The iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted[Solved]
Mar 09, 2023 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
Apple has rolled out its latest iOS 15 for iDevices. iTunes is considered one of the best ways to update iOS on your iDevices since it is an Apple product and lets you bypass a lot of technicalities in the process. But many-a times users face trouble contacting the iPhone Software Update Server while using it.
The entire error message reads as follows “The iPhone/iPad software update server could not be contacted, Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, or try again later”. The pop-up has only one option, namely, “OK” which if clicked, makes no difference and you are directed back to the iTunes “Summary” screen. In short, you stay stuck and have no idea on how to proceed.
However, this article today will give you all the information on to why this error occurs and what can be done to fix it to install the firmware update on your iPhone/iPad normally.
Part 1: Why the iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted happens?
The main reason behind the occurrence of the iPhone Software Update Server error is pretty obvious from the pop-up that explains a network connection issue. There is definitely, no doubt that an unstable Wi-Fi network can cause such a glitch making it difficult to contact the iPhone software update server, however, to add, there can be many other reasons behind this weird issue.
One such reason is backed by a lot of speculations that Apple servers are unable to handle the overwhelming response users give when a new firmware is launched. Due to multiple requests generated at the same time to download and install the new update, sometimes, contacting the iPhone software update servers is not as easy as it may seem.
Now that we know a bit about the reason behind this unwarranted problem, let us also learn the methods to resolve it with ease.
In the sections below, we will explain how you can get over this iPhone/iPad software update server error by following a few simple steps and techniques and have a hassle-free installation of the new iOS version.
Part 2: Check your network settings and try again later
The first thing you should do in such cases is to check your network settings and status by following few tips:
1. You may start by turning off and then restarting your Wi-Fi router after 10 minutes to see if the issue is resolved.
2. Secondly, check whether or not your PC, on which iTunes is installed, is connecting to the said Wi-Fi. To do so, simply try to open a website through the browser and see if it launches.
3. Lastly, if your PC does not recognize your Wi-Fi connection or if the network is weak and unstable, try to connect to a different network.
So, these are the 3 tips through which you can check if network issues are a reason for this error.
Part 3: Try to update iPhone software via OTA
Updating iOS software via OTA, i.e., over-the-air, is a good option because that is the most natural way. Over the air, the update sounds a little tricky but it simply means downloading the update directly on the iPhone/iPad so that there is no problem in contacting the iPhone software update server.
Here are the steps that need to be followed:
Step 1: Go to “Settings” by clicking on the icon at your iDevice Home Screen.
Step 2: Now select “General” and select “software update” which will show you a notification if there is an update available.
Step 3: Finally, hit “Download and Install” to update your iPhone.
Note: Please make sure that the firmware is installed properly and the iPhone software update server could not be contacted error does not pop-up.
Part 4: Download the firmware manually for the update
Downloading the firmware manually should be treated as the last option since this process is lengthy and a tedious one. You can implement this method by downloading the iOS IPSW file. These files can help you download the latest firmware when the normal procedure fails to give the desired result.
We have compiled a few steps to help you understand how to download iOS manually:
Step 1: To start with, download the IPSW file on your personal computer. You must ensure to download the most suitable file for your iPhone/iPad only depending on its model and type.
Step 2: Now take a USB Cable and attach your iPhone/iPad to the computer. Then wait for iTunes to recognize it and once done, simply hit the “Summary” option in iTunes to move on.
Step 3: Now, carefully press “Shift” (for Windows) or “Option” (for Mac) and hit the “Restore iPad/iPhone” tab as shown in the picture below.
Note: The above step will help you to browse in order to choose the IPSW file you had downloaded previously.
Now you just have to wait patiently for iTunes to finish the software update process. There you go, your iOS device has been successfully updated.
Part 5: Fix software update server error using Dr.Fone
They say to save the best for the last, so here is Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS), a toolkit that can be used to tackle different types of iOS issues. Also, this product also helps to flash the latest iOS version on your iOS device without data loss, so do not forget to try this excellent product.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)
Fix iPhone system error without data loss.
- Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
- Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
- Fixes other iPhone error and iTunes errors, such as iTunes error 4013, error 14, iTunes error 27,iTunes error 9 and more.
- Works for all models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
- Fully compatible with the latest iOS version.
The steps given herein under will help you to use the toolkit to fix it if iPhone software update server could not be contacted:
Firstly, the software must be downloaded and launched on your PC after which the iPhone can be connected to it. Select the “System Repair” option on the main screen of the software and proceed further.
Now, just select the option "Standard Mode".
Here you would need to start your iPhone in Recovery/DFU Mode. Please refer to the screenshot for a better understanding of the process.
Now once you are prompted to feed in your firmware and iPhone model details, make sure to enter them accurately so that the software can perform its function more precisely. Thereafter click on "Start" to continue the process.
You will now see that the installation process has been initiated successfully.
Note: The Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) will start its operations immediately after the latest software update is installed.
If your iPhone in any case, refuses to reboot after the process is over, click on the “Try Again” as shown in the picture below.
iPhone/iPad software update could not be contacted is a nuisance for many Apple users who are always looking for options to update their iOS firmware update smoothly. iTunes is indeed a great option to do so but just in case there is trouble in contacting the iPhone software update server, go on and try the tricks explained above to deal with the issue and download the software update on your iOS device within a few minutes.
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Alice MJ
staff Editor
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