1. The Iphone Software Update Could Not Be Contacted Macbook Pro

Mar 25, 2015  Question: Q: iphone 5c will not update software When I plug my iPhone 5c into my iMac to update the phone software I get the iTunes symbol showing on my phone. I have checked that iTunes is up to date on my Mac and it is (I never use my phone for iTunes I hasten to add), but I am unable to update.

After the launch of a new firmware iOS 13, iOS users from all over the world gets excited with the new launch and try to update their devices. The most common way is to update through iTunes. But a few of the users complain that they are having issues to connect with the servers. The iTunes shows the message of 'Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted'. Then Apple suggests to check the network connection and then try again. So is that the reason? Next, we will discuss the causes and some solutions to this problem.

1. Oct 06, 2013  My iphone would not connect to Itunes and would not update saying that the iphone software update server could not be contacted. After trying EVERY single solution recommended on all these different sites I came across sometime so simple. My computer date and time was incorrect and once I changed it everything worked perfect.
2. When I was trying to install the macOS High Sierra on my MacBook Air, it says “the recovery server could not be contacted”. It’s really annoying to use Mac. One of the Mac users said some solution to fix this problem. Here, I am going share with you those solutions.
3. Sep 26, 2014 Use OTA Update – the on-device delta update mechanism is available on the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch through Settings General Software Update Use Firmware – pre-downloading the proper IPSW firmware file will get around the failed update server connection, then you can update manually with that firmware file.

Why the iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted Happens?

Basically, the error occurs commonly either when you have connectivity issues or the Apple servers are overwhelmed with the response. However, according to users' reporting, software errors and incorrect configured settings are able to generate this alert message as well. To this extent, it is a bit complicated to diagnose and resolve this issue.

If it is caused by network issue: When such an error message appears on the screen, we should firstly consider the issue related to the network connection. Either you are using an unstable Wi-Fi network or there is a glitch in the Wi-Fi connection which is stopping you from connecting to the server.

If it is caused by Apple server: But it is also possible that Apple servers are having issues. When a new firmware is launched, Apple users from all over the world try to update their device, possibly the servers got overwhelmed with the response and unable to perform properly. You can go to www.apple.com/support/systemstatus to check the status of Apple server from the list. It the server is down indeed, all you can do is wait.

If it is caused by incorrect configured settings: If there is an issue with the incorrect settings, then it's very complicate for public to troubleshoot the issue because you may be required to edit your host file on your computer. You'd better to download the firware without iTunes. It's much easier for you.

Fortunately, we are going to show you how to fix iPhone cannot update software in detail. Next, we will learn 3 ways to fix this issue.

• Way 3: Download the Firmware for the Update without iTunes

Way 1: Check the Network Connection

The first method describes if your iPhone software update server cannot be contacted because of a network connection problem. The follow the guide below to solve this problem.

Tip 1: So, at first you can turn off your Wi-Fi router. Now, you have to wait for at least 10 minutes before turning your router on again. It is possible that the described issue could get fixed after restarting the Wi-Fi router.

Tip 2: But if it does not, you have to find out if your computer, is actually getting connected to the Wi-Fi. Just, launch a website from your browser, in order to confirm your theory.

Tip 3: Unfortunately, if you find out that your computer is having issues connecting to the Wi-Fi or the connection itself is very weak. You have to connect to a different network.

So, you need to go through these 3 tips very carefully and figure out if the network issues are responsible for this connectivity problem.

Way 2: Update iPhone Software via OTA

If the network wasn't the cause of this issue, then the problem may caused by iTunes cannot connect to Apple server. You can update the iOS through OTA. OTA means, over the air. OTA is one of the official ways to update iOS.

Step 1: Navigate to the 'Settings' of your iOS device.

Step 2: Now, you have to go to 'General' and tap on 'Software Update'. Any update available will be visible, here.

Step 3: Mail app crashing when updated to macos catalina. If there is any, just tap on 'Download and Install' in order to update your iOS device.

You have to make sure that the internet connection is stable as the download and install will take a longer period of time and it may fail if without a proper Wi-Fi network.

Way 3: Download the Firmware for the Update Without iTunes

The Iphone Software Update Could Not Be Contacted Macbook Pro

If still, you are getting software update server could not be contacted error on your iPad or on your iPhone, you'd better to download the firmware not through iTunes. You can do it manually, which is the official but older procedure. Or you can download it easily with the help of professional tool.

Downloading the IPSW file manually to update the iOS is a common but complex way. Although it is not required to download with iTunes, it is required to complete the final installation step with iTunes. So, if the iTunes cannot work properly then the iOS upgrading process cannot be successful.

But, you have a better option to use professional software like iMyFone Fixppo, which is much easier. It can automatically match the latest iOS firmware for you or you can choose the one you wanted from the firmware list. Just one click then you can get the latest firmware to be downloaded. The whole process will just cost about 5-10 minutes and it's iTunes unnecessary.

3.1 Download the iOS Firmware in One-click

iMyFone Fixppo can automatically match the latest firmware for you and you can also choose from the list. iMyFone Fixppo has years of experience in fixing iOS upgrading issues. The program can not only update the iOS version but also can fix other various iOS upgrading issues.

Now let's look at the procedure provided iMyFone Fixppo on how to update the iOS.

First of all, you need to download and install iMyFone Fixppo on your computer and launch it.

Step 1: As you don't want to lose any data, choose 'Standard Mode' from the main interface.Then connect your iOS device and click 'Next' to proceeding.

Step 2: In the following page you will be asked to download the firmware. Here, you will be matched with the latest firmware automatically and then click 'Download'.

Step 3: After the firmware is downloaded, you will be forwarded to another page where you need to click 'Start' to begin the procedure. It will just take few minutes then your device will be upgrade to latest iOS version.

3.2 Download the IPSW File Manually

Now, the steps to download the firmware manually can be very different and complex. Let's have a look at how to do that.

Step 1: At first you have to download the IPSW corresponding with your device model to your computer.

Step 2: Then connect the iOS device to you computer. You have to launch iTunes and wait a while for it to detect the device. After the device is detected, click 'Summary' on the iTunes panel.

Step 3: Now, you have to press 'Shift' if you are using a Windows PC but if you are using a Mac, you have to press 'Option' button and then hit 'Restore iPad/iPhone'. Then you will be able to browse and select the IPSW file which you had already downloaded.

This is the way to manually download and install the IPSW file but it is just too complicated and iTunes may come up with several issues which can ultimately stop the procedure in the path.

Summary

So, finally all we have to say it that: if you are having trouble to connect to Apple server, it is probably a network issue from your part or simply, Apple servers are just overwhelmed. So, wait for the server to function properly. But we do recommend you to use iMyFone Fixppo for the purpose as the manual method is just too much hassle.

Recently, some iPhone users reported that they encounter the error message that iPhone software update server could not be contacted, when they want to update to the latest version of iOS using iTunes. Apple advises that they should make sure the internet connection is active and try again.

However, according to users' reporting, software errors and incorrect configured settings are able to trigger this alert message as well. From this point, it is complicated to diagnose and resolve this issue if you also have the problem. Fortunately, we are going to show you how to fix iPhone cannot update software in detail.

Part 1: Why does the 'iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted' happen?

As the message said, network connection may lead to software update failure and alert message that iPhone software update server could not be contacted. It is apparently that a power internet connection can cause a variety of problems, including software update failure.

In addition to network connection, there are many other reasons behind this issue, such as:

1. When Apple released a new version of iOS, many users are eager to download, which make Apple servers are overwhelming and cannot response in time.

2. Incorrect configuration settings. Though this alert message shows up in iTunes, it can be trigger by settings on your iPhone that do not match with iTunes.

3. Unknown errors and bugs.

Now, you should understand the reasons why the message pops up. And compared to the reasons, you may concern about how to solve this problem and install new version of iOS. You can learn multiple ways to get rid of this problem simply below.

Part 2: Check your network settings and try again later

Following the alert message, you should check your network settings and status first, when the message said iPhone Software Update Server could not be contacted appears.

1. Restart Wi-Fi router. Press the power button until the router shut down. 10 minutes later, press the power button to turn your router on again.

2. Check the Wi-Fi signal. If the Wi-Fi network your computer connects is poor, try another network.

3. Reset router. Insert a paperclip into the hole marked reset and press the reset button until your router shut down and restart. Then reset your router as a new one.

4. Disable VPN. If you have an active VPN on your computer, close it when software update failed.

5. Check the status of Apple servers. If Apple servers are down, you cannot update software obviously. Access www.apple.com/support/systemstatus in your browser, and check the status of Apple servers on the list. If there are yellow marks in front of Apple servers, it means servers have down. All you can do is to wait until Apple servers work normally.

Part 3: Try to update iPhone software via OTA

If you encounter the message that iPhone software update server could not be contacted when update software via iTunes, an alternative solution is to install new version of iOS via OTA. This way is to update software on iPhone and not needing iTunes at all.

Step 1. Open the Settings app from your home screen and locate to 'General' > 'Software Update'. If there is a new version of iOS available to your iPhone, the installation screen will pop up automatically.

Step 2. Tap on the 'Download and Install' button to go into the software update process. When prompting, enter your PIN code to verify you are the owner and start downloading.

Step 3. When it is complete, your iPhone will reboot. Log in your password to access your device after startup.

Note: Even though your iPhone supports Touch ID, the password is necessary after software update.

Part 4: Download the firmware manually for the update

When alert message that iPhone software update server could not be contacted pops up, another alternative solution is to download the firmware manually.

Step 1. Download the IPSW file to your computer from a trustable source, depending on your iPhone model and type.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and launch iTunes application. Waiting for iTunes to recognize your device, and go to the 'Summary' tab.

Step 3. Hold down 'Shift' on keyboard and click 'Restore iPhone' in iTunes on Windows PC. For Mac, hold down 'Option' key and click 'Restore iPhone' button.

Step 4. On the popup window, open the downloaded IPSW file. Then the software update process will start as usual.

Part 5: Fix software update server error using iOS System Recovery

Compared to common ways to fix iPhone software update server could not be contacted error, Apeaksoft iOS System Recovery is easier. Its main features include:

1. Diagnose why software update failed using advanced technology.

2. Fix various iPhone problems and correct configuration settings in one click.

3. Support to fix software update issues in Recovery mode and DFU mode.

4. No damage current data during fixing iPhone.

5. Work on all iPhone models, like iPhone X/8/8 Plus and earlier.

6. Compatible with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/XP and Mac OS.

In short, it is the best way to fix software update errors and install the latest version of iOS on your iPhone.

How to fix iPhone software update issue easily

Step 1. Install iOS System Recovery on your computer

Download and install the corresponding version of iOS System Recovery on your computer based on the operating system. Hook up your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2. Diagnose your iPhone into DFU mode

Start the application and click the 'Start' button on main interface. If you are not sure, press the 'Question' icon on top ribbon to show up how to put your iPhone into DFU mode.

Step 3. Fix iPhone software update issues in one click

Fill out the Info window with your iPhone model and basic information, and then click the 'Download' button to get firmware. The application will fix your iPhone automatically after downloading. Here you may also want to know how to get more iPhone storage.

Conclusion

Apple frequently releases software update for iOS to introduce new features and fix bugs. However, if you receive the alert message that iPhone software update server could not be contacted in iTunes, you cannot get the latest version of iOS and new features. Luckily, you can learn troubleshooting in this tutorial. Plus, we have shared several alternative solutions above to update software for iPhone when encountering software update errors in iTunes.