Learn 9 Effective Ways To Fix “iTunes Is Downloading The Software For This iPhone” Issue On iPhone!
Have you receive the “iTunes is downloading the software of this iPhone” error on your computer when you try to update, sync, backup, or restore your iPhone data using iTunes. Is this iTunes error message has stuck on your computer screen?
If so, and you want to fix the “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when the download is complete” issue. Then you don’t need to panic as in this guide you will learn solutions to fix “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone” stuck issue.
Reason For “iTunes Is Downloading The Software For This iPhone” Stuck Issue
There can be various reasons that may cause “iTunes Is Currently Downloading Software For This iPhone” stuck issue. Some of the reasons are mentioned below.
- Older version of iTunes OS.
- The size of the software update is big.
- Internet connection is poor.
- iPhone is unable to connect to Apple Server/iTunes Store.
- Damage pots or cable.
- System crash.
- Deleted iTunes related files.
- And others.
How Long Does It Take iTunes To Download Software To Restore iPhone?
It is not possible to tell how long it will take iTunes to download the software as it fully depends on your OS size, internet connection, etc.
However, the time period could be around 1 hour then the error “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone” will appear on iTunes and it gets stuck.
After knowing the causes and time period of iTunes error we should move to the solutions to fix “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone” stuck issue. So, let’s start.
Also Read: How To Fix iTunes Error 3194 [8 Solutions]
Solution 1: Update iTunes To Its Latest Version
The first way to fix iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone stuck is to update your iTunes to its latest version. To update iTunes to its latest version follow the below steps.
For Windows user: Click on Help and then click on “Check for Updates” to check if there is any new update is available and update it.
For Mac user: Go to Apple App Store and see is there an Update button available. If available then click on it to update iTunes to its latest version.
You can also download the latest version of iTunes form here – https://support.apple.com/downloads/itunes
Also Read: Troubleshooting: iTunes Has Detected Incompatible Bluetooth Software
Solution 2: Reset iPhone Network Settings
Another way to fix there was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone by resetting the device network settings. This will reset your earlier APN and VPN settings, phone cellular settings, and Wi-Fi password & network.
Here, follow the steps to reset the network settings on your iPhone to fix the problem.
So, to reset network settings you need to follow the below steps.
Step 1: On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
Step 2: Then tap on General and then on Reset.
Step 3: Now, to reset the settings you need to tap on the “Reset Network Settings” option.
After doing this check is iTunes error is fixed or not. If not then try the next solutions.
Solution 3: Check Whether iTunes Is Working or Not
You can visit the official Apple System Status Site – https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/ to check if iTunes system is available or not.
If it is not available, then wait for sometime. And later when it starts working, then you can proceed with the work which you were performing eralier.
Also Read: Learn To Fix iTunes Error 4005 or iPhone 4005 Error Code
Solution 4: Uninstall Apps From Your iPhone
Security software stops the connection with the Apple server and this can also cause iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when complete.
So, if you have installed some security software on your smartphone then uninstall the app from your iPhone to fix the iTunes is preparing to restore the software on this iPhone issue.
Solution 5: Restore From Previous iTunes Backup
Restoring iPhone from old backup can help you to fix the iTunes issues.
So, to restore the iPhone from the old backup you need to follow the below steps.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: After that open iTunes on your computer.
Step 3: Then go to Summary > Backups > Restore Backup.
Also Read: How Do I Restore My iPhone Data From iTunes Backup?
Solution 6: Hard Reset Your iPhone
Hard resetting the iPhone can also help you to fix iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone issue.
Below, follow the steps to hard reset your iPhone to fix the issue.
For iPhone 6 or older: Press and hold both Wake or Sleep and Home buttons together until your device turns black. When the Apple logo displays on the screen then release both buttons.
For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both Wake/Sleep and Volume Down buttons unless you see the Apple logo on the device’s screen. After that release both buttons.
For iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X or Later: Press Volume Up buttons and let it go. Then press Volume Down button and let it go. Now press the Wake/Sleep button until you see the Apple logo on the iPhone screen.
Solution 7: Restore iPhone With DFU/Recovery Mode
You can also fix “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone” stuck issue by restoring the iPhone with DFU/Recovery mode. This solution also helps when your iPhone is disabled and can’t be recognized by the computer.
Now, follow the below steps to do so.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes on your computer.
Step 2: Long press the Power and Home buttons for a few seconds. When the screen turns black then leave the Power button but continue to hold the Home button.
Step 3: Then your iPhone will be entered into Recovery Mode and then update and restore the iPhone.
Also Read: [Fixed]: iPhone XS (Max), XR, X Stuck In Recovery Mode
Solution 8: Reset All Settings
You can also fix the “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when the download is complete” issue is by resettings all settings from your iPhone.
Now, follow the below steps to factory reset your iPhone to fix the issue.
Step 1: On your, iPhone tap on Settings icon.
Step 2: Next tap on “General” and then hit on “Reset” option.
Step 3: Then tap on “Reset All Settings” option.
Also Read: [Fixed] iTunes Could Not Connect To This iPad. An Unknown Error Occurred
Solution 9: Factory Reset Your Device
Note: Doing a factory reset will wipe all your iPhone data including the installed third-party apps. Hence it is advised to back up your iPhone data before factory resetting your iPhone.
The last option to fix iTunes issue is to factory reset the device. So, to factory reset your device you need to go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Contents and Settings. Then tap on Erase button > enter the passcode if you have set it > a warning message will come from there tap on Erase iPhone button. At last enter the Apple ID and password to confirm it.
Note: If you lost important data from your iPhone then you are recommended to try iOS Data Recovery software to recover deleted data from iPhone.
Wrap Up
So, whenever your iTunes stuck on “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone” message then you can easily fix this issue by applying the above discussed 7 solutions.
Max Field
Max Field is a founder of recoveriphone-data.com. He is an iOS lover and loves to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions and more related to iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iTunes and iCloud.
