Mac Stuck on Checking for Updates

Updates are vital to your Mac. They add new features, fix bugs, and patch security issues, keeping your computer in optimal condition. Downloading and installing updates is usually easy, but sometimes they can get caught in a loop, and you might see “checking for updates” stuck on your screen.

If your Mac takes so long to check for updates that you think it’s not working properly, don’t panic—we’re here to help. Today, we’re about to explore some of the most common causes of this problem and show you how to fix them.

Before we start:

 

If your Mac is stuck on finding updates, and you don’t feel confident about fixing it yourself, try MacKeeper’s Premium Services. Our advanced support service gives you access to technical experts 24/7. Tell us your Mac keeps checking for updates, and we’ll get you back on track fast.

 

Here’s how to get started if you don’t have the MacKeeper app on your Mac:

1. Visit our Premium Services web page and learn more about what we offer.
2. Scroll down and fill in the contact form, explaining the issue you’re having.
3. Our experts will be in touch to get you the support you need.

Premium Services isn’t just for Mac issues. We can also help with everything from iPhones and Apple Watches to Android tablets and printers.

 

For Apple computers, we advise you to download and install our desktop application to enjoy our tech help, together with cleaning, malware protection, and privacy features.

Why is your Mac stuck on checking for updates?

There are many possible reasons your Mac keeps saying “checking for updates.” It could be caused by problems with your internet connection or your Mac’s storage. On rare occasions, it can be related to issues with Apple’s servers, which are out of your control. Find the full list of reasons below.

The common causes for a stalled Mac update include:

• Local network issues, including weak or intermittent Wi-Fi.
• Wider network problems in your neighborhood or with your internet provider’s service.
• Security settings on your Mac or router’s software.  
• Problems with Apple’s servers.
• Lack of storage space for updates.
• Software bugs in macOS or a third-party app.
• Hardware issues related to your RAM or NVRAM.

What to do if your Mac keeps searching for software updates

Before trying anything else, reboot your Mac. Restarting the OS will clear out the RAM and other temporary data, which can get your Mac’s update process unstuck. When macOS has finished restarting, check System Settings again and see if the update goes through as normal. If not, you might need to restore from a backup.

If your Mac keeps searching for software updates, try our fixes:

1. Check that your Mac is really stuck
2. Check your Wi-Fi and internet connection
3. Disable your VPN
4. Check Apple servers
5. Check if there’s enough space for the update
6. Restart your MacBook
7. Free up RAM
8. Reset your NVRAM
9. Clear the App Store cache
10. Boot macOS in safe mode
11. Update macOS via Terminal
12. Reinstall macOS

1. Check that your Mac is really stuck

Although it might seem like your Mac is stuck during an update, it could just be taking longer than usual, due to a slow connection or server issues. Let the update process continue for up to an hour and see if it goes through.

2. Check your Wi-Fi and internet connection

If there’s anything wrong with your Wi-Fi or internet, it could interfere with updates. Do as follows to rule this out:

1. In System Settings, go to Network, and check your connection has a green dot.
2. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting to your router with an Ethernet cable instead.
3. In your Wi-Fi settings, you can also connect to another network.
4. Try moving your Mac closer to your router, if you’re using Wi-Fi.
5. Check your internet connectivity on a different device. If it’s working okay elsewhere, the problem is more likely to be related to your Mac.
6. Reboot your router.

3. Disable your VPN

VPNs are great for protecting your privacy and unlocking geo-restrictions, but they can also interfere with updates. This is what you need to do:

1. Open your VPN software, and either disconnect, pause, or quit it.
2. In System Settings, select General > Software Update. Check if the problem has been fixed.

A note from our experts: 

 

If you’re wondering why your Mac won't update to Sonoma, check out our guide for advice on that particular OS version.

4. Check Apple servers

Check if Apple’s servers are the reason for your updating issues, so you don’t waste time with other fixes. Do the following:

1. Visit Apple’s System Status page. Click the plus icon to see more details.
2. Scroll down and make sure macOS Software Update is marked as Available.  

5. Check if there’s enough space for the update

If you’re going from an older version of macOS like Catalina to something newer like Big Sur, Monterey, or Sequoia, you’ll need plenty of space to store their downloads. Here’s how to check:

1. In System Settings, open General > Storage. Check available storage.
2. If you don’t have at least 25GB free, use the storage management tools to clear some space. Click the Information (i) button on each tool to open it.
3. Remove unneeded apps and more, then try updating your Mac again.

A bonus tip from us: 

 

Take a look at our troubleshooting advice for macOS Big Sur problems for support with that specific OS.

6. Restart your MacBook

Restarting your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, or iMac will clear out temporary data, which could be blocking your update. Just follow this process:

1. Click the Apple icon in your menu bar. Select Restart.
2. In the pop-up dialog, click Restart.

Important: 

 

Do you have issues restarting your Mac? Read our guide on how to wake up your MacBook for some practical solutions.

7. Free up RAM

Running out of RAM can cause all kinds of issues on your Mac, so clear it out and try updating again. You can use MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner to free up your RAM:

1. Open MacKeeper, and select Memory Cleaner.
2. Click Open > Clean Memory.
3. Try the update again.

8. Reset your NVRAM

Clearing your Mac’s non-volatile random access memory can fix many issues, but Apple Silicon Macs do it automatically when they detect a problem. Intel Mac owners, do as follows:

1. Turn off your Mac, and then power it back up. Immediately press and hold Cmd+Opt+P+R.
2. Hold those keys for about 20 seconds, then let your Mac boot as normal. Check to see if your Mac update issues have gone.

A hint from our team: 

 

Troubleshooting technical problems can soon get complicated and time-consuming. If you want your Mac back to its best quickly, try our Premium Services within the app:

1. Download and run MacKeeper.
2. Select Premium Services in the sidebar and click Chat Now.
3. One of our experts will appear in the chat. Explain your issues, and they’ll take you through your options.

9. Clear the App Store cache

Deleting cached data from the Mac App Store may be enough to fix your Mac if it keeps checking for updates. You’ll need to dig into your Library files like this:

1. In Finder, select Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar.
2. Enter ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstore and press Return.
3. Delete the folder and empty your Trash.

10. Boot macOS in safe mode

When your Mac is in safe mode, it will boot without third-party apps and drivers, which could be causing your update issues.

Boot into safe mode on an Intel Mac like this:

1. Power down your Mac, then turn it back on.
2. Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
3. Keep it held until macOS finishes loading. It should now be in safe mode.

For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, and M3) Macs, do this:

1. Switch off your Mac. Leave it for roughly 15 seconds.
2. Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options page.
3. Select your startup volume. Press and hold Shift, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

11. Update macOS via Terminal

Stuck updates might work if you use the macOS command line tool Terminal. Try these commands:

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Type softwareupdate -l and press Return.
2. You’ll see a list of available updates. Note the name of the update you want, then type sudo softwareupdate -i update_name, and press Return.

12. Reinstall macOS

If all else fails, you might need to reinstall your Mac’s operating system. This is a long and fairly complicated process involving your Mac’s built-in recovery tools, and it differs depending on which Mac model you have. Check out our dedicated guide to factory resetting your Mac for full step-by-step instructions.

If in doubt, call on the experts

Here, we’ve shown you what to do if the software update isn’t working on your Mac. Some of the problems are easy to fix, while others are more advanced and difficult.

You should always start with the basics, like rebooting your Mac and router, but if you ever feel out of your depth or just want it sorted quickly, our Premium Services could be right up your street. Right in the MacKeeper app, our highly trained experts can help you with all kinds of technical issues—not only related to Macs but also to other more general Apple stuff.