Best Way to Fix iOS 17 Software Update Failed

By Justin SabrinaUpdated on December 14, 2023

Summary
Unable to install update iOS 17? iOS 17.2 software update failed an error occurred? Check out this tutorial. Here you will learn different solutions to fix iOS 17 software update failed error on iPhone X/11/12/13/15, with or without data loss!

Apple released iOS 17.2 on Monday, December 11, 2023. The iOS 17.2 update includes bug fixes, security updates, messaging improvements, Apple's new Journal app, etc. Many iPhone users can't wait to update their devices to enjoy the new features. However, some are getting "iPhone Software Update Failed" or "An Error Occurred Downloading iOS 17.2" error on iPhone. Why does iOS 17 update keep failing? How to fix iOS 17 software update failed? Keep reading, you will find the answers and solutions.

CONTENTS

Part 1. Why Does iOS 17 software Update Failed?
Part 2. Common Ways to Fix iOS 17 "Software Update Failed" Error
Part 3. Best Way to Fix iOS 17 Software Update Failed (No Data Loss)

Part 1. Why Does iOS 17 software Update Failed?

There could be multiple reasons for the iOS 17 software update failed error.

unable to check for update

Heavy traffic on Apple servers.
Low Battery on your device.
Insufficient storage space on your iPhone.
Unstable Wi-Fi network or cellular data on your iPhone.
There was a beta software bug during the update.
Your older iPhone doesn't support the latest iOS 17 or later.

Which iPhone Models are Compatible with iOS 17?

iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max

Part 2. Common Ways to Fix iOS 17 "Software Update Failed" Error

It is good to update your iPhone to enjoy the all-new personalization features in iOS 17. But when your iPhone can't update to iOS 17.2, you can try the following methods to solve the problem.

1) Force Restart Your iPhone

When you install the iOS 17 software update on your iPhone, you might encounter impediments due to software glitches.
A simple force restart can fix common iOS system issues, such as iOS 17 software update failure. In this way, you can can refresh its system and clear some software glitches.

For iPhone 6, 6s or earlier: Simultaneously press and hold the Power button and Home Button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

For iPhone 7 Plus or 7: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 8, X, XS, 12, 13, 15 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side (Power) button until you see the Apple logo.

force restart iphone to fix ios 17 update failed

2) Check the Internet Connection

To update iOS 17 software on your iPhone, you need a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection, enough battery, and an original Apple cable.. You can try to restart your Wi-Fi router. If it still doesn't work, you can go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

fix ios 17 update failed

3) Delete iOS 17 Software Update

Have you tried to remove downloaded software update file to fix iOS 17 update failed?

- Go to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Storage'.
- Find the iOS 17 update in the list of apps.
- Click the update, then tick 'Delete Update'.

delete ios 17.2 update

- Then go to 'Settings' > 'General', tap 'Software Update' and download the latest update.

4) Free up Space on Your iPhone

Sometimes, insufficient iPhone storage space can cause iOS 17 updates to fail. At this time, you'd better to free up space on your iPhone. For example, delete unnecessary apps, photos, music, and videos, clear Safari's cache, and delete old messages, etc.

5) Update iPhone via iTunes/Finder

iTunes is also a good helper to resolve the software update failed iOS 17 issue. But it will erase all settings and data on your iPhone. You'd better backup your iPhone in iTunes or iCloud in advanced.

Using iTunes:
Step 1. Open iTunes app on your Mac or PC.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to iTunes/Finder using an Apple USB cable.

Step 3. Click on your iPhone icon, and select "Summary" in the left.

Step 4. Click "Check for Update" > "Download and Update" to update your iPhone to the latest iOS 17.2.

update iphone to ios 17.2 in itunes

Using Finder:

Step 1. For macOS Catalina or later, please open Finder.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the Mac via USB cable.

Step 3. Select your iPhone in the left panel.

Step 4. Select "General" at the top and click "Check for update". Click "Download and Update", then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

update iphone to ios 17.2 in Finder

Part 3. Best Way to Fix iOS 17 Software Update Failed (No Data Loss)

If you still can not fix iOS 17 update failed error, you can use a smart iOS data recovery software. UkeySoft FoneFix iOS System Recovery is a professional iOS system recovery tool, which has the capability to fix 100+ system issues in two modes, including iPhone stuck on Apple logo, recovery mode, DFU mode, frozen screen, black screen, boot loop, etc.

With it, you can easily fix iOS 17 install error without data loss, and update your iPhone to the latest iOS software version. In addition, it allows you to enter or exit recovery mode on iOS device with just one click, saving your time and effort. UkeySoft is strongly compatible with the latest iOS 17.2 and iPhone 15, 14, 13, etc.

Features of UkeySoft FoneFix iOS System Recovery:

Fix iOS 17/16/15/14/13 software update failed without data loss.
Fix various iOS system issues without iTunes/iCloud.
Offers 'Standard Mode' and 'Advanced Mode' to fix iOS/iPadOS/tvOS issues.
Downgrade iPhone/iPad from iOS 17 to 16 without jailbreaking.
Downgrade iOS system to previous version without data loss.
Update and downgrade iPhone/iPad without iTunes.
One-click to enter or exit recovery mode for free.
Highly compatible with iOS 17/16, Windows & mac OS.

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Step-By-Step: How to Fix iOS 17 Software Update Failed with UkeySoft?

Step 1. Launch iOS System Recovery
Download and install UkeySoft FoneFix on your Mac or PC. Then start the program and select "Standard Mode".

open ios system recovery tool

Step 2. Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode
Connect your iPhone to computer using USB cable. Then manually put your iPhone into recovery mode, and click "Next" to go on.

put iphone to recovery mode

Step 3. Download Firmware Package
Confirm your iPhone information and the firmware version. Click "Download" button to let the tool begin downloading the latest firmware package, such as the iOS 17.2.

download firmware package

It will take a few minutes to complete the download. When you see "Download Complete!" on the screen, please click "Start" button.

download firmware package completed

Step 4. Fix iOS 17 Software Update Failure
It will begin extracting the downloaded iOS 17.2 firmware, and then start to fix iOS.

fix ios 17 update failed

When you see "Repair Complete!" appear on the screen, congratulations, your iPhone is running the latest iOS 17.2. Just start your iPhone and enjoy the benefits of the latest iOS 17.2.

fix ios 17 update failed error completed

Conclusion

iOS update is important and necessary. Unable to install iOS 17.2 software update? Don't worry. When you encounter the iOS 17 install failed error, you can follow the ways mentioned about to solve the issue yourself. To make sure there is no data loss, you can try the UkeySoft FoneFix. This reliable software can fix various iOS system issues, including iOS update failure, stuck/frozen/black/white/blue screen. You can give it a try!

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