Fix iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted [5 Ways]

September 26, 2019Nicole Jones
I got an error prompt that iPhone software update server could not be contacted while using iTunes to update my iPhone 8 this morning. I tried rebooting iPhone but the issue was still there. Any help?
Fix iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted

Nowadays, most iOS users choose to update iOS directly on iDevices. But there are still lots of Apple customers prefer iTunes to update iPhone, iPad or iPod to the latest software. Are you one of them?

Many users complain about the iPhone software update server could not be contacted issue. A frustrating error saying that "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". In that case, you only get the "OK" option. How to fix this issue?

Actually, the iTunes can't contact the software update server for iPhone/iPad/iPod issue is quite easy to fix. Here in this post, we share 5 simple solutions to help you solve the problem and update your iOS successfully.

Part 1. Restart iPhone/iPad/iPod and Try Again

For different reasons, you may face the situation that your iPhone software could not be contacted. In most cases, a bad network connection will easily cause this issue. So before trying other solutions, you need to make sure that your iPhone or iPad is under a good internet connection.

Restart

Restarting is the simplest solution to fix various issues including the iPhone software could not be contacted. After rebooting, you can re-connect your iPhone with iTunes and check if the problem is solved.

Unlock your iPhone screen and keep pressing the "Power" button until the shut down slider appears on screen. Drag the slider to right to power off your iPhone. Wait for a few seconds and then press the "Power" button to turn on your iOS device.

Restart iPhone

Part 2. Update iOS to Fix iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted

If the problem is still there, you can choose to directly update iOS on device, without iTunes. What's more, new iOS can fix many bugs in the old version.

First, you need to disconnect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from your computer.

Go to "Settings" app. Then tap "General" > "Software Update" to check if there is a new iOS version. Tap "Update" to upgrade iOS to the latest version. Check this post if you get some iOS update problems. During this whole updating process, you need to ensure your iOS device is in a good Wi-Fi network. In addition, you'd better charge your device while the iOS updating.

Part 3. Reset Network Settings to Fix Can't Contact Software Update Server for iPhone/iPad/iPod

As it mentioned above, when you get the message saying "iPhone software update server could not be contacted", you should check your network connection first. In fact, you can choose to reset network settings to fix this issue.

Step 1.
Unlock your iPhone screen and open "Settings" app.
Step 2.
Tap "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings" to reset all network settings on your iPhone. By doing so, you can bring the network connection back to normal condition.
Reset Network Settings

Part 4. Professional Way to Fix Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted Error

With the methods above, you have a big chance to fix the issue that software update server could not be contacted on iPhone, iPad or iPod. But if the issue is still remain unsolved, you can rely on the powerful iOS System Recovery. It has the capability to fix the iPhone software update server could not be contacted issue with ease. Just free download it and take the following guide to fix it.

iOS System Recovery

Downloads

iOS System Recovery

  • Fix various iPhone issues caused by iOS system.
  • Advanced technology to diagnose why software update failed.
  • Fix software update could not be contacted in Recovery/DFU mode.
  • Work for iPhone XS/XR/X/8/7/6/5, iPad Pro/Air/mini, iPod, etc.
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Step 1.
Download, install and run iOS System Recovery on your computer with the download button above. Connect your iPhone or iPad to computer using a USB cable. Click "iOS System Recovery" option in the first interface.
Reset Network Settings
Step 2.
Click the "Start" button to diagnose why iPhone software update server could not be contacted. Then follow the on-screen instructions to guide your iOS device into DFU mode or Recovery mode.
Step 3.
Ensure the basic information about your iPhone is right. Then click "Download" button to get firmware for the fixing. iOS System Recovery will automatically fix the iPhone software update failed issue after downloading. When the whole process is finished, your iPhone will be back to normal condition and the issue will be fixed.
Check Info

Part 5. Download the Firmware Manually for iPhone Software Update

Downloading the firmware manually will be the last way you can choose when alert message that iPhone software update server could not be contacted pops up. The steps below will show you how to download the firmware manually for the software update.

Step 1.
First, you need to download the IPSW file to your computer from a trust-worthy source. You can navigate to https://ipsw.me/ for the file. Here you need to download a suitable firmware based on your iPhone/iPad model and type.
IPSW
Step 2.
Launch the latest version of iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone to it. iTunes will quickly detect and recognize your iOS device.
Step 3.
Click "Summary" tab and then hold down "Shift" on keyboard and click "Restore iPhone" option. If you are using a Mac, here you need to press the "Option" key.
Step 4.
Open the downloaded IPSW file on the pop-up window. Then the software updating will start as usual.
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Get the message saying "iPhone software update server could not be contacted"? After reading this page, you can get 5 effective solutions to fix it. Leave us a message if you still have any questions.

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iOS System Recovery box

Fix your iOS system to normal in various issues like being stuck in DFU mode, recovery mode, headphone mode, Apple logo, etc. to normal without any data loss.

Free DownloadFor Windows

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Free DownloadFor macOS

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