How to fix Apple Intelligence not downloading on an iPhone

Learn what to do if Apple Intelligence is not downloading on your iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro

By Tom Griffin - Executive Editor
2 Min Read

Many users have encountered their iPhones getting stuck while trying to download Apple Intelligence. I experienced the same problem on my iPhone 16 Pro Max. After extensive troubleshooting, I discovered a solution that has worked for several devices, including my wife’s iPhone16 Pro and my father-in-law’s iPhone 15 Pro. Below is the step-by-step guide that worked for me.

Note: Information in this article apply to iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Downloading Apple Intelligence on your iPhone is usually a very simple process. However at times you may experience issues. It may take several hours for Apple Intelligence to activate. You can see the status by going to Settings > Siri or Apple Intelligence & Siri. It may say things like Preparing etc.

For me, it took about 2 hours for activation. After activation, you will need to set it up. Tap or click the notification or open Settings and then click or tap Set Up Apple Intelligence and then follow the onscreen instructions.

If you are having Apple Intelligence download problems, here are a few tips that you may try:

1. Check your Wi-Fi connection

Do you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Obviously downloading Apple Intelligence data requires a Wi-Fi connection. This may be the reason if your Apple Intelligence download does not start. If this is the case, then you may want to troubleshoot your internet connection. Here are a few tips you may try:

  • Turn on Airplane Mode and wait a about 10 seconds and turn back off (Settings > Airplane Mode).
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router/modem.
  • VPN or proxy connections may cause issues. If you are using one of them, disable it and try again.
  • If possible, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to download Apple Intelligence. Sometimes this simple change makes all the difference.

2. Ensure that your iPhone has at least 4GB of available storage

Insufficient storage can prevent Apple Intelligence from installing. Your iPhone should have at least 4 GB of available storage to support Apple Intelligence features. Check how much free space you have by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Free up space by deleting unused apps, photos, or videos.

3. Restart your iPhone

If you are still unable to download Apple Intelligence, I suggest that you restart your iPhone and then try again. Here is how:

  • Press and hold the Side and volume up (or down) buttons together until the power off slider appears.
  • Drag the slider.
  • Wait for your iPhone to turn off completely. Then press and hold the Side button to turn it on again.

4. Force restart your iPhone

If restarting does not help, force restart your iPhone. A force restart can help resolve an iPhone stuck in the middle of Apple Intelligence download. Here’s how:

  • Press and release the volume up button,
  • Press and release the volume down button,
  • Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Executive Editor
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Tom Griffin is the editor-in-chief at GeeksChalk where he oversees all of site’s evergreen content to ensure it’s up to date with the latest information. Hailing from London in the UK, he has over seven years of experience in the tech journalism space and holds a degree in English Literature. In his spare time, Tom can found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, and petting every dog he comes across in the outside world.
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