Checking for Updates: How to Fix Mac Update Stuck?

Even though Mac PC comes with a powerful operating system, some problems might occur. Mac users face one such issue, being stuck on the “Checking for Updates” screen. Several users have said that when they try to install the latest version of the OS, they encounter the “Checking for Updates” stuck issue.

“Checking for Updates” Stuck issue is a Mac error that can sometimes occur when the Mac tries to install an update. Generally, most of the time, macOS updates go smoothly. It usually takes a few minutes. If you face the stuck screen issue, your system might have some problems. There could be several reasons that cause the “Checking for Updates” stuck problem. However, this issue can be fixed easily. Here, we will provide you with straightforward methods to eliminate this issue on your Mac PC.

5 Ways to Fix Mac Checking for Updates Stuck Error:

  1. Restart your Mac and router.
  2. Check the Internet connection and change DNS settings.
  3. Use Safe Mode.
  4. Delete macOS Install data.
  5. Free up storage space.

No 1. Restart your Mac and router

It is always a good and primary idea to restart your PC and Wi-Fi router if you face any problems. Restarting the system would take care of the system, and things could go back to normal. It can fix some minor issues.

If your Mac is connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable, unplug the Ethernet cable and restart the Mac. After restart, plug it back in and check the issue.

No 2. Check the Internet connection and change DNS Settings

If there is a problem with your internet connection, you will face this issue. Due to poor internet connection, your PC won’t be able to reach the updated servers. Reset your network settings if your internet connection has some problem. You can also fix the issue by manually changing its DNS (Domain Name System) settings. To do it, follow our steps below:

  • Open Apple Menu.
  • Navigate to System Preferences>Network.
  • Ensure that Wi-Fi is selected in the left panel and click on Advanced.
  • Now open the DNS tab in the advanced window and add either of the following DNS servers: (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
  • Click on OK and exit.
  • Restart your Mac and try to update its software.

No 3. Use Safe Mode

You can try to boot your Mac to Safe Mode, which will start your macOS with the minimum number of components. If you face stuck on the “Checking for Updates” issue for a long time, performing the Safe Mode might fix the problem by removing any obstacles that interfere with the update. Here’s how to boot your Mac to Safe Mode.

  • Shut down your Mac usually.
  • Now, you can boot your Mac by holding down the Shift key.
  • Please wait for a few minutes; macOS will boot into Safe Mode.
  • You can try to update your OS, hoping that it works this time smoothly.

No 4. Delete macOS Install data

The current folder may be causing the “Checking for Updates” stuck problem. So, you need to remove the macOS install data folder.

  • Go to Applications> Utilities.
  • Open Terminal.
  • Enter the command sudo rm -rf “/macOS Install Data” and hit Enter.
  • Enter your administrator password and restart your Mac.
  • Once done with the process, check your issue.

No 5. Free up storage space

Lack of sufficient space on your Mac’s drive could be triggering problems with your Mac’s software updates. Since the update will first be downloaded onto your Mac, the update process may fail if you do not have enough free space.

  • Head to the Apple menu.
  • Choose About this Mac.
  • Then click Storage.
  • Here, you can clear up some storage if you need to.
About: Sudhanshu

At Gizpie, Sudhansu covers the latest news and guides focused on Apple's MacOS platform. As an experienced Mac user, he loves finding tips and tricks to get the most out of Apple apps and services. He loves being able to make complex topics easy to understand for beginners too. Follow Him on X

Leave a Comment