my phone is stuck on "verifying update"... How can I restart it?

You can just swipe up to exit the software update. But first try to figure out why it isn’t completing. To update all of these requirements must be met:

• You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (and not a personal hotspot) unless it is an iPhone 12 series with an active 5G network connection
• The phone must be charged to at least 50%, and preferably plugged in so it stays above 50% during the update
• The phone must not be in Low Power Mode
• The phone must not be connected through VPN
• The phone cannot be in Airplane mode