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iPhone stuck updating to iOS 18.1, during inital setup


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 7:39 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 10:24 AM

Some users have encountered a transfer problem if the new iPhone updates iOS during the transfer.


If this is your case, stop the update and configure your iPhone as a new iPhone, i.e. without transferring data. This will allow you to update iOS.


To stop the update, force restart the iPhone:


  • Press quickly the volume+ button.
  • Press quickly the volume- button.
  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. It can take up to 20 seconds.


Once the update is done, erase the iPhone (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap Erase Content and Settings) then configure it again, this time by transferring data with Quick Start.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 31, 2024 10:24 AM in response to Cfmboots

Some users have encountered a transfer problem if the new iPhone updates iOS during the transfer.


If this is your case, stop the update and configure your iPhone as a new iPhone, i.e. without transferring data. This will allow you to update iOS.


To stop the update, force restart the iPhone:


  • Press quickly the volume+ button.
  • Press quickly the volume- button.
  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. It can take up to 20 seconds.


Once the update is done, erase the iPhone (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap Erase Content and Settings) then configure it again, this time by transferring data with Quick Start.

Nov 5, 2024 7:14 AM in response to Cfmboots

I experienced the above. Using a wired connection between the old and new phone was the solution. It worked beautifully! New phone transferred all of my information perfectly. I couldn’t tell the two phones apart. Make certain you reset the new phone after updates to 18 and turn both phones off before plugging in the cable. When you turn the phones back on, it may take a while, but the phones will recognize the cable and a “transfer and process” message should appear. Good luck!

iPhone stuck updating to iOS 18.1, during inital setup

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