Many mac users have experienced seeing their device frozen while it’s updating. There are several possible reasons why “checking for updates” gets stuck on your Mac. The fix to the issue depends on what’s causing it.
In this post, we will discuss what might be causing your mac to get stuck while checking for updates and the options you have for fixing the problem.
Why Is My Mac Stuck Checking For Updates?
There are different reasons why your mac software update is stuck checking for updates:
- Software Malfunction.
- Lack Of Space On Your Mac.
- Slow Internet Connection.
- System Error Interferences.
- Old Install Data Interference.
- Update Servers Are Non-Responsive.
Apart from causing your Mac to get stuck in “Checking for Updates”, it can also cause you to not find your DNS server on Mac.
How To Fix When Your Mac Gets Stuck Checking For Updates?
Some of the fixes when the Mac checking for updates is stuck can be quite simple.
These could include checking your internet connection or freeing up space on your Mac.
If simple troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, then you may need to go use more technical methods.
Solution 1: Is There Enough Storage Space?
macOS updates typically are large and will require enough space.
You may experience your Mac checking for updates getting stuck during the download stage if you don’t have sufficient storage space.
You can avoid this from happening by checking how much space is available in your mac before you start the updates. Here’s how.
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Step 1: Click “Apple Menu”.
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Step 2: Click “About this Mac”.
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Step 3: Click on “Storage” To Check the Available Space..
You may need to find and delete redundant files if there is not enough storage space.
You can also free up space by doing the following:
- Removing duplicate files.
- Clearing cache and temp files.
- Clearing leftover files, cookies, and residual files.
- Emptying the recycle bin.
- Transferring to an external drive or uploading on cloud storage rarely used files.
Solution 2: Check Your Internet Connection
You will need a stable internet connection when updating software.
The update is likely corrupted or broken due to the interruption in the internet connection.
If your internet connection is the culprit why your mac software update is stuck checking for updates, then you may do the following:
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Step 1: Restart The Modem. If this doesn’t fix the problem then proceed to step 2.
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Step 2: Reset The “Network Settings”.
Solution 3: Restart Your Mac
Here’s how to restart your Mac device when your mac is stuck checking for updates:
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Step 1: Click “Apple Menu”.
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Step 2: Click “Restart”.
Solution 4: Inspect Apple Update Server
If the above troubleshooting methods did not work, the problem could be from Apple’s servers.
You can verify if Apple servers are having troubles or not, here’s how:
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Step 1: Go To Apple’s System Support Page.
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Step 2: Check If The Update Is Currently Available.
If there’s a problem on Apple’s servers, then you will have to wait until it is fixed. If not, you can try other troubleshooting options below.
Solution 5: Boot In Safe Mode
Booting your Mac in safe mode is similar to normally restarting your device but is an effective diagnostic process.
Booting in safe mode means that the MacOS will automatically check your device and wipe the cache files.
The steps in booting your Mac into safe mode vary depending on whether it is running on M1 silicon chips or Intel.
Intel Mac Safe Booting
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Step 1: Restart your Mac.
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Step 2: Press And Hold The “Shift” Key Immediately.
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Step 3: Release The “Shift” Key After The Log-In Window Appears.
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Step 4: Enter Login Details.
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Step 5: Click “Safe Boot” From The Top Right Corner Of The Log-In Window.
M1 Apple Safe Booting
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Step 1: Shut Down Your Mac And Keep Pressing The “Power” Button.
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Step 2: Release The Power Button When “Startup Options” Appear.
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Step 3: Click “Continue In Safe Mode” While Pressing The “Shift” Key.
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Step 4: Log In To Your Mac.
Solution 6: Fix Software Update Preferences
Sometimes incorrect software update preferences may be corrupted which then causes Mac to get stuck checking for updates.
Here’s how you can rectify the incorrect software update preferences.
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Step 1: From The Dock, “Launch Finder”.
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Step 2: Choose “Application” > Utilities > Terminal”.
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Step 4: Type In This Command:
sudo rm Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist -
Step 5: Click the “Return” Key.
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Step 6: Restart Your Mac.
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Step 7: Try Updating Again.
Solution 7: Remove Older macOS Install Data
Your mac’s older install folder may be why your Mac is stuck while checking for updates.
You can address this issue by deleting the install data on your device. Here’s how.
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Step 1: Go To “Finder”.
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Step 2: Choose “Application” > Utilities > Terminal”.
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Step 3: Type In The Command:
sudo rm -rf "/macOS Install Data -
Step 4: Click “Return”.
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Step 5: Restart Your Device And Try Installing The Updates Again.
How To Update macOS On Mac?
Before you update the macOS on your Mac device, make sure that you back up your device first. Otherwise, you might lose some data or files. Here’s how you can update macOS on Mac.
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Step 1: Select “System Preferences” From The Apple Menu.
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Step 2: Click “Software Update”.
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Step 3: Wait While It Checks For New Updates.
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Step 4: Click “Update Now”.
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Step 5: Enter Your Administrator Password. Restart Your Mac If The System Asks.
How Long Does It Take For Mac To Check Updates?
It usually takes anywhere between five minutes to five hours to check for updates, and download and install updates for your Mac. Both your internet speed connection and the size of the updates affect how long the checking and updating will take.
Do not worry if it takes more time than you expected. Sometimes there are big updates that require more time.
The problem is if you see that the process is stuck.
Planning on getting a new MacBook? Find out if MacBooks are still worth it here.
How Do I Restart My Mac After Failing To Update?
You can reset the NVRAM or PRAM when your Mac which was checking for updates got stuck. Resetting the NVRAM and PRAM will automatically start your MAC so memory units that remained active will be shut foo. Here’s how you can reset the NVRAM or PRAM.
- Step 1: Restart your Mac.
- Step 2: Press The “Option, Command, P, and R” Keys together after restarting.
- Step 3: Keep pressing the above keys until the Mac automatically restarts.
How To Cancel A Mac Update Already In Progress?
You can force quit your device to cancel a mac update that’s already in progress. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Click “Apple Menu”.
- Step 2: Choose “Force Quit”.
Alternatively, you can press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the device shuts down.
Don’t Panic If Your Mac Stuck On Checking For Updates
There’s no need to panic when your Mac “checking for updates” gets stuck. It happens every now and then for different reasons.
Go with the simple fixes at first like checking your internet connection and making sure your device has enough space.
If these don’t fix the problem, then try other troubleshooting options.
