If iTunes or the Apple Devices app can't contact the software update server for iPhone, iPad, or iPod

Learn what to do if iTunes or the Apple Devices app can't contact the software update server. This can happen when you try to restore or update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

If you use iTunes or the Apple Devices app on your PC, you might see an alert when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. This alert means that your computer can't reach the software update server. If your internet connection is working, try again.

Update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod without a computer

If you're locked out of your device or it's in recovery mode, you must use a computer. Otherwise, you can update or restore wirelessly.

1. Disconnect the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from your computer.

2. On the device, turn on Wi-Fi. We recommend that you connect to a network, not a personal hotspot, when you download software updates.

3. Go to Settings.

4. Tap General.

5. Tap Software Update.

If this doesn't fix the issue, troubleshoot your connection to the internet and the iTunes Store.

Connect to the internet and the iTunes Store

Verify your internet connection by opening a browser on your computer and checking if it can load a webpage. Then, try connecting to the iTunes Store.

If you can't connect to the internet, your computer administrator or internet service provider (ISP) can provide help. You can also try a different computer or network.

If you can connect to the internet but see an error connecting to the iTunes Store, troubleshoot iTunes Store errors.

If these solutions don't fix the issue, try editing or resetting your hosts file.

Edit or reset your hosts file

Your hosts file might block access to the software update server. Edit or reset your hosts file.

If you use a Mac

If you use a work computer, check with your computer administrator before you edit the hosts file.

1. Choose Go from the menu bar in the Finder.

2. Select Utilities.

3. Open Terminal in the Utilities folder.

4. Type the sudo nano /private/etc/hosts command in Terminal to open the hosts file.

5. Type your password when prompted.¹

6. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move through the hosts file.

7. If any line includes apple.com, add a number sign (#) and a space character to the beginning of the line.

8. Press Control-O to save the hosts file.

9. Press Enter at the filename prompt.

10. Press Control-X to exit.

If this doesn't fix the issue, your security software might be out-of-date or misconfigured. Resolve iTunes and security software conflicts.

If you use a Windows PC

On your Windows PC, reset the hosts file.

If this doesn't fix the issue, your security software might be out-of-date or misconfigured. Resolve iTunes and security software conflicts.