If you see a message saying the “iPhone software update server could not be contacted” when trying to update your iPhone, it typically means there is a problem connecting your device to Apple’s update servers. There are a few potential causes and solutions for this error message.
Quick Overview
The “iPhone software update server could not be contacted” error usually indicates one of the following issues is preventing your iPhone from reaching Apple’s update servers:
- Connectivity problem – Your internet connection or cellular data is unstable.
- Authentication issue – Your Apple ID account credentials are incorrect.
- Server outage – Apple’s update servers are temporarily unavailable.
- Outdated software – Your iPhone software needs to be updated before you can access the servers.
- Incorrect date/time setting – The date or time set on your iPhone is inaccurate.
To resolve the problem, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check your internet connection and reset network settings.
- Verify your Apple ID password is correct.
- Try updating again later if servers are down.
- Update your iPhone via iTunes on a computer if OTA updates aren’t working.
- Ensure date and time are set automatically on your iPhone.
If none of those steps work, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
What Does the Error Message Mean?
The “iPhone software update server could not be contacted” message indicates your iPhone was unable to connect to Apple’s servers that deliver software updates over-the-air (OTA).
When your iPhone detects a new iOS software update is available, it will automatically try to download and install the update in the background. To do this, your iPhone needs to contact Apple’s update servers and verify your device is eligible for the latest software version.
If your iPhone cannot reach the update servers due to a connectivity issue, authentication problem, server outage, or other reason, you will see the “software update server could not be contacted” warning when trying to install the pending update.
Update Process Requires Internet Connection
Delivering software updates over-the-air requires an active internet connection. Your iPhone needs access to cellular data or WiFi to contact the update servers and download the latest iOS files.
So if you see the error message, one of the first things to check is that your iPhone has a stable, high-speed internet connection. Without it, your device cannot complete the handshake with Apple’s servers to initiate the update process.
Apple ID Authentication Also Required
In addition to internet connectivity, your iPhone must be able to sign in to your Apple ID account to access the software update servers. This is an authentication measure to ensure only eligible devices download and install iOS updates.
Make sure your Apple ID password is entered correctly if you see the “could not be contacted” warning. An incorrect or expired password will prevent your iPhone from contacting the update servers.
Server Outages Can Also Cause This
In some cases, the error message may indicate Apple’s update servers are temporarily unavailable. Server outages can occasionally happen when new iOS versions first roll out.
This is because millions of devices try to download and install the update all at once, overwhelming Apple’s servers. If you encounter the error right as a major iOS update is released, server downtime could be the reason.
Common Causes and Solutions
There are a few common causes that typically trigger the “software update server could not be contacted” warning on iPhones:
Internet Connectivity Issues
Problems with your internet connection are the most common culprit. Check the following if you see this error:
- WiFi connection – Make sure you have a strong WiFi signal. Move closer to your wireless router or reset it.
- Cellular data – Check you have a 4G LTE or 5G cellular connection in your current location.
- Airplane mode – Verify airplane mode is disabled on your iPhone.
- VPNs or firewalls – Temporarily disconnect from any VPN or firewall that could be blocking Apple’s servers.
You can also try resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase any stored WiFi passwords but can resolve software update connectivity issues.
Incorrect Apple ID Credentials
Double check that you are entering the correct Apple ID password if prompted when updating. An expired or inaccurate password will prevent your iPhone from contacting the update servers.
You can verify and reset your Apple ID password at appleid.apple.com if needed.
Server Outages
As mentioned above, heavy demand when new iOS versions are first released can sometimes cause temporary outages on Apple’s update servers.
If you encounter the error right after a major software update comes out, like iOS 16, wait a few hours and try updating again later when server demand has decreased.
Outdated iOS Version
In some cases, your iPhone may be severely outdated and needs to install older iOS updates before it can access the latest update servers.
For example, if you are still on iOS 12 and try to update directly to iOS 16, you may see the error message because your device needs to install several intermediate updates first.
Incorrect Date & Time Settings
Finally, an inaccurate date or time setting on your iPhone can prevent successful connections to Apple’s update servers. This causes authentication handshake issues between devices and servers.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure “Set Automatically” is enabled to prevent problems accessing the software update servers.
How to Fix “iPhone Software Update Server Could Not Be Contacted”
Here is a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting the “software update server could not be contacted” error and getting your iPhone successfully updated:
- Check internet connection – Move to an area with better WiFi or cellular reception. Disable any VPNs, firewalls, or internet filters temporarily.
- Reset network settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Verify Apple ID password – Make sure your password is entered correctly and has not expired.
- Try again later if servers are down – Wait a few hours and retry if Apple’s servers are overloaded.
- Update via iTunes – Connect your iPhone to a computer and update via iTunes if OTA is not working.
- Check date & time settings – Enable “Set Automatically” under Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Contact Apple Support – If still facing issues, contact Apple Support via chat, phone, email or make a Genius Bar appointment.
Following these troubleshooting steps should resolve any problems reaching Apple’s software update server and allow your iPhone to download and install the latest iOS update.
Updating Your iPhone Software via iTunes
If you continually get the “software update server could not be contacted” error when trying to update your iPhone wirelessly over-the-air (OTA), you can update your device by connecting it directly to a computer with iTunes.
Updating via iTunes provides a direct line to Apple’s servers and can often resolve any issues that prevent OTA updates from completing successfully.
What You’ll Need
- Computer (Mac or PC) with iTunes installed
- USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer
- The latest version of iTunes
- Your iPhone passcode if you have one enabled
Step 1) Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Connect your iPhone to your computer using the included USB cable. If a message asks for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, agree to proceed.
Step 2) Open iTunes
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Open iTunes. It should automatically detect your connected iPhone.
Step 3) Check for Software Update
Within iTunes, click on your connected iPhone icon. Go to the Summary section and click “Check for Update.” iTunes will now check Apple’s servers directly for the latest iOS software update.
Step 4) Download and Install Update
If an update is available, the Download and Update buttons will appear in iTunes. Click Download to download the latest iOS software file. Once finished, click Update to install the new version of iOS on your iPhone.
Your iPhone will reboot, install the update, and be ready to use once the process completes.
Alternative: Finder on macOS Catalina or Later
If you are on macOS Catalina or later, you can also use Finder instead of iTunes to update your iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Open Finder and select your iPhone under Locations in the sidebar.
- Click General > Check for Update.
- Download and install any available software updates.
Updating via Finder follows the same process and will also bypass any OTA update issues.
Fixing Inaccurate Date & Time Settings
As mentioned previously, an incorrect date or time setting on your iPhone can prevent it from contacting Apple’s software update servers. Here is how to fix inaccurate date and time settings:
1. Enable “Set Automatically”
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Make sure “Set Automatically” is enabled. This will sync your iPhone’s date and time over the cellular network.
2. Select Correct Time Zone
Under Time Zone, make sure the correct time zone for your location is selected. This ensures the proper time is set based on your time zone.
3. Toggle Off and On Airplane Mode
As a quick fix, turn on Airplane Mode, wait 30 seconds, then turn Airplane Mode off again. This will force your iPhone to reconnect to the cellular network and resync its date and time.
4. Update Date & Time via Cellular
Under Settings > General > Date & Time, select “Update” while connected to cellular data. This will manually update the time from the cellular network.
5. Update Date & Time via WiFi
You can also update the date and time by connecting to a WiFi network or Ethernet connection that allows internet access. The network time will override any incorrect manual settings.
Once your date and time are set accurately, you should be able to access Apple’s software update servers without any authentication issues.
Contacting Apple Support for Assistance
If you still see the “iPhone software update server could not be contacted” error after trying all troubleshooting steps, you should contact Apple Support for help.
Apple provides several support options:
- Apple Support app – Chat with an advisor or schedule a callback.
- Apple Support website – Start a web chat or email conversation.
- Phone support – Call Apple Support to speak with an advisor.
- Apple retail store – Book a Genius Bar appointment for in-person help.
When contacting Apple Support, be ready to provide:
- Your Apple ID email address used on your iPhone.
- Serial number of your iPhone (located in Settings > General > About).
- Detailed description of the software update issue and troubleshooting steps attempted.
An Apple Support advisor can run diagnostics, suggest further solutions, replace your device, or set up a repair if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone say software update server could not be contacted?
This error message means your iPhone cannot reach Apple’s servers that deliver over-the-air software updates. Common causes include internet connectivity problems, incorrect Apple ID credentials, server outages, outdated iOS versions, or inaccurate date and time settings.
How can I update my iPhone if the server can’t be contacted?
You can update your iPhone by connecting it to a computer with iTunes and updating the iOS software through iTunes. This provides a direct connection to Apple’s update servers.
What should I do if my iPhone has the wrong date and time?
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure “Set Automatically” is enabled. Also check your Time Zone is set correctly. Toggle airplane mode off and on to force a date/time resync over the cellular network.
Why does my iPhone think it’s 1970?
If your iPhone date is set to January 1, 1970, it means the date and time settings have become corrupted. Connect to WiFi or cellular data to allow it to automatically update the date and time from the network.
How can I contact Apple Support for software update issues?
You can contact Apple Support via the Apple Support app, Apple’s website, by calling Apple Support, or by booking a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store. Be ready to provide your device details and explanation of the issues faced.
Summary
The “iPhone software update server could not be contacted” error usually indicates an issue connecting to Apple’s OTA update servers, often due to internet connectivity problems. Try resetting network settings, verifying Apple ID credentials, updating via iTunes, and checking date and time settings. Contact Apple Support if the problem persists after troubleshooting.