Common macOS Update Problems and Solutions

Published: May 15, 2025
Last Updated: May 15, 2025
By: macOSUpdate Team

Table of Contents

Introduction

While macOS updates generally go smoothly, issues can occasionally arise during or after the update process. This comprehensive guide addresses the most common problems encountered when updating macOS and provides step-by-step solutions based on Apple's official recommendations and our experience helping thousands of Mac users.

This guide applies to all recent macOS versions, including Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, and Big Sur. The troubleshooting steps are generally the same across versions, with minor differences noted where applicable.

Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into specific issues, here are some general steps that can help resolve many update problems:

  1. Check your Mac's compatibility with the version you're trying to install using our compatibility checker
  2. Back up your Mac using Time Machine before attempting any fixes
  3. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, preferably wired if possible
  4. Connect your Mac to power to prevent battery issues during updates
  5. Restart your Mac before attempting the update again
  6. Update from Safe Mode by restarting while holding the Shift key

Tip: Many update issues can be resolved by creating a bootable macOS installer and using it instead of the standard update process.

Update Won't Download

If the macOS update won't download or downloads very slowly, try these solutions:

Solution 1: Check your internet connection

  1. Connect to a different network if possible
  2. Try using an ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi
  3. Reset your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in

Solution 2: Clear download cache

  1. Open Finder and press Shift+Command+G
  2. Enter /Library/Updates/ and click Go
  3. Select all items in this folder and move them to the Trash
  4. Restart your Mac and try downloading again

Solution 3: Download from the App Store

  1. Instead of using System Settings > Software Update, try downloading the full installer from the App Store
  2. Search for the macOS version by name (e.g., "macOS Sonoma")
  3. Click Get or Download to start the download

Solution 4: Try during off-peak hours

Apple's servers can become overloaded when new updates are released. Try downloading during early morning or late evening hours when fewer people are likely to be downloading.

Stuck on "Preparing to Update"

One of the most common issues is when your Mac gets stuck on the "Preparing to Update" screen for hours. Here's how to fix it:

Solution 1: Be patient (sometimes)

The "Preparing to Update" process can legitimately take 30-60 minutes, especially on older Macs with slow storage. If it's been less than an hour, consider waiting a bit longer.

Solution 2: Force restart and try again

  1. If it's been over an hour with no progress, press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off
  2. Wait 30 seconds, then turn your Mac back on
  3. Try the update again from System Settings > Software Update

Solution 3: Update in Safe Mode

  1. Restart your Mac and immediately hold the Shift key until you see the login screen
  2. Log in (you might need to log in twice)
  3. "Safe Boot" should appear in the top-right corner of the screen
  4. Try updating from System Settings > Software Update again

Solution 4: Reset NVRAM/PRAM

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option+Command+P+R
  3. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds
  4. Release the keys and allow your Mac to continue starting up
  5. Try the update again

Note: For a more detailed guide on this specific issue, see our dedicated article: Fix for "Stuck on Preparing Update" Issue

Installation Fails with Error

If you see an error message like "An error occurred while installing the update" or "The update could not be verified," try these solutions:

Solution 1: Check date and time settings

  1. Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time
  2. Enable "Set date and time automatically"
  3. Ensure your time zone is correctly set
  4. Try the update again

Solution 2: Download the update again

  1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities)
  2. Enter the command: sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog
  3. Enter your password when prompted
  4. Try downloading and installing the update again

Solution 3: Use Disk Utility to check for disk issues

  1. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities)
  2. Select your startup disk in the sidebar
  3. Click "First Aid" and then "Run"
  4. Wait for the process to complete
  5. If issues are found and fixed, try updating again

Solution 4: Install using Recovery Mode

  1. Restart your Mac
  2. Hold Command+R immediately after turning it on
  3. When the Recovery screen appears, select "Reinstall macOS"
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Not Enough Storage Space

macOS updates typically require 12-20GB of free space, both for the download and the installation process. If you're getting a storage space error, try these solutions:

Solution 1: Check available storage

  1. Click the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage (or System Settings > General > Storage in newer versions)
  2. Check how much free space you have
  3. You'll need at least 20GB free for most updates

Solution 2: Use built-in storage optimization

  1. In the Storage screen, click "Manage..."
  2. Use the "Recommendations" to free up space
  3. Options may include storing files in iCloud, optimizing storage, emptying Trash automatically, and reducing clutter

Solution 3: Manual cleanup

  1. Remove large files and applications you don't need
  2. Empty the Trash
  3. Clear browser caches (in Safari: Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All)
  4. Delete old iOS backups (in Finder sidebar, right-click on your iOS device > Delete Backup)

Solution 4: Use a third-party cleaning tool

Applications like CleanMyMac X, DaisyDisk, or OmniDiskSweeper can help identify and remove large files or applications taking up space.

Stuck on "Verifying" Screen

If your Mac gets stuck on "Verifying..." when trying to install the update, try these solutions:

Solution 1: Wait longer

The verification process can take some time, especially on slower internet connections. Wait at least 30 minutes before assuming it's stuck.

Solution 2: Force restart and try again

  1. Press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off
  2. Wait 30 seconds, then turn your Mac back on
  3. Try the update again

Solution 3: Download the full installer

  1. Instead of using Software Update, download the full installer from the App Store
  2. Run the installer directly

Solution 4: Use a bootable installer

Create a bootable macOS installer and use it to install the update instead.

Mac Won't Boot After Update

If your Mac won't start up properly after installing an update, try these solutions:

Solution 1: Be patient on first boot

After a major update, the first boot can take much longer than usual (up to 30 minutes) as macOS configures settings and indexes files. Wait at least 30 minutes before assuming there's a problem.

Solution 2: Boot in Safe Mode

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. For Intel Macs: Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login screen
  3. For Apple Silicon Macs: Turn it off, then press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears. Select your startup disk, press and hold the Shift key, then click "Continue in Safe Mode"
  4. Log in (you may need to log in twice)
  5. Use your Mac in Safe Mode for a while, then restart normally

Solution 3: Reset SMC and NVRAM/PRAM

For Intel Macs:

  1. Reset SMC: Shut down, unplug power for 15 seconds (for desktops) or hold Shift+Control+Option+Power for 10 seconds (for laptops), then release
  2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Restart and immediately hold Option+Command+P+R for 20 seconds

Note: Apple Silicon Macs don't require manual SMC or NVRAM resets.

Solution 4: Use Recovery Mode

  1. Restart your Mac
  2. For Intel Macs: Hold Command+R immediately after turning it on
  3. For Apple Silicon Macs: Press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears, then click Options
  4. Use Disk Utility to check your disk for problems
  5. If needed, use the "Reinstall macOS" option

Warning: If you need to reinstall macOS, try not to erase your disk if possible. Choose the option to install over your existing system to preserve your data. Always ensure you have a backup first.

Post-Update Problems

After successfully updating macOS, you might encounter these common issues:

Battery Draining Faster

Solutions:

  1. Wait it out: Battery drain is often temporary after updates as your Mac reindexes files and performs optimizations. Wait 24-48 hours.
  2. Check Activity Monitor: Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) and check the Energy tab to identify battery-hungry apps.
  3. Reset SMC: On Intel Macs, reset the System Management Controller as described earlier.
  4. Update apps: Ensure all your applications are updated to versions compatible with your new macOS.
  5. Check battery health: Go to System Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check if your battery needs service.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Solutions:

  1. Turn Wi-Fi off and on: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, turn it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
  2. Restart your router: Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  3. Create a new network location:
    • Go to System Settings > Network
    • Click the ⓘ button next to Location
    • Click the + button, name the new location, and click Done
    • Apply the changes and try connecting again
  4. Remove and reconnect to the network: In Network settings, select your Wi-Fi network, click "-" to remove it, then reconnect.
  5. Reset NVRAM: On Intel Macs, reset NVRAM as described earlier.

Note: For a more detailed guide on fixing Wi-Fi issues, see our article: How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues in macOS

Slow Performance

Solutions:

  1. Wait for indexing to complete: After updates, Spotlight reindexes your files, which can temporarily slow performance. Wait 24-48 hours.
  2. Restart your Mac: A simple restart can often resolve performance issues.
  3. Check available storage: Ensure you have at least 10% of your total storage free.
  4. Check resource-intensive processes: Use Activity Monitor to identify and quit apps using excessive CPU or memory.
  5. Disable unnecessary startup items: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items and remove items you don't need at startup.
  6. Reset NVRAM and SMC: For Intel Macs, reset these as described earlier.

App Compatibility Issues

Solutions:

  1. Update the app: Check the App Store or the developer's website for updates compatible with your macOS version.
  2. Contact the developer: If no update is available, contact the app developer to ask about compatibility plans.
  3. Look for alternatives: If the app won't be updated, consider finding an alternative application with similar functionality.
  4. For apps that won't open: Right-click the app and select "Open" (this can bypass some security restrictions).
  5. Check for 32-bit apps: macOS Catalina and later don't support 32-bit apps. Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Software > Applications to check if apps are 32-bit or 64-bit.

Recovery Options

If you've tried all applicable solutions and still have problems, consider these recovery options:

Option 1: Restore from Time Machine backup

  1. If you made a Time Machine backup before updating, you can restore your system to that state:
  2. Restart your Mac
  3. For Intel Macs: Hold Command+R immediately after turning it on
  4. For Apple Silicon Macs: Press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears, then click Options
  5. Select "Restore from Time Machine Backup" and follow the instructions

Option 2: Downgrade to a previous macOS version

Downgrading to a previous version of macOS is possible but complex. It generally requires:

  1. Erasing your startup disk in Recovery Mode
  2. Installing the older macOS version from a bootable installer or Internet Recovery
  3. Restoring your data from a backup

This process will erase all data on your Mac, so a complete backup is essential.

Option 3: Clean install

As a last resort, you can perform a clean installation of macOS:

  1. Back up all your important data
  2. Create a bootable installer for your desired macOS version
  3. Boot from the installer
  4. Use Disk Utility to erase your startup disk
  5. Install a fresh copy of macOS
  6. Restore your data and reinstall applications

Tip: If you're experiencing serious issues that none of these solutions resolve, it might be time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. Hardware issues can sometimes manifest as update problems.