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.
- Mac Can't Download The Software Because Of A Network Problem
- Mac Printer Can't Download The Software Because Of A Network Problem
- Mac Cannot Download Software Because Of A Network Problem
If you're having problems downloading and installing Catalina update via Software Update or Mac App Store, you can remove the download and redownload the update again. Moreove, while downloading the macOS update from the Mac App Store is a preferred method for many users, it is not the only method to download the update. I have tried everything ive seen on the internet so far when people have had this problem and nothing has worked. Can I download command line tools from anywhere else or can I get the 3rd option on bootcamp (to boot from a.iso on a usb) any other way? To experiment with downloading speeds I tried downloading a a few applications. I used to get an average download speed of 45-50 Mb/s but now with the Ethernet (WiFi is not connected because I read that that can interfere with Ethernet) I am getting 3-4 Mb/s! I checked the Ethernet speeds in Network and Internet Settings and it says 100 Mb/s. Often, the easiest way to resolve failed downloads is to try the download again using a different browser. For example, if you're using Internet Explorer on Windows, try Firefox. If you're using Firefox on Mac OS, try Safari. Make sure that your computer meets the Akamai Download Manager minimum. If you are trying to download files from Google Drive and other trusted sources, disabling HTTPS scanning in the Antivirus program should allow the download to proceed. Open the Antivirus Software program Go to Settings Advanced Settings. In Advanced settings, disable HTTPS Scanning or Encrypted Connection Scanning option.
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
Mac Can't Download The Software Because Of A Network Problem
If you're using a work computer, check with your computer administrator before editing the hosts file.
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
Mac Can't Download The Software Because Of A Network Problem
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
Mac Printer Can't Download The Software Because Of A Network Problem
On your Windows PC, reset the hosts file.
Mac Cannot Download Software Because Of A Network Problem
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.