When you use iTunes to update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod, you may see an alert message stating that iTunes could not contact the software update server because you're not connected to the Internet. It will advise you to make sure your Internet connection is active and try again. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.
Update or restore your iOS device without using iTunes
You need to use iTunes to update or restore your iOS device if you have forgotten your password and are locked out, or if your device is in recovery mode.
If that's not the case, you can update or restore without iTunes using these steps:
- Disconnect the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from your computer.
- On the device, turn on Wi-Fi. We recommend that you connect to a network, not a personal hotspot, when you download software updates.
- Update the device by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
If this doesn't fix the issue, go to the next solution.
Connect to the Internet and the iTunes Store
Open a browser on your computer and see if it can load a web page. Then, try to connect to the iTunes Store.
- If you can't connect to the Internet, contact your computer administrator or Internet service provider (ISP) for help. Or, try a different computer or network.
- If you can connect to the Internet but see an error message when you're trying to connect to the iTunes Store, find solutions to possible iTunes Store errors.
- If you can connect to the Internet but the iTunes store shows a blank white page, identify and remove Layered Service Provider software.
If these solutions don't fix the issue, edit or reset your hosts file.
Edit or reset your hosts file
Your hosts file may block access to the software update server. Here's how to edit or reset your hosts file.
If you're using a Mac
If you're using a work computer, check with your computer administrator before editing the hosts file.
- In Finder, select Applications > Utilities > Terminal from the menu bar.
- In the Terminal application, type the following command and press Enter to open the hosts file:
sudo nano /private/etc/hosts - When prompted, type your user password. Note that nothing appears in the Terminal window when you type the password.
- Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move through the hosts file.
- If any line includes apple.com, add a hash tag (#) and a space character to the beginning of the line.
- To save the hosts file, press Control-O.
- At the filename prompt, press Enter.
- To exit, press Control-X.
If this doesn't fix the issue, your security software may be out-of-date or misconfigured. You can resolve issues between iTunes and your security software.
If you're using a Windows PC
On your Windows PC, reset the hosts file.
If this doesn't fix the issue, your security software may be out-of-date or misconfigured. You can resolve issues between iTunes and your security software.