Most iOS updates come with new and exciting features that improve the overall experience for iPhone users, which is why getting stuck in the middle of an update download can be very irritating. If your iOS or iPadOS software update has stalled during the download process, there are several steps you can take when ios 16 update paused.
Ensure Your iPhone is Charged
when ios 16 update paused, the first thing you can do is check the battery level. For an iOS update to download successfully, Apple requires your iPhone to have a minimum battery level of 50 percent. If you started the download with a battery level of 55 percent, for example, it’s possible that the battery level may drop below this required amount during the update.
This could be the cause of the paused iOS update. To fix this, simply charge your iPhone and keep it connected until the download is complete.
Restore Network Configuration
A frequently observed reason for a disrupted iOS update is an unsteady network connection. If you lose internet connectivity while an update is in progress, your iPhone will automatically pause the update. A fluctuating or weak connection can also cause a pause.
Usually, when your internet connection improves, your iPhone will resume the update. However, this may not always be the case.
If the Resume Download option on the update screen is grayed out, it is a clear sign that the problem lies with your internet connection and not with your iPhone.
Examine iPhone Storage Space
If your iPhone storage is completely or nearly full, it will prevent you from updating to iOS 16. This is because there is no room for the iPhone to download and package the update, resulting in a paused update. In order to download the latest iOS 16 update, you need to have sufficient storage space. To check your iPhone storage, go to “Settings > General > iPhone Storage”, and remove any unnecessary data or apps to free up space.

Restart Your iPhone And Try Again
Rebooting your iPhone can resolve many issues, including situations where your device is behaving unexpectedly. By restarting your device, you can often resolve the problem. To restart your iPhone and attempt the software update again, follow these steps:
- Press and release the volume up and down keys.
Press and release the Volume Up button. Then press and release the Volume Down button.
- Shut down the iPhone.
Finally, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on your iPhone screen.
Disabling Content and Privacy Limitations
Many people enable Content and Privacy limitations to prevent themselves or others from installing or deleting apps. It is also a useful tool for parents who want to control their children’s access to certain content.
If you have previously enabled content restrictions for iTunes and App Store purchases, your iOS update may not complete successfully.
To remove these restrictions, go to “Settings” > “Screen Time” > “Content and Privacy Restrictions”. You can either turn off all restrictions by switching off the toggle at the top of the page or allow access for specific categories. For example, tap “iTunes & App Store Purchases” to set custom access rules for installing or deleting apps.



Verify Apple’s System Status
During the launch of a new iOS update, a large number of iPhone users attempt to download it, which can put a strain on Apple’s servers and potentially cause interruption in the download process.
Although this is a rare occurrence, it’s possible that Apple’s update servers could be down. To confirm, go to the Apple System Status page and look for a green circle indicating the status of services related to updates such as the App Store, iCloud Account, etc. If there is no green circle, it means there is a system issue, and you’ll need to wait for Apple to resolve it.
Resume and Complete Your iOS Update
If your iOS 16 update paused for any reason, trying one of these solutions should help you resume the update process.
However, if none of these methods work, you may need to perform a DFU restore to completely erase and reinstall all software and firmware on your iPhone. This will erase all data on your device, so be sure to have a backup before proceeding.
A potential reason for an interrupted iOS update could be a lack of available memory on your device. The update process requires some temporary storage to download and install the new version, so if there is not enough space, the update will remain in a paused state until more space is freed up.
Another possibility is a problem with your Wi-Fi connection. If your network is unreliable, the download speed can slow down and cause the update to pause. Other factors that may contribute to a paused iOS update include:
-Temporary unavailability or congestion of the server -Your device being stuck in recovery mode -Issues with Apple’s servers.