Introduction
The iOS 17 update brings exciting new features and improvements to iPhones, but some users may encounter issues when installing or after updating. Troubleshooting update problems can be frustrating, but there are several fixes you can try to get your iPhone working properly again.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common iOS 17 update issues and solutions to fix them. Whether your update failed, your iPhone is stuck in a reboot loop, apps are crashing, or battery life decreased, we have some simple troubleshooting steps to get your device back on track.
Recent Released:How To Fix iOS 17 Battery Drain
Restarting Your iPhone
One of the first things to try when you have any kind of problem after an iOS update is to restart your iPhone. This resets the device, clears out any memory issues, and reloads the new OS cleanly.
To restart an iPhone 8 or later model, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
For iPhone 7 and earlier models, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button together until the Apple logo appears.
Restarting your iPhone will boot the device into the latest version of iOS 17 and could resolve any problems that cropped up during the initial update process.
Updating Over the Air vs iTunes
How you installed the iOS 17 update can also contribute to issues. Over-the-air (OTA) updates occasionally fail or don’t fully finish installing. If you tried to update wirelessly on your device directly and ran into problems, try updating through a computer instead.
To update iOS via iTunes on a computer, follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer with a Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes on your Mac or PC.
- Select your connected iPhone.
- Click “Check for Update” or “Download and Update.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Agree to Apple’s terms and conditions.
- Let iTunes download and install the latest iOS version. Do not unplug the device until the update completes.
Updating through iTunes is more reliable than OTA updates. You may resolve errors like “Software Update Failed” by installing iOS 17 this way.
Fixing “Update Requested” Loop
One common frustration with iOS updates is an “Update Requested” loop. This makes it seem like the update doesn’t fully finish even after downloading and installing.
If you’re caught in a cycle of your iPhone showing “Update Requested” and asking you to install iOS 17 again, try these fixes:
- Force restart your iPhone – Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button. This will hard reboot your device.
- Delete the iOS 17 update and try redownloading it from Settings or iTunes.
- Update your iPhone using a computer instead of wirelessly.
- Restore your iPhone in recovery mode then install iOS 17.
This loops usually occurs due to the update not fully finishing the install process. hard resetting your device or re-applying the update resolves it.
Fixing iOS 17 Installation Time Out Error
Another common error when trying to install iOS 17 is a message that the update timed out. This occurs if the download takes too long and your iPhone stops the install process.
A couple ways to fix an iOS 17 installation time out error include:
- Retry the update – Go to Settings > General > Software Update and try downloading iOS 17 again. Stay connected to WiFi and keep your device charged during the entire update process.
- Update through iTunes – Connect your device to a computer and update to iOS 17 through iTunes. iTunes is better at resuming interrupted downloads.
- Delete the iOS profile – Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, tap the iOS 17 profile, and Delete Download. Then check for the update again.
- Reset network settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase stored WiFi passwords but could resolve the time out issue.
Installation fails are frustrating but usually can be resolved by retrying the update, switching to iTunes, or resetting your device’s network settings to start fresh.
Fixing App Crashes After Updating
It’s common for some third-party apps to have issues after a major iOS release. Developers need time to update their apps for compatibility with the newest OS version.
If apps are unexpectedly crashing after you updated to iOS 17, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Update all apps – Open the App Store, go to the Updates tab, and install all pending app updates. Most developers will release compatibility patches.
- Reinstall the app – Delete and reinstall the crashing app. This wipes out any corrupted files.
- Check for app compatibility – The developer’s App Store page or website will note if the app works with iOS 17. You may need to wait for an update.
- Turn the iPhone off and on – Simple restarting can clear app issues after an iOS update.
- Reset the iPhone – For persistent app crashes, you may need to factory reset your device and restore apps from a backup.
App stability should improve over the first few weeks as developers release iOS 17 support updates. Reinstalling or waiting for new versions usually resolves most crashing problems.
Fixing Battery Life Issues
New iOS versions often discharge batteries faster at first until all apps are compatible. But if you notice persistent battery drain after updating to iOS 17, there are a few things to try:
- Charge your iPhone to 100% then drain it completely. This recalibrates the battery.
- Enable Low Power Mode temporarily to reduce system drain.
- Force quit any apps not behaving properly. Swipe up and hold to close out of misbehaving apps.
- Turn off Background App Refresh for apps you don’t use often. This will conserve battery.
- Reset your iPhone and do not restore from a backup right away. Test battery life using the new OS and only basic apps.
- Check battery health in Settings. If your battery capacity is below 80%, it may need to be replaced, affecting battery life.
Give your iPhone a few charge cycles on iOS 17. Reset to factory settings if needed to rule out a battery-draining app. Replace an aging iPhone battery if required to restore full-day use.
Downgrading Back to iOS 16
If you are having severe issues with iOS 17 that you cannot resolve, you can choose to downgrade back to iOS 16. This lets you restore your iPhone to the previous working software version.
Unfortunately, you can only downgrade from iOS 17 within the first couple weeks after its release. After that period, Apple stops signing older iOS builds, meaning you can’t revert.
To downgrade iOS, you’ll need to:
- Back up your iPhone through iTunes or iCloud.
- Download the iOS 16 IPSW file for your device from https://ipsw.me/
- Update your iPhone using that IPSW file in iTunes while holding Shift (PC) or Option (Mac).
This process wipes your device and reinstalls iOS 16. You can then restore your backup. Downgrading is only possible shortly after an update’s release and requires wiping your device.
Getting Help from Apple Support
If you encounter iOS 17 problems that you just cannot seem to resolve on your own, get help directly from Apple.
You can make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store. An Apple technician can diagnose your iPhone, reinstall iOS, or possibly replace the device if a hardware issue caused the problems.
You can also contact Apple Support by phone or chat. Their experts can walk you through potential software fixes and recommend next steps.
As a last resort, you may need to visit Apple or an authorized service provider and pay for an out-of-warranty iPhone repair if the issue is hardware-related.
But in most cases, iPhone update issues can be fixed yourself through these troubleshooting tips. Performing a restart, reinstalling iOS, or wiping your device usually resolve most post-update problems.
Summary of Fixes
Here is a quick summary of solutions for the most common iOS 17 update problems:
- Stuck on “Update Requested” screen – Hard reset your device and reinstall the update.
- Can’t download update – Retry over WiFi, update through iTunes, or delete the install profile.
- Installation timed out – Retry the download, use iTunes, or reset network settings.
- Apps keep crashing – Update or reinstall apps, check for compatibility, or reset the iPhone.
- Battery life decreased – Recalibrate battery, force quit apps, reduce Background App Refresh.
- Can’t fix the issues – Downgrade to iOS 16 within the 2-week window, or get help from Apple.
Conclusion
While iOS updates usually go smoothly, you may encounter some bugs or glitches. With the right troubleshooting tips, you can get your iPhone working properly again after updating to iOS 17. The key is being patient, persistent, and systematic as you try different solutions.
Restarting your device, reinstalling the system update, wiping and resetting your iPhone, or reaching out to Apple for support can get you through any update issues. Within a few weeks, Apple and app developers also release fixes for most post-update problems.
What matters is getting your iPhone back to full speed and reliability again. Don’t hesitate to contact Apple or return to iOS 16 if iOS 17 causes persistent headaches. But some simple troubleshooting is usually all you need to fix most common update issues.