enabling proper future update checks.
For users unable to update from iOS 18: ReiBoot can easily update to iOS 26 without any hassle.

Download and launch ReiBoot on your computer. Choose "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" on the interface.
To install iOS 26, click on Upgrade on the interface.
Click on "Download" to begin downloading the latest iOS 26 beta firmware. ReiBoot will automatically detect and fetch the correct firmware package for your device.
The upgrade process will begin, and it may take a few minutes to finish.
Once the process is complete, click Done. Your iPhone will then reboot automatically with iOS 26 beta installed.

Note:

If you've upgraded to iOS 26 and it's still showing unavailable to check for updates, choose ReiBoot's standard repair feature to fix the issue.

Other Solutions to Resolve iPhone Unable to Check for Update iOS 26

While ReiBoot is a powerful tool to fix iOS update issues, it’s not the only solution available. If you’re still unable to check for the iOS 26 update, don’t worry—there are several other methods you can try.

Below, we’ll explore alternative troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the problem and get your iPhone up to date.

01. Check Compatibility
02. Check If Apple Server is Down
03. Check Network Connection
04. Restart Your iPhone/iPad
05. Force Restart your iPhone to Fix Check for Update Stuck
06. Free Up Enough Storage before Checking for Update
07. Reset Network Settings
08. Update iPhone using iTunes

Solution 1: Check Compatibility

We have to know that Apple give up update for some older devices every year. The iOS 26 is only available for iPhone xr or newer devices, except iPhone 8 and iPhone X or earlier.

So, if your iPhone 6 unable to check for update iOS 26, it is because the device is not supported by the new iOS version.

Solution 2: Check If Apple Server is Down

The first thing you need to do if your iPhone is unable to check for update is to check if the Apple Server is down. You should visit the Apple System Status web page.

If the server status is yellow that means there are some issues with the server and that's why the update is not showing up. You can contact the Apple support but they will also ask you to wait for some time until the server becomes active again.

If the status symbol is green that means everything is fine with the server and you have to check for another problem that might be causing the issue.

Solution 3: Check Network Connection

The network connection also plays a very big role while checking for the update. If your iPhone says "Unable to Check for Update" and you're not connected to the internet, the issue is likely due to a lack of internet access, which is required to download updates.

So check the Wi-Fi connection and also plug-in the charger. Disconnect the Wi-Fi and reconnect it after a few seconds and see if the problem is resolved.

Solution 4: Restart Your iPhone/iPad

If your iPhone is stuck on the “Checking for Update” screen, a simple restart might fix the issue. Follow the steps to restart your iPhone/iPad when iOS unable to check for update:

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the slider appears.
Then drag the slider to the right and turn off your iPhone/iPad.
Turn it back on by pressing the Sleep/Wake button and switch your device back on.
Now again check the update and see if the update is showing up or not.

Solution 5: Force Restart your iPhone to Fix Check for Update Stuck

In case none of the above methods works and you again got stuck at the update screen, then it is the time that you try the force restart. The forced restart will shut down the device, clear up the cache, and closes all the apps running in the background. So, if your iPhone check for update screen is stuck then try force restarting it.

For iPhone 8 and later: Press the Volume up button and quickly release it. Then press the Volume down button and quickly release it. Then press and hold the Lock button until the Apple logo comes up on the screen.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press the Lock button and Volume Down button and hold it for 10 seconds at least and let the buttons go after the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPad/iPhone 6 and older: Press the Home button and the Lock button for 10 seconds and wait until you see the Apple logo. Then turn back on by pressing the same buttons.

Solution 6: Free Up Enough Storage before Checking for Update

Sometimes, when there is not enough space on the iPhone/iPad to download and install the latest update. This would make it unable to check for update for iOS 26 and you will have to delete some of the apps from the device to make up space for the update. You won't have to worry about the data as the data will stay safe during and after the update. Delete some apps and then again check if the update is showing up or not.

Solution 7: Reset Network Settings

There are some other things that you can try if your iPhone checking for updates stuck. There are chances that may be the network is causing the trouble. So you can try resetting the Network settings. Follow the steps below and reset the Network settings of your device:

Launch the Settings app and get to the General Settings.
Scroll down to find the Rest option and click on it. Then tap on the Reset Network Settings option. You will have to enter the password of your device to confirm the action.

All the settings will be erased without affecting the data of the device.

Solution 8: Update iPhone using iTunes

If the iPhone X/XR/Xs/8 is checking for update and spinning and you can't find a way to fix the problem then you can use iTunes to update the device. Follow the steps below and update the iPhone/iPad to the latest iOS version:

Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your device with it.
Go to the Summary tab and create a backup of all your data first. Then click on the Check for Updates option.
The updates will show up and you get an option to Download and Update your device. Select the Agree button and confirm the update.

You will also have to enter the passcode of your device and iTunes will update your device as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

We hope that one of the above-listed solutions helped you to resolve the iPhone stuck on checking for update issue and iPad unable to check for update. Although, the problem may or may not be resolved with other methods Tenorshare ReiBoot can ensure that your problem will be fixed and your iPhone will be updated to the newest version.

Note:

If your iPhone is jailbroken and stuck on check for update, these solutions are also helpful to resolve jailbroken iPhone uanble to check for update problem.

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