Preceded by multiple betas, the final version of iOS 9 was launched by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) yesterday to users across the globe. The long-awaited update adds a slew of new features to iOS devices including split-screen multitasking, a new low-power battery saving mode and dozens more. Due to the immense load on Apple’s server around launch time, quite a few users faced trouble downloading the new update. Now, a day after launch, the load has been lessened and people are starting to upgrade their iOS devices to the new firmware. However, there are still a few issues plaguing a small number of users who are trying to upgrade.
One such issue pertains to users’ phones getting stuck on the Slide to Upgrade screen. Users facing the issue have reported that their device successfully manages to download and install the new OS and iTunes prompts them that the device has been updated successfully. The iOS device, however displays a completely white screen with a simple Slide to Upgrade text at the bottom. The problem is, that’s as far as the update goes. Despite multiple attempts, users have been unable to interact with the text and continue the upgrade. Fortunately, you can get around this issue with a few simple steps.
How To Fix iPhone, iPad Or iPod Touch Stuck On Slide To Upgrade
Note: Before you start with the resolution process, ensure that you backup the content in your phone to iTunes. If iTunes fails to properly detect the device, you’ll still be able to access the photos on your phone via the Finder or Explorer depending on your platform of choice.
Step 1: To ensure a successful iOS 9 upgrade, you’ll need to start fresh from iOS 8.4.1. First of all, you’ll need to download the IPSW file for iOS 8.4.1. There are a lot of files which offer the IPSW downloads, but our site of choice is IPSW.me. From the page, download the appropriate version of iOS 8.4.1 depending on the iOS device you have. Place the downloaded file on your desktop.
Step 2: Now you’ll need to boot your phone into DFU mode to perform the upgrade to iOS 8.4.1. The Device Firmware Upgrade mode a.k.a. DFU mode is a special mode present on all iOS devices for firmware installation purposes. To enter DFU mode, connect your device to the computer, press and hold the Home+Power buttons and continue holding for 10 seconds.
Step 3: Release the Power button while continuing to hold the Home button for 20 seconds. After that period, iTunes will detect a device connected in recovery mode. If your device isn’t detected, perform the DFU mode entry procedure again. It tends to take a couple of tries.
Step 4: While holding down the Option Key (Mac) or Shift Key (Windows), press the Restore button in iTunes. A prompt will appear asking you for an IPSW file. Navigate to the desktop and select the iOS 8.4.1 IPSW file downloaded earlier.
Step 5: Your iPhone, iPad or iPad touch will now be wiped and iOS 8.4.1 will be installed. Since Apple is still signing the OS, the firmware installation process should complete without any errors.
The process takes around 15 minutes and during that period, the device reboots several times. After the final reboot, the device will boot into iOS 8.4.1. Now you simply need to upgrade to iOS 9 using the regular method. Click on Check for Updates in iTunes and then accept all the prompts to initiate the iOS 9 download and install process.
