iDevice Error Codes (And Fixes)

[Spectre]

Error 2:

Spoiler:

This error is frequently resolved by disabling or uninstalling third-party security or firewall software

Error 4 (or -4):

Spoiler:

This error may occur because of one of the following conditions:

• Access to ports 80 or 443 is blocked.
• Communication to albert.apple.com or phobos.apple.com is blocked by a firewall, third-party security software, or other Internet security setting.
• The iTunes Store is experiencing extremely high traffic.

Error 6:

Spoiler:

All of the steps in this article apply to this issue. Following Troubleshooting security softwarefrequently resolves this error. There may be third-party software installed that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting a TcpWindowSize entry into your Registry. Your default packet size being set incorrectly can cause this error. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet size modification for assistance.

Error 9:

Spoiler:

This error occurs when the device unexpectedly drops off the USB bus and communication stops. This can occur if the device is manually disconnected during the restore process. This issue can be resolved by performing USB isolation troubleshooting, using a different USB dock-connector cable, trying another USB port, restoring on another computer, or by eliminating conflicts from third-party security software.

Error 13 and 14:

Spoiler:

These errors are typically resolved by performing one or more of the steps listed below:

1. Perform USB isolation troubleshooting, including trying a different USB port directly on the computer. See the advanced steps below for USB troubleshooting.
2. Put a USB 2.0 hub between the device and the computer.
3. Try a different USB 30-pin dock-connector cable.
4. Eliminate third-party security software conflicts.
5. There may be third-party software installed that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting one or more TcpWindowSize entries into your registry. Your default packet size being set incorrectly can cause this error. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet-size modification for assistance.
6. Connect your computer directly to your Internet source, bypassing any routers, hubs, or switches. You may need to restart your computer and modem to get online.
7. Try to restore from another known-good computer and network.

Error 18 (or -18):

Spoiler:

This occurs when the media library on the device is corrupt and cannot be modified or updated. Updating to the latest version of iTunes and then restoring should resolve this issue.

Error 19 (or -19):

Spoiler:

The full text of this error is: "iTunes could not sync to the iPhone '[iPhone name]' because an unknown error occurred (-19)". This error can occur when you attempt to update an iPhone 3G to a later version of the software and iTunes attempts to back up iPhone while it is syncing. To resolve this issue:

1. Deselect "Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected" from the iTunes Summary tab.
2. Eject iPhone.
3. Reconnect iPhone.
4. Select Update.

Error 20, 21, 34, 37:

Spoiler:

These errors typically occur when security software interferes with the restore and update process. If you are using a PC, follow this article to resolve this issue.

Error 23, 28, 29:

Spoiler:

These errors may indicate a hardware issue with your device. Follow the steps in this article. Also attempt to restore while connected with the white USB Dock Connector cable that shipped with your device, on a known good computer and network to isolate this issue to the device. The MAC address being missing or the IMEI being the default value, (00 499901 064000 0), can also confirm a hardware issue. Out-of-date or incorrectly configured security software can also cause these errors.

Error 35:

Spoiler:

You can resolve this error by using a known-good 30-pin USB Dock Connector cable. If that does not resolve the issue, follow the instructions for errors 13 or 14 above.

Error 40:

Spoiler:

This error may indicate a hardware issue with your device, but it is typically caused by out-of-date or incorrectly configured security software.
Also attempt to restore while connected with a known-good 30-pin Dock Connector cable, computer, and network to isolate this issue to the device. The MAC address being missing or the IMEI being the default value, (00 499901 064000 0), can also confirm a hardware issue.

Error 48 (or -48):

Spoiler:

Quit iTunes and discard the .ipsw file. Then, open iTunes and attempt to download again. See the steps under the heading "Rename, move, or delete the iOS software file (.ipsw)" below for .ipsw file locations.

Error 50:

Spoiler:

This error (and error -50) are timeout errors. Follow the steps for errors 13 or 14 above.

Error 1000:

Spoiler:

If this error appears in the iPhone, iPad, or iPod updater log file, there has been an error decompressing and transferring the IPSW file that is downloaded by iTunes when restoring your device. This error is frequently caused by third-party security software interference, a poor quality Internet connection resulting in a corrupted IPSW file, or a conflict with other devices connected to your computer using USB.

Error 1002, 1011, 1012, 1014:

Spoiler:

These errors may indicate a hardware issue with your device.
Also attempt to restore while connected with a known-good 30-pin Dock Connector cable, computer, and network to isolate this issue to the device. The MAC address being missing or the IMEI being the default value (00 499901 064000 0) can also confirm a hardware issue..

Error 1004 and 1013:

Spoiler:

These errors may be the result of the connection to gs.apple.com being redirected or blocked. Follow these steps to resolve these errors:

1. Check security software. Ensure that communication to gs.apple.com is allowed. Follow this article for assistance with security software. iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues.
2. Check the hosts file. The restore will fail if there is an active entry to redirect gs.apple.com. Follow iTunes: Advanced iTunes Store troubleshooting to edit the hosts file or revert to default on Windows. See section "Blocked by configuration: (Mac OS X/Windows) > Rebuild network information".
3. Try to restore from another known-good computer and network.
4. If the errors persist on another computer, the device may need service.

Error 1015:

Spoiler:

This error is caused by attempts to downgrade the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch's software. This can occur when you attempt to restore using an older .ipsw file. Downgrading to a previous version is not supported. To resolve this issue, attempt to restore with the latest iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch software available from Apple. This error can also occur when an unauthorized modification of the iOS has occurred.

Error 1479:

Spoiler:

This error occurs when trying to contact Apple for an update or restore. Quit iTunes, disconnect from USB, restart the iOS device, reconnect the device to the computer, then launch iTunes and attempt to update or restore again.

Error 1600, 1601:

Spoiler:

Uninstall and reinstall the latest version of iTunes (see instructions for Mac and Windows). If that doesn't resolve the issue, see the steps for 1602.

Error 1602:

Spoiler:

Try the following steps to resolve this error:

1. Ensure proper USB isolation troubleshooting has been performed, and test with a known-good cable.
2. Follow the steps listed for Error 1604.
3. This error may be resolved by disabling, deactivating, or uninstalling third-party security, antivirus, and firewall software. See steps in this article for details on troubleshooting security software.

Error 1603:

Spoiler:

If you receive this error and the iOS device is not automatically placed into recovery mode, it may be necessary to do so manually. Refer to iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to restore for steps on placing iPhone into forced recovery mode. Also, remove the IPSW and attempt to restore again. If you do not want to remove the IPSW in the original user, try restoring in a new administrator user.

Error 1604:

Spoiler:

This error is often related to USB timing. Try changing USB ports, uninstalling and reinstalling USB ports, and other available USB troubleshooting steps (troubleshooting USB connections, device not recognized properly, computer won't recognize a FireWire or USB device). If you are using a dock, bypass it and connect directly to the white Apple USB dock connector cable. If the issue persists on a known-good computer, the device may need service.If the issue is not resolved by USB isolation troubleshooting, and another computer is not available, try these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Connect the device to iTunes, confirm that the device is in Recovery Mode. If it's not in Recovery Mode, put it into Recovery Mode.
2. Restore and wait for error 1604.
3. When prompted, click OK.
4. Close and reopen iTunes while iPhone remains connected.
5. iPhone should now be recognized in Recovery Mode again.
6. Try to restore again.

If the steps above do not resolve the issue, try restoring using a known-good USB cable, computer, and network connection.

Error 1611:

Spoiler:

This error may indicate a hardware issue with your device. Follow the steps in this article. Also attempt to restorewhile connected with a known-good 30-pin Dock Connector cable, computer, and network to isolate this issue to the device. The MAC address being missing or the IMEI being the default value (00 499901 064000 0) can also confirm a hardware issue. Out-of-date or incorrectly configured proxy or security software, such as FoxyProxy, can cause error 1611. To troubleshoot third-party security software, follow these steps.

Error 1631:

Spoiler:

Insert SIM card into device and try again.

Error 1638:

Spoiler:

See resolution steps for error code 1004.

Error 1639:

Spoiler:

see this article for resolution.

Error 2000-2009 (2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, and so on):

Spoiler:

If you experience this issue on a Mac, disconnect third-party devices, hubs, spare cables, displays, reset the SMC, and then try to restore. If you are using a Windows computer, remove all USB devices and spare cables other than your keyboard, mouse, and the device, restart the computer, and try to restore. If that does not resolve the issue, try the USB issue-resolution steps and articles listed for Error 1604 above. If the issue persists, it may be related to conflicting security software.

Errors 3000-3999 (3002, 3004, 3013, 3014, 3018, 3164, 3194, and so on):

Spoiler:

Error codes in the 3000 range generally mean that iTunes cannot contact the gs.apple.com server on ports 80 or 443. This may be because out-of-date or incorrectly configured security or firewall software is interfering, an old version of iTunes is installed, an entry in your hosts file redirecting requests to gs.apple.com (see error 1004 above), or because of your Internet proxy settings. If you are using a proxy, try without using one or with a known-good network. If that does not resolve the issue, follow iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues. Error 3014 may indicate that you need to free up more disk space on the computer before trying to restore again. Error 3194 most likely indicates you do not have the latest version of iTunes installed Update to the latest version of iTunes.

Error 3002:

Spoiler:

If you experience this error while updating an iPod touch (2nd generation) or iPhone 3G, please use the standard update or restore process in iTunes (click Update or Restore).

Error 3004:

Spoiler:

If the steps listed in Error 3000-3999 do not resolve the issue, and you are using a Mac, you may be able to resolve an error 3004 by quitting iTunes and using the following command at the command line:

dscacheutil -flushcache

Error 3194:

Spoiler:

Resolve error 3194 by updating to the latest version of iTunes. "This device is not eligible for the requested build" in the updater logs confirms this is the root of the issue. For more Error 3194 steps see: This device is not eligible for the requested build above.

Error 9006:

Spoiler:

Following Troubleshooting security software frequently resolves this error. There may be third-party software installed that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting a TcpWindowSize entry into your Registry. Your default packet size being set incorrectly can cause this error. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet size modification for assistance.

Error 9807:

Spoiler:

Verify the computer's date and time.

If unresolved, open access to the following VeriSign servers:

• evintl-ocsp.verisign.com
• evsecure-ocsp.verisign.com

Access to these servers may be blocked by security software, content filtering software, a misconfigured router, or anti-spyware software. For iTunes for Windows, follow iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues.

Error 9808 (or -9808):

Spoiler:

Follow the steps in iTunes Store: Unknown alert error message when connecting to resolve the issue. If those steps do not resolve the issue, or if the settings revert to their original values after the restart, then follow iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues.

Error 9844:

Spoiler:

This is typically caused by incorrect firewall settings. See the section titled "Open the proper ports and allow access to Apple servers" in the Advanced Steps section below.

Error 20000-20008:

Spoiler:

This error may indicate that you have a USB communication failure due to a damaged USB 30-pin Dock Connector cable, out-of-date USB device drivers or firmware, or that other USB devices connected to your computer are interfering with iTunes communicating to the iOS device. Try restarting the PC and testing again with a different USB port. If you are using a custom Windows Theme Pack, revert to the default theme pack, restart, and try to restore.

Error 40265xxxx:

Spoiler:

Errors of the 40265xxxx range generally occur during the restore-from-a-backup phase, after iOS has been installed on the device. Restoring the device and setting up as new can resolve the issue. Before restoring as new, take steps to preserve the previous backups created by iTunes, such as copying the contents of the Backup directory onto the desktop. See iPhone and iPod touch: About backups to learn where backups are stored for your computer's operating system and additional precautionary notes regarding setting up as new. The backups created by iTunes store data such as your SMS, Favorites, Bookmarks, and other app data.

Advanced Steps

Spoiler:

Follow these advanced steps only if the steps in TS1275 have not resolved the issue or if a specific update and restore error message recommends it. If the update or restore error message is not listed in above, try following all the steps in TS1275 and this article starting from the top down (basic to advanced steps) to resolve the issue.
Force restart your iOS device

Hold down the Home and Sleep/Wake button until the Apple appears and then release. Once the device has started up or displays a connect to iTunes screen, try to restore again.

Restore on a different computer

If the issue is not resolved with the above steps, try to restore using a different computer. Ensure that the computer you use has an active connection to the internet, the latest version of iTunes, other USB devices except the keyboard and mouse have been disconnected, and connect directly to a rear USB 2.0 port on the computer.

If another computer is not available, continue with the steps below.
Open the proper ports and allow access to Apple servers

During the update and restore process, iTunes needs to contact Apple. Ensure that your computer has the following ports open and can access these servers:

• Port 80
• Port 443
• phobos.apple.com, albert.apple.com, gs.apple.com, edgesuite.net, evintl-ocsp.verisign.com, evsecure-ocsp.verisign.com

Note: iTunes makes a secure connection over the Internet to the above servers. Since it is a secure connection, it is especially critical that your computer's date and time are correct.
To learn how to open your network to access these servers, refer to your router, firewall, or security software documentation. Follow the steps in Troubleshooting security software issues to identify, update, and configure third-party security software to resolve a restore error.
You may need to update, properly configure, disable, or uninstall built-in firewalls and other security software to prevent interference with iTunes. For assistance with this, contact the company that supports the firewall or security software you use. If you are using proxy settings, try to restore or update without using a proxy.

Use MSConfig to restart your PC using Selective Startup

On a PC, try to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch after restarting in Selective Startup mode. Do not use MSConfig to resolve restore issues caused by security software. For instructions on how to use MSConfig to restart your PC in Selective Startup with the appropriate Apple software enabled, see the following articles:

• Using MSConfig to troubleshoot conflicts in Windows XP
• Using MSConfig to troubleshoot conflicts in Windows Vista & Windows 7

Stop Virtual OS environments

OS virtualization or emulation software may cause restore errors. If you're using a Mac with a PowerPC processor, stop the Classic environment if it is in use. If you are using a Mac and have a virtual OS environment running, or are attempting to restore from iTunes running in a virtual OS, shut down the virtual OS, quit the virtualization software, and attempt to restore using the latest version of iTunes available for the Mac.
To stop the Classic environment:

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
2. Choose View > Classic.
3. Click the Stop button to stop the Classic environment.
4. Try to restore your device in iTunes.

Restore using a new user account

Create a new user account on your computer and try to restore while logged in as the new user. iTunes will download a new version of the software restore file. After creating the new user, log in to that account, open iTunes, and attempt to restore to see whether the issue persists in this new user.
Use these steps if you're not sure how to create a new user:
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP

1. From the Start menu, choose Control Panel.
2. Open User Accounts.
3. Select "Create a new account" and follow the instructions to complete the account setup process.
4. Once the new account is created, choose Log Off from the Start menu.
5. Log in to the newly created user account.

Mac OS X

1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
2. Choose View > Accounts.
3. Click the "+" (you may need to authenticate to be able to click this).
4. Give the new user a name and short name and enter a password.
5. Select the checkbox for "Allow user to administer this computer". This makes the user an administrator user.
6. Click Create Account.

Rename, move, or delete the iOS software file (.ipsw)

iTunes uses "ipsw" files to restore your iPod or iPhone. If those files are unusable, then try deleting them, renaming them, or moving the file to a different directory. This will cause iTunes to download a new copy of the IPSW. When a restore issue is specific to a user, it is likely due to an unusable .ipsw file. If removing the .ipsw file does not resolve a user-specific restore issue, then the issue is caused by other user-specific security software settings or iTunes preferences. Creating a new user will also cause new .ipsw restore files to be downloaded in the new user. You can find the ".ipsw" files in these locations:
Mac OS X

iPhone	~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
iPad	~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates
iPod touch	~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates
Note: The tilde "~" represents your Home directory.

Windows XP

iPhone	C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates
iPad	C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPad Software Updates
iPod touch	C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates
Note: If you don't see the Application Data folder, you may need to show hidden files.

Windows 7 and Vista

iPhone	C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates
iPad	C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPad Software Updates
iPod touch	C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates
Note: If you don't see the AppData folder, you may need to show hidden files.

Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service (Windows only)

Restarting the Apple Mobile Device service on Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 may allow you to successfully restore iPhone. Refer to the steps below for your version of Windows.
Note: You'll need to sign in with an administrator account for these steps.
Windows XP

1. Quit iTunes and disconnect iPhone.
2. Choose Start > Control Panel.
3. Inside the Control Panel, open Administrative Tools.
4. Open Services.
5. Select Apple Mobile Device and click Stop the service.
6. After the service is stopped, click Start the service.
7. After the Apple Mobile Device service has started again, open iTunes and connect iPhone.
8. Select iPhone on the left side of the iTunes window, click the Summary tab, and then click Restore.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

1. Quit iTunes and disconnect iPhone.
2. Click the Windows Start button.
3. In the Start Search field, type "Services".
4. In the Programs section of the search results, click Services.
5. Select Apple Mobile Device and click Stop the service.
6. After the service is stopped, click Start the service.
7. After the Apple Mobile Device service has started again, open iTunes and connect iPhone.
8. Select iPhone on the left side of the iTunes window, click the Summary tab, and then click Restore.

Remove and reinstall iTunes and Apple Mobile Device Support

Completely remove iTunes and Apple Mobile Device support and then reinstall the latest version of iTunes. Click the appropriate link below for instructions on how to accomplish this for your operating system.

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Mac OS X

After removing and reinstalling the latest version of iTunes, try restoring iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch again.

Update or reinstall your Windows USB drivers

If running Microsoft Windows XP and the issue is resolved on another computer, but you continue to experience difficulties on your original computer, you may want to update or reinstall your Windows USB drivers and then try restoring your device again.