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How to Fix “Cannot Connect to iTunes Store”

Cannot connect to iTunes Store

By Chand Bellur – September 21, 2020 at 11:18 a.m.

If you use the iTunes Store, you may have come across this error message: “Cannot connect to iTunes Store”. Learn how to find out if this is a problem with Apple’s servers, your ISP or your device.

The iTunes Store sells millions of songs and videos and usually works without issue. Sometimes users are confronted with connection problems. The most common error message is “Cannot connect to iTunes Store”. This problem could be caused by a variety of issues. Let’s take a look at how to troubleshoot this problem…

Retry Accessing the iTunes Store

If you receive an error while trying to connect to the iTunes Store, the first thing to do is just try again. These issues are usually intermittent. I find when I retry the transaction a few seconds later, it works fine. If you are using iOS or Mac OS X, simply try to purchase or download the item again. If the iTunes Store couldn’t connect upon launch, close the application and try again.

Problem With Apple’s Servers?

Apple’s data center is very reliable, however, like any data center, it’s not perfect. Servers go down due to a variety of issues. Sometimes the telecommunications company connecting Apple’s data center to the Internet is having problems. High volume can also overwhelm servers, making it difficult to connect to the iTunes Store.

Fortunately, it is easy to check the system status of every Apple service. Simply go to the Apple System Status web page to check if the service you need is running. This web page displays the status of every Apple service, including the iTunes Store, iCloud, iMessage, Siri, iTunes Radio, the App Store and many more. The web page also has a timeline showing past issues. If there is a problem with the service you are using, you will need to wait until it is fixed. You can also contact customer support, however, if the issue shows up on the system status web page, Apple already knows about it.

Apple system status web page

Problem With Your ISP?

The most common reason for the “Cannot connect to iTunes Store” error is a problem with your Internet connection. This is easily verifiable. You can try connecting to a web page on your iOS device or computer. If you experience this issue on your Apple TV, you can try connecting to a third-party service such as Netflix, YouTube or Sky News. If you can’t connect to any other services or web pages, there is a problem with your Internet connection. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to help troubleshoot the problem.

I have also experienced iTunes Store problems when my Internet connection is slow. It is possible that you can access the web or other services, but your connection is simply too slow to work with iTunes. Basically, the connection is so slow that the authentication (login) process times out. This is usually a combination of a slow Internet connection and high demand on Apple’s servers. You can verify your Internet connection speed using Ookla Speedtest. Ookla also makes a Speedtest app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. There is no specific speed requirement for the iTunes Store to work. However, if you notice that your Internet connection is unusually slow, this is likely the issue.

test your Internet connection speed with Ookla Speedtest

Problem With Your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

If Apple’s servers and your Internet connection are not the problem, it could be an issue with your device. Problems connecting to the iTunes Store are usually caused by two issues — incorrect date and time settings and obsolete software.

First, make sure that your date, time and time zone settings are correct. This will ensure that you can sync with iTunes Store servers. Tap on Settings > General > Date & Time and verify that the settings are correct. You can also toggle Set Automatically off and on, if the setting exists. This should automatically fix problems with the date, time and time zone.

Adjust iOS date and time settings if you have a problem connecting to the iTunes Store.

If your date and time settings are correct, but you still can’t connect to the iTunes Store, ensure that your device is using the newest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check if there is a newer version of iOS. Update your device to the newest operating system software to ensure compatibility with the iTunes Store.

iPhone upgraded to iOS 7.1

Problem With Your Mac?

Firewalls can often pose a problem with the iTunes Store. If you can access websites but cannot access the iTunes Store, it is likely that firewall software is the problem.

If your computer was provided by your employer, make sure to check with your desktop support staff before making any changes. The company network might also have a network firewall that is blocking access to the iTunes Store. Some employers do this because they feel it increases productivity.

If you are using Mac OS X, go to the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and select System Preferences. Next, click on Security & Privacy and then click the Firewall tab. You may need to click on the lock in the lower left and type in the administrator password to make changes. Make sure that iTunes is allowing incoming connections. If it is set to block incoming connections, change it to allow them. This should enable access to the iTunes Store.

Mac OS X firewall settings may need to be changed to allow iTunes Store access.

If the firewall isn’t the issue, make sure that your date and time settings are correct. Click on the Apple menu on the top left of your screen. Next, click on System Preferences and then Date & Time. Make sure that these settings are correct, especially the time zone. Turn on “Set date and time automatically” if it is not enabled.

Changes to OS X date and time settings can restore connectivity to the iTunes Store.

Updating iTunes and Safari may also help with connecting to the iTunes Store. The easiest way to do this is to check for updates. Click on the Apple menu on the top left of your screen, then click on “Software Update”. Follow the on-screen instructions. If there are newer versions of iTunes and Safari, make sure to run the associated update.

If you are using an older version of OS X, it is possible that Keychain is causing iTunes Store connectivity problems. While this is unlikely, Keychain has been known to cause problems when connecting to the iTunes store. This only occurs with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). This issue can usually be solved by resetting Keychain, using the Keychain First Aid tool. Using Spotlight on the top right of your screen, type in Keychain Access and then launch the utility. Click on the Keychain Access menu and then click on Keychain First Aid. Login with your user ID and password and select Repair. If Keychain was causing your iTunes Store connection problem, Repair should fix the issue.

Run Keychain First Aid to fix iTunes Store connection problems.

Check Your iTunes Account

You may be experiencing an error connecting to the iTunes Store due to a problem with your Apple ID or payment information. Sometimes the problem is on Apple’s end. Their authentication services may be offline or may be overwhelmed with too much traffic. When you are repeatedly seeing “Cannot connect to iTunes Store”, try signing in to the iTunes account screen with your Apple ID. After you have signed in, verify that your payment information is correct. You can view your iTunes Store account information on any device except Apple TV.

It’s possible that your payment information is no longer valid. Perhaps your credit card expired. There was also a problem a few years ago where Apple failed to properly migrate payment information after a system update.

If you have a computer with iTunes installed, launch it. Click on iTunes Store on the top of the screen. Next, click on Account on the right side of the screen.

Click iTunes Store and Accounts

A dialog box will pop up, prompting you to enter your Apple ID (email address) and Password.

Sign in to iTunes Store

If this information is incorrect, you will see an error — “Your Apple ID or password was entered incorrectly”. If you forgot your password, click on “Forgot?” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Sign in to iTunes Store Rejected

You can also verify your Apple ID using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Launch the iTunes Store app and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Tap on View Apple ID. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. If these aren’t valid, tap on iForgot and follow the on-screen instructions.

When you change your Apple ID or password, it may present an error on another device where this information is cached, such as Apple TV. After your password is reset, you will need to login with the new password on other devices. On your computer and iOS device, you will be prompted for your Apple ID when necessary. Simply enter the new password. On an Apple TV, you may need to sign out and sign in again. You can do this by going to Settings > iTunes Store > Accounts and then sign out. Sign in again with the correct information.

If your Apple ID and password are not the problem, verify your payment information. The accounts screen will appear after successful authentication. On iTunes for computers, your payment information is presented under “Apple ID Summary”. Verify that the payment information is correct. You will need to click on “Edit” next to Payment Type to view your credit card’s expiration date and security code. When you get a new credit card, it may often have the same number, but a new expiration date and security code. Update this information and click Done.

iTunes Account Edit Screen

You can also view and update your iTunes Store account information on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. First, launch the iTunes Store. Next, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap View Apple ID. Enter your password when prompted. The Accounts Settings screen will appear. Tap on Payment Information and verify that the information is correct. Make any necessary updates and tap Done. Finally, tap Done on the Account Settings screen to exit.

Your iTunes account information should be updated on Apple’s servers, enabling access to the iTunes store on any of your devices. If it isn’t working, wait a few minutes. It’s usually instant, but it may take time for the change to propagate. If all else fails, contact Apple’s customer support.

Vague Error With Many Solutions

There are many issues that cause iTunes Store connectivity problems. The error message “Cannot connect to iTunes Store” is very vague and not helpful. Hopefully, this article has enabled you to solve these issues and you are now able to access the iTunes Store. Apple should provide more precise error messages and automated trouble shooting. We can only hope that future versions of iTunes software will make it easier for anyone to connect to the iTunes Store.

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Comments

  4. I can’t even see anything on the iTunes app. My iPhone 7 won’t let me download anything from the App Store either. It just says “Cannot connect to iTunes Store” Please help.

    Reply

  5. I re-downloaded the iTunes Store app and it is not opening, nothing is popping up not even saying there is an issue, I have shut down my phone two times and reset my networks. My phone is also updated. So what is going on?

    Reply

    • Did the iTunes Store app finish downloading? Sometimes when you download an app, it takes a while to completely download and install.

      Another possibility is that you may need to restore your device to factory defaults. This will remove all of your user data. You can still re-install all of the apps you own. Make sure to backup your data to iCloud before doing this. When you are done, your iPhone will be like new again. You can go through the process of logging in with your Apple ID and setting up the phone. It’s a drastic measure, but it will probably work.

      Reply

  6. I can’t sign into iCloud or iTunes. I keep getting a message unable to connect with the server. I’m using iOS 11.2.1

    Reply

    • This may be due to a temporary network issue. Data centers tend to be under a lot of stress during the Christmas holidays. Everyone is home and hammering away at servers. Try again and it should work. If not, follow the steps in the article. If that doesn’t work, contact Apple’s customer support.

      Reply

  7. I’m having similar problem, can access all Apple services – App Store, iTunes Store, but get error unable to connect to iTunes Store when trying to sign into iTunes U on iPad. iOS 11.2.1. Error since mid December.

    Reply

    • This is discussed in the comments below. This has to do with parental control settings in iTunes. I need to incorporate this into the article, however, the information is available in the comments.

      Reply

  8. My iPhone keeps telling me that it cannot connect to iTunes but it’s loading the apps and everything and I logged out now I cannot log back in because it keeps saying it can’t connect to iTunes. I need help. I know the password is right.

    Reply

    • You can still use installed apps, even if your iTunes Store account or Apple ID can’t be authenticated. Try going to the Apple’s official Apple ID site to test out your user ID and password.

      Reply

  9. I could not connect to Apple iTune Store but after following this instruction ” UPDATE: Some users who have recently upgraded to iOS 10 are experiencing problems connecting to the iTunes Store. This has been fixed by resetting network settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and tap Reset to confirm. Be advised that after your network settings are reset, you will need to re-enter all of your WiFi passwords.”.. i was able to connect to store.

    Thanks.

    Reply

  11. I performed all these task (including: Reset of network, settings, content and date and time) even I reinstalled my iTunes app but iTunes did not work.. continuously show error “Cannot connect to iTunes Store”. Please resolve my issue. I’m getting worried about it… My software version also updated as 11.2.5.

    Reply

  12. “itunes cant connect to the iphone (4) because an invalid response was received from the device.” this is what my computer shows me when i try to connect my phone. please help me i cant download music in my phone because of that

    Reply

  13. My App Store is able to open but I can’t install applications because there is no install button so what’s is the solution

    Reply

  14. I can’t connect to any of the I services , it shows a blank loading screen then says cannot connect after a long time
    Other applications and websites in the browser work so it is not ISP
    I have reset the network
    Time and date is accurate
    And the website to check apple servers won’t even open

    Reply

  15. Cannot sign in to iTunes when prompted to, while trying to update app’s or download a new one. When I sign in it spins thinking for about 20 seconds before dropping off back to update screen.
    With nothing accomplished.
    Have tried all kinds of things with nothing working.
    Help

    Reply

  17. When I click on iTunes store on my computer from iTunes, it gets me to a page that says, “Get The Music You Want; Watch The Latest Movies, Enjoy Ad-Free TV Shows”; and at the bottom it says, “Your purchases, browsing, searches, and history are used to personalize your experience and improve the store.” Then a click-through that says, “See how your data is managed…” The screen won’t let me click through to buy songs, and the click-through at the bottom doesn’t work. I used to just click iTunes Store and I could buy songs. What gives?

    Reply

    • It looks like they’re trying to push Apple Music a bit too hard. I’ll take a look at how to buy music and get back to you.

      They removed the capability to buy music on Apple TV altogether. Now it seems, they are erecting barriers to prevent iTunes music purchases.

      Personally, I think music subscription services are great, but they’re not for everyone. If you spend over $120 a year on music, it’s worth it. Otherwise, you are better off buying music a la carte.

      I prefer Google Play Music to Apple Music, for several reasons…

      Reply

  18. Hello my itunes store won’t open it just says open itunes u app and i do and still nothing can you help me please??

    Reply

  19. huh. I have the same issue. I can not even subscribe to a new podcast. Im not sure what a block on “new music” or what not matter in regards to free podcasts. you literally can not go to the store at all. It’s not a music issue its a tech issue. the guy us saying much like me he CAN NOT go to the itunes store at all and you are going off on some apple tv music rant. that helped literally zero and was relevant in no way at all.

    Reply

  20. Your reading comprehension seems to be a bit off. I am responding to someone who can’t buy songs because of the new Apple Music redesign in iTunes. This is a user interface issue, which is a tech issue AND a music issue, because the user is trying to purchase music. It has nothing to do with downloading Podcasts, which is your entirely different problem.

    This person DOES NOT have the same problem as you. I don’t know how you can just mash up your problem with someone else’s and then complain about relevance. You don’t really seem to know what’s going on.

    I don’t think you even bothered to read the article. You just read a few comments and took them out of context.

    This has nothing to do with your problem, so you don’t have to opine on the relevance.

    Did you read the article and follow any of the steps?

    Reply

  22. I started having problems logging into iTunes on my desktop, after loading iTunes on my laptop. I have iTunes on my iPad, my iPod, my desktop and now on my laptop. Three work fine but now when I try to access iTunes on my desktop, it flashes the login menu box and freezes up my computer. I need to reboot since I can’t X out of it or do anything else. Is it because I have it on 4 devices? Someone told me you can only have it on 3 devices.

    Reply

  24. Hi – I’m from Aussie. I read and saw your comment somewhere from above in here and I tried and it works fine. I did with everything but I did reset warnings and something else. I can’t remember the other one I did when it’s fixed already, so my log in is working fine. Thanks for the tip or advice I’ve read some from above.

    Reply

  25. Just received my iPad 3 today. Nice packaging, perfect condition, charger included. I wish it came with an original Apple charger so it would charge faster, but this one seems to work OK.

    Thanks,
    Yisbridge

    Reply

  27. I’ve already reset the network setting and it’s still saying “can not connect to iTunes” what else can I do???

    Reply

  28. I am trying to sign on and don’t acept my password,could you send me customer
    service Tel. # for a person to guide me

    Thanks,alot,Bill Morales

    Reply

  30. My ITunes App Store is just saying Cannot Connect to iTunes i’ve Restarted my IPad and the internet but I still won’t work and I’m in ios 11.3

    Reply

  31. I tried everything and is keeps asking my for my login in and once i do that it waits a bit and asks me again

    Reply

  33. On my iPad mini first addition and my iPad 2 I can’t connect to iTunes on my mini I tried signing out but now I want back in and is says can not conect to the iTunes Store and on my big one I can’t download anything or update it shows its loading but then turns back into the other sign and I already trying restarting checking my date and time checking for update and I do have a good wifi connection but I can’t figure out what is wrong

    Reply

  34. Hi bro,

    I have a problem. Can you solve it, please? The iTunes Store is not working and I can’t open Apple Music.

    Reply

  35. I can’t login to my App Store, iTunes Store, music app. It’s showing “cannot connect to iTunes Store”. I tried resetting my phone and after that it will start working but later like few days it will stop. So I keep resetting my phone anytime I needed to download or update any app or song and I’m tired of it. Please is there any other solution? Or should I update my iOS because I use version 11.3? Please help.

    Reply

    • My guess is that there is some network configuration issue that pops up again and again, blocking access to the iTunes store. Perhaps it happens after connecting to a certain WiFi hotspot?

      It may very well be a defect in iOS 11.3. I upgraded both my iPhone and iPad to iOS 12.0.1, and so far, it is vastly superior to iOS 11. It is much faster. I recommend upgrading.

      One more thing to try — switch to Google DNS. Go to Settings > WiFi and then click on the “i” next to your connected WiFi network. Change the DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. This will bypass your ISPs DNS servers and use Google DNS. I’m not sure that this will fix the problem, but it does speed up Internet access a great deal. I’m really surprised by how such a small change boosts performance.

      Reply

  37. For the last two days I have been trying to buy a product and it says “iTunes store cannot process purchases at this time. Try later.”

    Reply

  40. i can login my apple ID on my iphone 6 but i cant login the same ID and password on my Mac and it shows ” there was an error connecting Apple ID server”. Pls help!

    Reply

    • Yes. It seems as though Apple just had a massive outage. This article got a record amount of page views. So, to all the people who “cannot connect to iTunes Store”, hang in there. This is not unusual.

      Being close to Thanksgiving, a lot of people are home and hammering away on the Internet. This is typically when you see outages from many of the tech companies. Netflix had a really bad one a few years ago.

      Tis the season for data center failures…

      Reply

  42. Hi, I really appreciate your thorough article. I have been having problems connecting to iTunes, the App Store, and iCloud. I tried resetting my settings, restarting the iPad, logging into my AppleID account online and changing my password, and making sure I was connected to the internet. I still cannot connect and keep receiving the same error messages about a problem with the server or not being able to connect to the iTunes store. The iPad also somehow signed me out of my e-mail accounts and when I try to add them back on again, it says account added, but then when I click the mail icon, it doesn’t exist. I haven’t been able to update any of my apps or download new ones. It has me enter my password, I do, and then it acts like it’s going to download it, but then it just goes back to how it was before with no downloaded app. Do you have any ideas for anything else I can try?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • If they’re using the same ISP, it may be an issue with their DNS servers. You can try using Google DNS — primary 8.8.8.8; secondary 8.8.4.4

      It’s a good idea to use Google DNS, because it’s fast and reliable.

      I’ll be writing a how-to article about Google DNS soon!

      Reply

  46. I can’t download anything because my iTunes and App Store account is disabled, how do I fix this? Do I need a new phone??

    Reply

  47. I try to login in to my iTunes app and it buffers for a second then pops up with ‘Cannot Connect To iTunes Store.’ I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. If I am PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me. Thank you so much!

    Reply

  49. Having the same issue as others. I stopped updating my 5SE after 10.3.2 due to bad experiences updating previous phones. I am wondering if this is linked.

    Reply

    • You may be able to update the iTunes Store app without upgrading to a new version of iOS. Go to the App Store, search for iTunes Store and see if you can install an update. I’m not sure if it’s just the iTunes Store app that’s giving you this problem. If it’s a different app, you will need to try updating that app.

      If you have an iPhone 5S, updating iOS is a risky prospect. I still remember how much I regret upgrading my iPad 2 to iOS 8. That was years ago, but that iOS update rendered my iPad useless. I anticipate that Apple will steer more users into the rocks in order to sell more iPhones. They’re desperate. iOS 13 will probably slow down a lot of iPhones on purpose.

      I am not sure what an iPhone 5SE is. Maybe it’s like WD-30? (It comes in a different colored can.) If you have an iPhone SE, that has an A9 processor, so upgrading to iOS 12 should work out well. I run iOS 12 on an iPhone 6, which has an A8 processor. It runs quite well. I prefer it to iOS 11. The iPhone SE has an A9 processor, so it should handle iOS 12 quite well. I recommend updating iOS.

      Reply

  50. I can’t download the apps/games in the App Store. They pop up and display “CAN’T CONNECT TO THE ITUNES STORE”. What should I do? Please respond to my concern.

    Reply

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