How do I fix my iPad Pro 5th generation stuck on "Verifying Update"?

Recently my iPad Pro 12.9" 5th Generation did an update to IOS18.4 and all went fine, this only happened about 2 weeks ago as I have auto updates disabled.


Once it had done an IOS 18.3 it then found an IOS18.4.1 update which it tried to install, but now gets stuck on Verifying Update.


The iPAd when i switch it on gives me an error message regarding my cellular service, and it needs an update to re-active it. However I can't do an update as it gets stuck on Verifying Update.


There was no issue with my cellular service prior to installing IOS18.3, as it all worked fine, but now its disabled and I cant do any update of any nature.


How do i force my iPAD to get past the Verifying Update and install the latest software, or force a network carrier update to get past this. It can't be hardware as it was working fine on previous IOS, so it must be a software issue.


There is nothing i can find on the internet other than some of the generic fixes and these have all been tried, but none work.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 19, 2025 6:37 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 21, 2025 4:33 AM

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 21, 2025 4:33 AM in response to Mike-JazzFMFM

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

Apr 22, 2025 6:20 AM in response to Mike-JazzFMFM

This is a user-to-user technical community. Contributors here are all end-users, just like you. Other than the site Moderators, Apple neither monitors nor participates within this Community. As such, your comments here will not be seen by Apple Support; for posts that you make here, you will not receive a reply from Apple.


Apple invites submission of comments via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple


You can contact the Apple Support using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.


Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to offer assistance:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Apr 19, 2025 9:12 AM in response to Mike-JazzFMFM

You may need to perform the System Software update using a standard WiFi network connection. Unless you are using a 5G Cellular connection, you'll not be able to perform a system software update. As for a Carrier update over a cellular network connection (this updating the cellular-radio itself), this may not even be possible...


Updating the firmware, that controls the cellular hardware being used for the active network connection, is rather akin to taking a saw the tree-branch that you are sitting-on.

Apr 20, 2025 12:47 PM in response to LotusPilot

Hi, I’m not sure I understand.


it’ll download the software, unpack it, and then get to verifying update and then does not progress further. Therefore it’s working on WiFi just fine. There fore could you explain further what you mean.


as for firmware update, I assume this is al done via the software updates. But again if you could explain further with steps to take to resolve if you know.


thanks.

Apr 22, 2025 4:39 AM in response to LotusPilot

Hi, all methods have been tried, and every time it gets stuck on Verifying Update or if done through a PC it gives an Update Error message after unpacking the software.


none of the links suggest why after an update to 18.3 the cellular immediately became unavailable and now won’t work on cellular until an update is performed. However this can’t be done as 18.3 has caused a hardware / firmware issue.


Apple don’t have this covered and the only option is an expensive repair that has been caused by their software.


can apple explain this ?

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How do I fix my iPad Pro 5th generation stuck on "Verifying Update"?

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