How to fix the iOS 9 'Slide to Upgrade' bug using iTunes

Since the release of iOS 9 this week, a number of users have reported an issue in which their devices are rendered useless by an unresponsive "Slide to Upgrade" screen that appears after installing the new operating system.

Apple responded to customer concerns on Friday with a simple fix posted to its Product Support website. Because it requires users have access to a computer, the workaround is a bit clunky, but is proven to be effective.

First, connect an affected iOS device to a computer running iTunes via USB. Select your powered-on device from the device list located in the top left corner of iTunes, represented by its respective icon.

If the device is not recognized, conduct a force restart operation by pressing and holding the sleep/wake and home buttons for at least 10 seconds. A successful force restart will result in an Apple logo being displayed onscreen.

Next, select Restore Backup... in the Backups box and choose a recent backup file. Users who do not have a backup stored will need to manually create one by clicking the Back Up Now button, then restore from that file.

Apple is expected to issue a permanent fix in a later iOS update.

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58 Comments

tonester

said about 8 years ago

Really? Restoring the system from a backup is considered a fix? That something I would expect on the Microsoft support pages.

tnet-primary

said about 8 years ago

It doesn't work, trying to restore a backup from an original iPad Mini to a new iPad Mini 4.

slurpy

said about 8 years ago

Upgraded 6 iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches, and never came across this.

semi_guy

said about 8 years ago

Mine was bricked by the update from USB. After many tries, I was able to wipe and restore as new. Then restore from backup. Seems iTunes was trying to connect to Apple to verify the phone and failing to do so. Thus the new OS was never installed and bricked the phone for several hours....