Fix: Android Update Stuck on “Installing” or “Rebooting”

Fix: Android Update Stuck – Complete Troubleshooting Guide 

Updating your Android device should be a quick and smooth process. But sometimes, things don't go as planned. You may find your phone stuck on “Installing update…”, “Optimizing apps…”, or stuck in a boot loop. Don’t worry you’re not alone, and this guide will help you fix it.

This is a complete step-by-step guide to fix a stuck Android update whether it's frozen during download, installation, or reboot.

 

Common Symptoms of an Android Update Stuck 

Before we dive into solutions, let’s identify what “stuck” really looks like:

Stuck on “Downloading update…” screen for hours

Frozen on “Installing update…”

Boot loop (keeps restarting during update)

Stuck on Android logo or animation

Optimizing apps loop (e.g., “Optimizing app 1 of 76”)

Black screen or no response after reboot

 

Reasons Why Android Update Gets Stuck

Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix: 

Reason Description

Weak Wi-Fi Interrupted download may corrupt update file

Low Battery Update fails or freezes if battery dies

Insufficient Storage Not enough space for the update

System Glitch Cache or firmware bugs can interrupt the update

Corrupt Files Broken OTA files or partitions

Root/Custom ROM If your phone is rooted or running custom ROMs

 

How to Fix Android Update Stuck (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Wait and Be Patient

If it’s only been 5–10 minutes, don’t panic. Some updates take longer to install, especially major Android versions. Let it sit for at least 30–60 minutes if it’s on:

Installing update screen

Optimizing apps

Rebooting

If still frozen after 1 hour, continue with the steps below.

 

Step 2: Force Restart Your Android Device

Force restarting can unfreeze a stuck update.

How to do it:

Hold Power + Volume Down (or Power + Volume Up) for 10–20 seconds

Release when you see the boot animation

This method works on most Android phones like Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme, etc.

 

Step 3: Charge Your Device

Plug it into the charger. A low or dead battery during an update can freeze the device.

Use original charger

Let it charge for 30 minutes

Then try restarting

 

Step 4: Check Storage Space

If your phone boots again after restart:

1. Go to Settings > Storage

2. Check if there's at least 2–5 GB free

3. Delete unused apps, large videos, WhatsApp media, etc.

Insufficient storage is a major cause of stuck updates.

 

Step 5: Clear Cache Partition via Recovery Mode

This step is safe and doesn't delete your data.

How to access Recovery Mode:

1. Power off your phone completely

2. Press and hold Power + Volume Up (on some devices it's Power + Volume Down or Bixby + Volume Up)

3. When logo appears, release Power but keep holding Volume

4. You’ll enter Recovery Mode

Use volume keys to navigate, and power key to select.

Select “Wipe cache partition”

Confirm and reboot

This clears temporary files that may be causing the update to fail.

 

Step 6: Reinstall the Update Manually

If OTA update failed, try downloading it again:

1. Go to Settings > System > System Update

2. Tap Check for updates

3. If update shows again, download it

4. Ensure strong Wi-Fi and phone is charging

If it fails again, try using OEM PC software like:

Samsung Smart Switch

Xiaomi Mi PC Suite

Sony Xperia Companion

HiSuite for Huawei

These tools allow safe system repair and update installs.

 

Step 7: Remove SD Card or SIM (Optional Fix)

On some older devices, external storage can interfere with updates.

Try removing:

SD Card

SIM Card

Then restart the phone and try the update again.

 

Step 8: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables third-party apps that may interfere with system processes.

How to Enter Safe Mode:

1. Hold the Power button

2. Long-press “Power Off” > Tap OK to reboot in Safe Mode

Try checking for system updates again in Safe Mode.

 

Step 9: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

Only do this if nothing else works.This will erase all your data.

How to factory reset:

1. Go to Recovery Mode

2. Choose Wipe data/factory reset

3. Confirm

Or from the Settings (if accessible):

Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset

After reset, your phone will be like new and you can install updates normally.

 

Tips to Prevent Update Issues in Future

Keep at least 5GB free storage

Charge to at least 60% battery before updating

Use stable Wi-Fi

Keep your phone’s system apps updated (especially Google Play Services and Android System WebView)

Avoid rooting or using custom ROMs unless you’re experienced

 

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact your manufacturer or visit a service center if:

Phone won’t boot even after force restart

Screen is black or stuck on logo permanently

You cannot access recovery mode

Update stuck repeatedly despite resets

They can reinstall firmware or flash stock ROM

Final Summary

Quick Fix Checklist:

Fix Works For

Force Restart Frozen screens, boot loops

Wipe Cache Partition Update errors, stuck installs

Free Up Storage Low memory during update

Reinstall via PC Suite Failed OTA downloads

Factory Reset Last resort for stubborn bugs

 

Android updates getting stuck is frustrating but fixable in most cases with these steps.

Android update stuck

Android stuck on installing update

Phone stuck on reboot after update

Fix android update issue

Android update problem