How to Fix iPhone Cannot Update to iOS 26 [100% Solved]

by Jerry Cook Updated on 2025-09-15 15:29:44 / Update for iOS 18

Apple Releases iOS 26, Why can't I upgrade to iOS 26? Is it iOS 26 not available on my iPhone? How to update iPhone to iOS 26?

Here, we will explain in detail the reasons why won't you phone upgrade to iOS 26, as well as effective solutions for when the iOS 26 update fails. We hope this will help you successfully upgrade your iPhone or iPad to iOS 26. This supports the latest iPhone 17/17 Plus/17 Pro/17 Pro Max.

Can’t update iOS 17.7 to iOS 26

Part 1: Why can't I update my iPhone to iOS 26 ?

First, let's look at why iPhone or iPad can't upgrade to iOS 26. Understanding the reasons will allow us to apply the appropriate solutions to safely update to iOS 26. Here are the reasons why the iPhone cannot update to iOS 26:

  • iPhone Does Not Support iOS 26
  • Network Connection is Unstable
  • Insufficient Storage Space for Update
  • iOS 26 Update Takes Too Long
  • iOS 26 Update Not Showing in Settings
  • iPhone Stuck on iOS 26 Preparing Update
  • Unable to Verify Update iOS 26
  • iOS 26 Beta Version Not Deleted
update iOS 26 not showing up

Part 2: 10 Best Ways to Fix Cannot Update or Install iOS 26 Issue [FREE]

If you want to upgrade to iOS 26 but only show iOS 17.7, restarting your iPhone or iPad might fix the issue. If your iPhone fails to update to iOS 26, you can take several steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. The following guide will help you address the problem:

1. Make sure your iPhone supports iOS 26

Ensure that your iPhone model is compatible with iOS 26. Apple typically drops support for older devices with each major update. You can check the list of supported devices on Apple's official website.

iOS 26 compatible models

2. Ensure sufficient storage space

iOS updates require a significant amount of free space. If your iPhone is low on storage, the update may fail. Check how much free space you have.

  • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and check available storage.
  • You need at least 10GB of free space to install the iOS 26 update.
  • Delete unnecessary files, apps, or photos if needed.
iOS 26 compatible models

3. Connect to stable Wi-Fi

Ensure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network (not cellular data) since large updates like iOS 26 require Wi-Fi for downloading. Try restarting your Wi-Fi router or connecting to a different Wi-Fi network if you experience connectivity issues.

4. Charge your device

The update to iOS 26 may take a longer time, and insufficient battery power can also cause the update to fail. Your iPhone's battery should be at least 50%, or you should charge your iPhone while updating to iOS 26.

charge iPhone update to iOS 26

5. Restart your iPhone

A simple restart can fix many issues, including software update problems.

  • To restart, press and hold the Side Button and either Volume Button until the power slider appears.
  • Drag it to turn off the device, then press and hold the Side Button again to turn it back on.
Restart iPhone update to iOS 26

6. Remove iOS 26 Beta Version

Deleting the iOS 26 beta will not automatically downgrade your iOS version. You need to update to the official release of iOS 26 or restore your device to completely remove the beta version.

To remove the iOS 26 Beta Profile from your iPhone, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
  • Tap on the iOS 26 Beta Software Profile.
  • Select "Remove Profile" and confirm.
remove iOS 26 Beta

7. Delete and Reinstall the iOS 26

If you’re having trouble with the iOS 26 update, deleting and reinstalling the update file can help resolve issues where the update is failing to install or verify. This process allows you to remove a potentially corrupted or stuck update file and download a fresh copy.

  • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  • Scroll through the list of apps and locate the iOS 26 update file.
  • Tap on the iOS 26 update file and Tap "Delete Update". Confirm when prompted.
  • After deleting, Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Tap "Download and Install" to re-download the update file.
install iOS 26

8. Try updating via iTunes/Finder

If you're having trouble updating over-the-air (OTA), you can try updating via a computer using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS). Here are the steps to update your iPhone to iOS 26 using iTunes or Finder:

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer.
  • Open iTunes or Finder and select your device.
  • Click Check for Update and then click Download and Update if an update is available.
  • Your iPhone will restart once the update is complete.
update iOS 26 with itunes

9. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can often resolve connectivity issues and may help if you're having trouble updating iOS 26. This will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so be sure to reconnect to your Wi-Fi afterward.

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Scroll down and tap on "General".
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone".
  • Tap on "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings".
  • Enter your iPhone's passcode.
Reset Network Settings update iOS 26

10. Temporary iOS Software Issue

If the iOS 26 update still does not appear, wait a few hours and try again. Apple's servers can get overwhelmed when a new iOS version is released. Sometimes, there may be temporary server issues or delays.

If you're still having issues after trying these steps, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. It's also worth noting that sometimes update servers get overloaded when a new iOS version is released, so waiting a bit and trying again later can help.

Part 3: One-Click Change iPhone GPS Location on iOS 26 [HOT]

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PoGoskill provides a simple one-click solution to change your iPhone's location on iOS 26 without complicated steps. The Location Changer that allows you to spoof or fake your location, which can be used to protect your real location.

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Here’s how to use PoGoskill location changer:

  • Step 1Download and install PoGoskill on your computer.

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  • Step 2Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable and select the "Change Location" mode.

    select the Change Location mode
  • Step 3Search for or click the location you want to teleport to on the map, then click "Start to Modify" to immediately change your iPhone's GPS location.

    pogoskill change location

Part 4: FAQs about iOS 26 Update Glitch

1. How Long Does iOS 26 Update Take ?

The entire iOS 26 update process generally takes about 16 to 40 minutes. This includes downloading, installing, and setting up the new OS.

2. How to Cancel iOS 26 Update in Progress ?

Yes, you can stop an ongoing iOS update, but the success of doing so depends on the progress of the update. If the update is still downloading or preparing, you can:

  • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
  • Find and select the iOS update file
  • Tap "Delete Update" to remove it

However, once the installation has begun, it's generally recommended to let it complete to avoid potential software issues. Of course, more aggressive methods can also be taken, such as using specialized software or force restarting the device.

3. Can the iPhone 11 update to iOS 26?

Yes, the iPhone 11 can update to iOS 26. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max are all listed as compatible devices for iOS 26.

4. Does the iPhone 17 come with iOS 26?

Yes, the iPhone 17 comes with iOS 26 pre-installed. iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, will be released on September 20, 2025, and they will all have iOS 26 installed out of the box.

5. How to Downgrade iOS 26 to 17 without losing data?

Downgrading from iOS 26 to iOS 17 without losing data is a bit tricky, as Apple does not officially support downgrading and backups from newer iOS versions may not be compatible with older ones. Always back up your data before attempting any iOS downgrade.

Conclusion

This article explains the reasons why iPhone cannot update iOS 17.7 to iOS 26 and provides 10 free troubleshooting methods. If you wish to update your device to the latest iOS 26, be sure to back up your data first. We hope these solutions are helpful to you!

Additionally, if you need to change the GPS location on iOS 26, you can use PoGoskill Location Changer, which is very easy to use.

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Jerry Cook

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