When attempting to update or restore your iPhone using iTunes, you may encounter the message “iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone.” This message may persist for an extended period, making it difficult to proceed with the update or restore. Fortunately, several solutions can help fix this issue.
The first step is to ensure that you have a stable and fast internet connection. A slow or unstable internet connection can cause the download process to stall, leading to the message. Additionally, you may need to check that iTunes is up to date and that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running iTunes. If these basic troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to force restart your iPhone and retry the update or restore process. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Apple support for further assistance.
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Why “iTunes is downloading software for this iPhone” occurs?
Before we head to the solutions of this problem, let’s go through the reasons which mainly cause this problem.
- Software downloading is interrupted.
- Network congestion.
- Failed to connect iPhone to iTunes store.
- iTunes unknown errors.
- Jailbreak failure.
- Downloading takes so long that iPhone exits Recovery Mode.
7 Tips to Fix “iTunes is Currently Downloading the Software for this iPhone”
Following are some effective methods that will help you throughout the whole process.
1. Reset the Network Settings
In order to download the software update, you must have a good internet connection. Before updating software, please be sure that you are connected to a good WiFi connection. If you are connected to other network channels then set a solid foundation for your next steps.
Go to General > Tap on Reset > and then follow the instructions.
2. Remove Third-Party Apps on iPhone
Some third-party apps and software on your device may have conflicted against your downloading, especially the security software. To fix this issue, you have to uninstall these third-party apps to make your iTunes download the software update on your iPhone smoothly.
3. Update iTunes to the Latest Version
To follow this method, first of all, check if your iTunes is updated to the latest version or not. In case, if you don’t know how to update iTunes then follow the steps below:
To update iTunes, for Windows version, find “Help” from the toolbar and click on “Check for updates”.
For Mac users, just go to the App Store and click on “Update” if there is a circle point reminding you of iTunes version update.
4. Force restart your iPhone XR/XS/X/8/7/6/Plus
Restarting your device is also an effective way to resolve this software update download failure. There are various situations which are given as follow: (Your device will turn off and back on, so please keep holding even the screen turns black)
iPhone 6 Plus and earlier models
Keep pressing down the “power” button as well as the home button repeatedly till the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7/7 S/Plus
For iphone 7, 7 S and Plus, you have to press the “Power” and “Volume Down” button at the same time and release the button when you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 8/8 S/Plus/iPhone XS/Max/X
For iPhone 8, 8 S and Plus, press and release the “Volume Up” button quickly and do the same on the “Volume Down” button. Then hold the “Power” button until the Apple logo shows up.
5. Reset All settings on iPhone
Reset your device settings is a good way to deal with download software update stuck on your iPhone. This method contains 3 simple steps which will guide you to finish the settings reset to fix iTunes is downloading a software update for this iPhone and will install.
Step – 1: Go to settings and tap on General.
Step – 2: Scroll down and find the Reset button and tap on it.
Step – 3: Find Reset All Settings and choose it.
6. Restore Devices from iTunes Backup
Except for the above, there is a unique method to get rid of this problem. That is to restore from previous iTunes backup. This method can fix most of the glitches on iPhone. But before using this method, make sure that you have backed up your important data and files in advance.
Step – 1: Install the latest update of iTunes and launch it.
Step – 2: Connect your device with your computer with USB and choose to trust your computer.
Step – 3: Turn to Summary, find Backup and then click on Restore Backup to restore all the data you want.
Warning: Please keep the connection while the procedure is going on.
7. Restore iPhone via Recovery Mode and Start Again
Before we get started, download the latest iTunes version. Secondly, launch iTunes after connecting the iPhone to your computer.
Now, force restart your iphone with buttons. If you don’t know how to force restart your phone then follow the steps below:
iPhone 6 Plus and earlier models
Keep pressing down the “power” button as well as the home button repeatedly till the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7/7 S/Plus
For iphone 7, 7 S and Plus, you have to press the “Power” and “Volume Down” button at the same time and release the button when you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 8/8 S/Plus/iPhone XS/Max/X
For iPhone 8, 8 S and Plus, press and release the “Volume Up” button quickly and do the same on the “Volume Down” button. Then hold the “Power” button until the Apple logo shows up.
How to fix “iTunes is Downloading Software for iPhone/iPad” without Data Loss
During the process of fixing “iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone” problem, there are chances that you may lose some important data on iPhone. You can also restore an iTunes backup via iTunes, but restoring backup means wiping and replacing all iPhone data with backup content. What if you want part of data in iTunes backup? At this time, AnyTrans for iOS is suitable for you to extract iTunes backup to the computer in a selective way.
You can download this software for free from google. After you have downloaded it then follow the steps below to extract iTunes backup to computer selectively.
Step – 1: Run AnyTrans for iOS > connect your iPhone > go to Backup Manager page > choose the iTunes backup you want to extract > download it and click on view.
Step – 2: Preview and select the data you want to extract. For sample, if you want to extract photos then simply click on photos > click To Computer button to start extracting.
Final Words
It is quite simple to fix this problem. You just have to follow the tips we offered in order to fix this error. If you have any questions or complaints then do let me know in the comments section. I hope that you will find this article helpful.m
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FAQ’s:
Q1. What does “iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone” mean?
A1. This message indicates that iTunes is downloading the latest software update for your iPhone.
Q2. Why is iTunes downloading software for my iPhone?
A2. iTunes downloads software updates to keep your iPhone up to date with the latest features and security patches.
Q3. How long does it take for iTunes to download software for my iPhone?
A3. The time it takes for iTunes to download the software update for your iPhone depends on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Q4. Can I use my iPhone while iTunes is downloading software for it?
A4. You can use your iPhone while iTunes is downloading software for it, but it’s best to avoid using it for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as playing games or running heavy apps.
Q5. What should I do if iTunes gets stuck while downloading software for my iPhone?
A5. If iTunes gets stuck while downloading software for your iPhone, try restarting iTunes, disconnecting and reconnecting your iPhone, or restarting your computer. If these solutions don’t work, you may need to restore your iPhone using iTunes.