If Apple Intelligence is stuck on “Preparing” or “Downloading…” after iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS 26 update, you’re not the only one. Across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users report stalls at 0%, 99%, or after a toggle—often right after an iOS/iPadOS or macOS update. Below are real fixes gathered from user reports, ordered from quickest to most involved.
This issue may occur on iPhone, iPad or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26. It is easy to turn on Apple Intelligence.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps:
- Use fast Wi-Fi and charge: Keep the device on a reliable Wi-Fi network (do not use cellular network) and plugged in. Some users also had to turn off VPN before downloads started.
- Prefer Wi-Fi only (disable cellular temporarily): Several people fixed it by turning off Mobile Data or flipping Airplane Mode on, letting Wi-Fi take over, then trying the download again. This works because sometimes carriers may place restrictions.
- Restart while charging: Power off, wait ~30 seconds, power back on while the phone is on the charger. For many, the stuck “Downloading” disappeared and Apple Intelligence switched on right away.
Other fixes:
- Switch Region/Language to UK (or Canada), then back: A surprisingly common workaround:
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Turn Apple Intelligence off (if you can).
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Change Settings > General > Language & Region to United Kingdom (some used Canada).
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In Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri, set Apple Intelligence Language to English (UK).
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Turn Apple Intelligence on and let it download.
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Optional: switch back to your usual region/language afterward, if you want.
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If it doesn’t start, try toggling AI off/on once more or restart while still set to UK.
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Change Siri voice / delete Siri & Dictation history: Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Voices. Pick a different voice, wait a few seconds, then switch back. Then try Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Siri & Dictation History > Delete. Note: you can delete your Siri history. Multiple users said this immediately unstuck the download.
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Double-tap the “Preparing” text: Double-tapping the “Preparing” label made a progress % appear and complete.
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Turn Apple Intelligence off, reboot, then on: If the switch is available: Turn off > Restart > Turn on. Simple, but it may work.
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Update iOS/iPadOS/macOS first: A few users couldn’t download until they were on the latest point release. Check for software updates, install, and try again.
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iPhone or iPad specific; Reset All Settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings. Note: This does not erase your data; it resets system settings (Wi-Fi, privacy, etc.).
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Complete any required extensions: If you see Settings > Apple Intelligence > Extensions with an incomplete status, tap in and finish setup. The download often completes right after.
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Mac specific; use Wi-Fi (not wired Ethernet docks): The download may not proceed over a wired dock. Unplug Ethernet, stay on Wi-Fi, and try again.
See also: Fixing Apple Intelligence Errors: Writing Tools & Summarization Unavailable
