macOS Sequoia Update Stuck at “30 Minutes Remaining”? How to Fix

Apple’s macOS Sequoia brings a host of new features and enhancements, but for some users, the excitement quickly turns into frustration when the installation gets stuck—often at the nagging message, “30 minutes remaining.” If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. Although it might seem like the update is frozen, there are reliable methods to resolve this and get your Mac back in working condition.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes behind the macOS Sequoia update stalling at “30 minutes remaining” and outline several fixes that are safe, effective, and easy to perform.

What Causes the Update to Get Stuck?

There are a few known reasons why an update might hang mid-way:

• Corrupted installation files
• Insufficient disk space
• External peripherals causing conflicts
• Background processes interfering with the installer
• Issues with Apple’s update servers or your network

Understanding these potential culprits can help you choose the most appropriate troubleshooting method.

Fix #1: Wait It Out

Believe it or not, one of the best initial steps is to exercise patience. Yes, the update may appear stuck, but in many cases, it’s still running quietly in the background. Your Mac is likely unpacking large files or verifying components.

Try waiting at least 45–60 minutes. If nothing changes after this period, proceed with the following steps.

Fix #2: Perform a Hard Reboot

If you’re confident the installation is truly stuck, a hard reboot might help reset the process.

1. Hold down the Power button until your Mac shuts off.
2. Wait about 10 seconds, then power it back on.
3. If the installation resumes, great—let it run.
4. If it reverts to macOS without completing the update, you may need to restart the update process.

Note: This has a small risk of corrupting the installation, so proceed only if the update is truly unresponsive for more than an hour.

Fix #3: Boot into Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help clear errors and prevent third-party software from interfering with the macOS upgrade.

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
3. Keep holding until the login window appears.
4. Log in; it may take a little longer than usual.
5. Try running the update again from Safe Mode.

This environment limits background processes, increasing your chances of a successful installation.

Fix #4: Check and Remove Peripherals

In some cases, external devices like USB hubs, printers, or even external drives can disrupt the installation process.

Steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Disconnect all non-essential peripherals.
3. Restart your Mac and try continuing or reinstalling the update.

Fix #5: Ensure Enough Free Disk Space

The Sequoia update requires several gigabytes of space—more than you think due to temporary files and system backups created during installation.

To check and manage your disk space:

• Boot into macOS Recovery by holding Command + R on startup.
• Go to Disk Utility and see available storage.
• If needed, use Terminal or Disk Utility to delete old files or secondary partitions.

Make sure you have at least 35–40 GB of free space for a smooth update.

Fix #6: Use macOS Recovery to Reinstall

If your update continues to stall, your best option might be to reinstall from macOS Recovery. This does not erase your data (unless you choose to do so). Follow these steps:

1. Boot to macOS Recovery using Command + R.
2. Select Reinstall macOS from the menu.
3. Follow the prompts to reinstall macOS Sequoia.

This process downloads a fresh copy of the OS from Apple’s servers and can overwrite any corrupted update files.

Prevent It from Happening Again

After fixing the issue, take preventative steps to avoid future update failures:

• Back up regularly using Time Machine
• Check for third-party software compatibility before updating
• Make sure you have adequate free space (at least 20% of your drive)
• Keep your system and apps updated
• Disconnect unnecessary peripherals before updates

Final Thoughts

Though getting stuck at “30 minutes remaining” during a macOS Sequoia update can be stressful, it doesn’t mean your Mac is bricked. With patience and the right troubleshooting methods, most users can resolve this problem and enjoy the new features that Sequoia brings.

If none of these solutions work, consider reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider for professional assistance.