If your iPhone is stuck on “Updating iCloud Settings” here are some simple instructions on how to fix this problem.
Apple devices normally get stuck on “Updating iCloud Settings” when you try to perform an update. But it can also happen during setup or when you restore your device from an iCloud backup.
In this guide, we’re going to discuss some of the easy solutions to resolve the issue of the iPhone stuck on updating iCloud settings.
Why Is My iPhone Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings?
You should note if your iPhone is running out of storage, then it might just be taking a little longer to update iCloud settings.
For that reason, it is always worth leaving your device for 30 minutes to see if it will finish by itself.
It is also a good idea to check:
- You have a good internet connection.
- The Apple servers are not down. If the Apple servers are down, wait until they’re back up and running. You can go to Apple’s official website and check System Status for any down servers.
- Your iPhone’s low battery is not causing the problem. Put your device in charge to make sure this is not an issue.
Fixes: iPhone Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings
If none of the above are causing the problem, the fixes below will help you sort this through.
1. Restart Your iPhone
Running a large number of applications in the background can result in a lot of resources being consumed.
Additionally, updating the software on your iPhone consumes a lot of system resources. When you are stuck on updating your iCloud settings, restarting your iPhone will release system resources so you can update your software.
Follow the steps below to restart your iPhone.
- Hold the power button until the red slider appears on the screen and then slide it across to shut down the device
- Wait a few moments and then power back up your device
For detailed instructions on all iPhone models, check our “How to restart an iPhone” guide.
If you are unable to do this, then you will need to force a restart. Otherwise, skip to the next section for instructions.
2. Force Restart Your iPhone
Forcing a restart will cause you to lose unsaved data in any apps which are currently running, even if they have an autosave.
- On an iPhone 6s or earlier and on all iPads and iPad Touches, press the home and power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears
- For an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears
- On an iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, XR, 11, 11 plus, 12, 12 Pro, and SE (2nd Gen), press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button and then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears
And then,
- After your device has shut down, wait a few seconds and it will power itself back up. It should now be working again.
See if it has worked
Check to see that your update or other procedure has finished.
- To see the update status, go to Settings > General > About > Version. If you have the latest version of iOS on your device, then you are up to date.
- You can check the Restore status by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If your device is still being restored you will see the message, “this device is currently being restored and will automatically back up when it is done”.
- You won’t be able to access your home screen if the setup is not complete.
For step-by-step instructions, check our guide on how to force restart an iPhone.
If the procedure has finished, then you’ve resolved the issue. Otherwise, continue below for more fixes.
3. Check Your iPhone Storage
Before trying to repeat the procedure, check the internal storage levels on your device. If your iPhone is running out of storage, this may be what is causing the problem. If this is the case, offload some data.
Ideally, you should always try to keep 2GB free, although most devices won’t struggle to function until free storage drops below 500MB.
4. Check iPhone Restrictions
On iOS 12 and later, go to Settings > Screen Time. If you have screen time turned on, check that there are no restrictions turned on while you perform the procedure.
With storage levels and restrictions checked, next retry the procedure you tried before. Once again, check your internet connection, the Apple servers, and your battery level, then go for it.
If everything goes smoothly and the procedure finishes, then you are free to go. If your iPhone still gets stuck on Updating iCloud Settings, move on to the next fixes below.
5. Skip iCloud Setup
You can skip the iCloud sign-in process during the procedure you are trying to perform to fix the problem. After you have completed the procedure you will have to manually sign in to your iCloud account.
- Restart the procedure and after your update has been installed you will be prompted to set up your iCloud account
- Click skip and you should be able to finish the update without encountering the problem
- After this, go to Settings and tap on the blue text saying “Sign In To Your iPhone”. Sign in with your Apple ID
- Eventually, you will be prompted to enter your password and then you will be signed in to iCloud
You should then have completed your procedure and be successfully signed in to iCloud.
6. Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings can fix connection problems with Apple servers that are preventing iCloud settings from updating.
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Tap on Reset Network Settings and enter your password. After this perform the procedure again and hopefully, it works.
7. Use Different Wi-Fi or Cellular Data
You can try performing the procedure on a different Wi-Fi network or you can use cellular data instead. This works when people have a poor internet connection without realizing it.
8. Update Your iPhone Using iTunes or Finder
If all else fails, try updating your device using iTunes or the Finder App.
With macOS Catalina, Finder is where you can manage and sync content on your iPhone. If you have a Windows computer, you can still use iTunes though, at least for now.
If you are on macOS Catalina then please skip to the next section for instructions on how to update your iPhone using Finder instead.
Updating Your iPhone with iTunes
- Open iTunes
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable, wait a few moments and you should see a device icon appear in the top left corner of the page
- Click on this to access your device
- On the device menu on the left-hand side of the page click on Summary and then Check for Updates
- If an update is available, click Update and iTunes should start updating your device
- Allow the update to finish and then you are free to go
Updating Your iPhone with the Finder
- Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable and if the device prompts you, enter your password to unlock it
- Open the Finder app
- Find your device on the left-hand side of the page, under the Locations heading
- Click on your device to access it
- In the General tab, click on Check for Update
- If an update is available, click Update and Finder should start updating your device
- Allow the update to finish and then you are done
Wrapping Up
In case none of these fixes worked for you, we suggest you make a Genius Bar reservation, of course, if your iPhone is still under coverage.
If you have any concerns or questions, then please leave a comment in the section below.
