iOS 26 update stuck on 'Update Requested'

Remove the update file If it had already downloaded and try again

1. Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
2. Find the update in the list of apps.
3. Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
4. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.

If this is not working please consult the comprehensive user tip about updating that I have written for further reference

Updating/upgrading your iPhone - Apple Community

Issue resolved after deleting the stuck update file, restarting the device, disabling "Low Data Mode", then going to Settings > General > Software Update to download the update again.

Maybe this will help:

Go to Settings -> General -> iPad Storage.

Then first scroll down in that list.

Second, tap on iPadOS 26.0.1 .

Third, tap on remove iPadOS download.

Now, if all goes well, you can download again iPadOS 26.0.1 at Software Update.

I had the "stuck at 4 minutes remaining" phenomenon and this got it going:

Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage

And then take the available/desired steps to reduce your storage total, for example, optimizing Photos which reduces the size of individual photos on your device while keeping a full-sized version of the photo in iCloud storage. Or deleting attachments that were part of a message in the Messages app.

I went from using about 175 GB on my iPad down to 81 GB.

Which then opened the door for the update to continue and it has now finished without any drama. This is on a 3-month old iPad Air with the M3 chip.

"Issue resolved after deleting the stuck update file, restarting the device, disabling 'Low Data Mode', then going to Settings > General > Software Update to download the update again."

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Great job troubleshooting this!

I've noticed that become an issue since Ventura --which is when Low Data Mode was released. Data is contained. Ethernet would be a possible workaround. You'd need an adapter, if no Ethernet port: Belkin USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter - Apple

Reboot your device then:

Settings -> General -> Software Update

Select the update version you want and wait about 30 seconds, and it will start...

At least that's what worked for me. Simple reboot!

I’ve had the same issue, tried everything mentioned here and google. And the only thing that has worked is a simple restart 🤦🏼‍♀️ hope this helps

Thank you for responding with your concerns, vladensky.

Try the following steps:

• Disable any VPN connections and restart your iPhone or tell Siri: "Restart".
• Learn how to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
• Learn what to do if your iPhone won’t update.

Need more help?

• Call 1-800-APLCARE.
• Contact Support.
• iPhone Support.
• iPhone User Guide.

Thanks again for sharing your concerns. Your feedback is appreciated. 👍🏼

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

"What if you don’t have any VPNs"

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Avoiding VPN Not Being an Issue:

Connect this to a computer. Connect your computer using Ethernet. You might want to try at a time when there is most-likely little time when millions are using apple's services (most often than not, during an update) --probably 2AM - 5AM, local time. See my User Tip: How to Fix an iPhone in a Boot Loop - User Tip

"I’m updating to iOS 26.6.1, but it keeps getting stuck on 'Update Requested' every time even I check my network speed and I even reset but still im stucking there"

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Delete VPNs:

Any VPNs on? If so, delete them, and then try this once more.

Use a Computer or Cellular:

• Update your iPhone Using a Computer - User Tip
• Use an iPhone 12 or later, that is using 5G, in order to update over Cellular - User Tip

Make sure low data mode is off!

"Mine too! Don’t know what to do."

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Update with a Computer and Ethernet:

Plug it into a computer, and see if you can proceed with the update from there. If WiFi is of no option, then use Ethernet. See my User Tip: Update your iPhone Using a Computer — Use Tip

"I wanted to update my iOS 26"

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Unable to do so, directly on your iPhone?

Update with a Computer and Ethernet:

If so, you can plug it into a computer, and see if you can proceed with the update from there. If WiFi is of no option, then use Ethernet. See my User Tip: Update your iPhone Using a Computer — Use Tip

What update version are you looking for?

I had a similar issue with iOS 18.7.1. What worked for me was to offload apps that required the security update in order to function (Teams, Outlook).

I had already made space and had fine internet connection, plus its been a while after the release. Offloading apps that required the security update to function immediately solved my issue.