The iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted[Solved]

What Does "The iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted" Mean?

Updating your iOS via iTunes is simple—just connect your iPhone to your computer and authorize the update. However, many users encounter the "The iPhone software update server could not be contacted" error, which can delay or block the process entirely. While the issue is common, its cause and solution often remain unclear to most users.

When iTunes shows the error "The iPhone software update server could not be contacted", it usually means the update server is temporarily unreachable. While the issue may stem from Apple’s servers, it's more often caused by local network or system settings. Here are the most common reasons why iTunes can't connect to the update server.

• A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the main reasons iTunes can't reach the iPhone software update server. Since the iOS update requires downloading data from Apple’s servers, a strong and stable connection is essential to complete the process without errors.
• Misconfigured iTunes or system settings can also prevent access to the iPhone software update server. iTunes requires proper permissions to initiate updates, and if certain preferences or access rights aren’t enabled, errors are likely to occur.
• In some cases, antivirus software may block iTunes from connecting to the iPhone software update server. While designed to protect against threats, certain security programs can mistakenly flag iTunes activity as suspicious, causing connection issues during the update process.
• An altered host file on your computer can also block iTunes from accessing the iPhone software update server. This system file maps domain names to IP addresses, and if it's misconfigured, it may prevent connections to Apple servers and disrupt the iOS update process.

Easy Ways to Fix This Software Update Server Issue

Although the "iPhone or iPad software update server could not be contacted" error is common, it’s easily fixable. This issue isn’t serious, and several simple, effective solutions can resolve it quickly. Here are proven methods to help you fix this update problem for good.

Solution 1: Ensure Your Internet Connection is Strong and Stable

A stable internet connection is essential for a successful iOS update via iTunes. If your network is weak or unstable, iTunes may fail to contact the iPhone or iPad software update server, halting the entire process. Before starting the update, ensure your connection is strong and reliable.

Solution 2: Turn Off Your Anti-virus or Firewall While Updating Your iOS

Although iTunes is a trusted application, some antivirus or firewall programs may mistakenly block its functions. This can prevent iTunes from connecting to the iPhone or iPad software update server during an iOS update. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall may resolve the issue.

Solution 3: Restart Your iTunes Application

Sometimes, iTunes may simply need a restart to function properly. Close the application, wait a few minutes, and launch it again. If the issue persists, restart your computer and try updating iOS again through iTunes. This quick reset often resolves minor connection errors with the update server.

Solution 4: Update Your iOS From Your iPhone

Updating your iOS directly from your iPhone is often faster and more convenient than using iTunes. If iTunes isn’t working, try updating via your device instead. Follow these simple steps to install the latest iOS version on your iPhone.

Manually Update Your iOS

• Step 1: Go to Settings.
• Step 2: Tap on the General option.
• Step 3: Click Software Update.

• Step 4: The information about the new iOS will appear on your screen. Check it and then click Download and Install.
• Step 5: Enter your iPhone passcode if necessary.
• Step 6: Terms and Conditions will then pop up on your screen. Read it and then click Agree.
• Step 7: Sit back and wait until the installation process is done. Don’t panic when your iPhone suddenly restarts. It’s part of the process. Your iPhone needs to load up its system to fully implement the new iOS.

Enable Automatic Software Update

• Step 1: Go to Settings.
• Step 2: Click General.
• Step 3: Click Software Update.
• Step 4: Click Automatic Updates.
• Step 5: Switch on the corresponding radio buttons for Download iOS Updates, Install iOS Updates, and Security Responses & System Files options.

Solution 5: Update Your iOS Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

If updating your iOS via iTunes or directly on your device doesn’t work, consider using a third-party tool. Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a reliable solution for fixing iOS Beta update issues and other system-related problems. Follow these simple steps to update or repair your device using Dr.Fone.

• Step 1: Download Wondershare Dr.Fone from its official website. Launch the application if you already have it on your desktop.
• Step 2: Click System Repair from the main dashboard or from the Toolbox section on the left corner of the window.

• Step 3: Connect your iPhone to your computer. And then, select iOS from the new window that appears on your computer screen.

• Step 4: Choose iOS Repair from the options provided.

• Step 5: Click Standard Repair.

• Step 6: At this point, Wondershare Dr.Fone will ask you to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. Tap Trust from your iPhone. Consecutively, click Enter Recovery Mode on your computer. In the event you need additional help with this procedure, click Guide on your computer for further instructions.

• Step 7: While your iPhone is under Recovery Mode, Wondershare Dr.Fone will search for several firmware available for your device. Choose the best one that matches the model and specifications of your iPhone. Click Download.

• Step 8: Wondershare Dr.Fone will immediately download the selected firmware. Sit back and wait until the package has been downloaded and verified.

• Step 9: Wondershare Dr.Fone will inform you once the firmware is ready. By then, click Repair Now.

• Step 10: The system repair and installation of the new firmware will commence right away. Don’t use your phone or computer until it’s done to avoid interruptions.

• Step 11: A notification will appear on your computer screen after completing the process. From there, click Done.

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Conclusion

Does your iTunes say the iPhone or iPad software update server could not be contacted? Don’t frown. As discussed earlier, there are other options you can try to update your iOS to the latest version. You may update it directly from your iPhone or use other tools like Wondershare Dr.Fone. The important thing is you get a hold of Apple’s new features and system improvements.

Wondershare Dr.Fone’s System Repair feature can resolve many issues. And the good news is it’s also available for Android. Aside from system repair, it can also perform other procedures like data recovery, phone backup, password management, and many more. So waste no time and download it now on your computer. You never know. You might need it someday.