iOS 26 Unable to Verify Update? Try These 9 Fixes

As iOS 26 has been released, many iPhone users can’t wait to update to iOS 26 and experience its new features and innovations.

However, some users said they had encountered the “Unable to Verify Update” error when trying to install the iOS 26 update. Usually, this occurs when your iPhone fails to connect to Apple’s servers to verify the update.

In this post, we’ll reveal the common factors behind the issue and introduce several proven methods for your reference.

Why Is My iPhone Unable to Verify the iOS 26 Update?

Common causes range from an incompatible iOS device and an incomplete update file to an unstable internet connection and busy Apple servers. Before learning how to fix the iPhone update verification issue, find the reasons here:

• You cannot run iOS 26 on all iPhone devices. In other words, you should ensure your iPhone is compatible with the new iOS 26. Specifically, it should be iPhone 11 or later.
• If you didn’t download the update files properly, you wouldn’t verify the iOS 26 update.
• A weak or unstable network connection can also prevent your iPhone from verifying the update.
• If your iPhone doesn’t have enough storage space, it may prevent you from verification.
• Sometimes, Apple’s servers can be overloaded or under maintenance. If you can’t communicate with Apple’s servers, you won’t verify the iOS 26 update.

How to Fix the “Unable to Verify Update” Error When Installing iOS 26

If your iPhone is unable to verify iOS 26, try these methods to fix the issue and reinstall the update.

Check Your Internet Connection

It’s important to keep a stable network connection when you’re verifying the new iOS 26. This is because the whole process relies on a strong connection to Apple’s servers. If your network is weak or unstable, it may fail to communicate with Apple’s servers or confirm the authenticity of the update file.

Open an online video in high quality to see if you’re using a fast and stable network. If not, switch to a Wi-Fi network. However, avoid using public Wi-Fi, since it might not be secure or stable.

Turn on and off Airplane Mode

If you don’t want to reset network settings, turn on the Airplane Mode. In this way, you can also reset the network connection. When you turn on Airplane Mode, it disables all wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, cellular data, and Bluetooth. This can resolve temporary network issues and help your iPhone communicate with Apple's servers again.

1. Turn on Airplane Mode for about 15 seconds.
2. Turn it off and connect to a WiFi again.

Free up iPhone Storage Space

Usually, an iOS update requires you to have a large amount of internal space. If your iPhone doesn’t have enough space to complete the update, it won’t achieve the verification either.

Before updating to iOS 26, try to delete redundant photos, videos, apps, or files. This can ensure all download, installation, and verification processes are smooth and successful.

Here is how to get more internal space on your iPhone.

1. Click on Settings, General, and iPhone Storage.
2. Delete apps, videos, messages, browser cache, or files.

Check Battery Level

Even if you have a network connection, make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery. Alternatively, keep it plugged into a power source. This helps maintain a stable connection to Apple’s servers.

Delete the Corrupt Update File and Update Again

There is a chance that the update file is incomplete or corrupted. The corrupted update file might contain errors or missing data that could prevent you from verifying the iOS 26 update. After deleting these update files, download a new one. This is particularly useful when you’re stuck at the verification interface.

1. Navigate to Settings, General, and iPhone Storage.
2. Find and tap on “iOS 26”.
3. Delete the update and then return to Software Update to update to iOS 26 again.

Restart Your iPhone

If the methods above don’t resolve the verification issue, try restarting your iPhone. A simple restart can usually clear software conflicts and temporary glitches that interfere with the verification process. Restarting closes all apps and refreshes the iOS system, while also helping your device establish a more stable connection with Apple’s servers.

1. Press and hold the power button or the side button until you see the “slide to power off” slider.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
3. Wait for a few minutes to turn it back on.
4. Then you can try to verify the iOS 26 update again.

Reset Network Settings

Reset network settings if you face any issues with the network connection. Such issues could be network flaws, for instance, an issue with DNS settings, Wi-Fi, or outdated network information. Resetting the network settings brings back the network settings and provides a better network connection. You can reset network settings in Settings.

1. Open Settings and navigate to “General Transfer or Reset iPhone”.
2. Choose the “Reset Network Settings” option.
3. Connect to WiFi and verify the iOS 26 update again.

Use an iOS System Repair Tool

Despite having a stable network, corrupted update files can still cause iOS system issues. You don’t need to identify the specific problem, as you can fix them all in one place. BuhoRepair is designed to address a wide range of iOS system issues. From iOS installation failures to verification errors, you can restore your system quickly and easily. Using the Standard Repair mode ensures that your data remains safe.

Afterward, you can upgrade or downgrade your iOS system as needed. If you don’t like iOS 26 and want to revert to a previous version, BuhoRepair makes downgrading simple. Likewise, if you want to reinstall iOS 26, it can be done with just a few clicks.

Step 1. Free install BuhoRepair on your computer and connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer.

Step 2. Choose the System Repair mode and the Standard Repair option.

Step 3. Follow the steps to get your iOS system repaired and try to upgrade to iOS 26 again.

Install the Update on a Computer

Alternatively, install the updated iOS 26 on your computer. This is another way to avoid issues with the network and iOS system. You can download and install the update file from iTunes or Finder. If you don’t want to use iTunes, you can also turn to BuhoRepair to upgrade or downgrade the iOS system. As BuhoRepair is always up to date, you can always find the latest update file that matches your iPhone model.

Conclusion

Don’t feel upset when you’re stuck on the “Unable to Verify Update" screen when trying to install iOS 26. Here, you’ll find 9 quick fixes to restore the verification process. In a nutshell, you should keep a stable network and ensure sufficient power and storage space. If there is any issue with the iOS system, you can use BuhoRepair to get it repaired. Moreover, you can reinstall iOS 26 on your computer with iTunes or BuhoRepair.