iPhone 13 Frozen during software update

With my iPhone 13 plugged into USB of MacBook Pro (Sequoia 15.6.1) I ran a software update using either Finder or Music app on my MacBook. The window showed the progress of the update installation (the last time I noticed there was 6 minutes remaining). My iPhone had the Apple logo with the progress bar showing with approximately 4/5 of progress when an error message on the MacBook came up (I think it said something like "Installation was unsuccessful). The iPhone is still frozen with the Apple logo and progress bar in the same 4/5 position. Pressing side buttons does nothing to restart or change anything. It's totally frozen with the screen on. Please help!

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 22, 2025 6:28 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 22, 2025 6:44 PM

Follow the instructions here with the specific key presses in the Support Article. It may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct and the last keypress of HOLDING the side button could take up to 15 seconds.

If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support


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iPhone 13 Frozen during software update

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