Fix iTunes Store Errors

Edited by Sean Zylow, Eng, VC

2 Parts:
A Guide Through Every iTunes Store Error and How to Fix
Comments

A Guide Through Every iTunes Store Error and How to Fix

Fix iTunes Store Errors 64866.jpg
  • Error (-50) when downloading content
  • iTunes repeatedly prompts to authorize computer to play iTunes Store purchases
  • Error (-3221) when accessing the iTunes Store (Windows)
  • Performance issues and/or blank iTunes store (Windows)
  • Error (-3259)
  • "An unknown error occured (-9808)"
  • Update and restore alert messages on iPhone and iPod Touch

Error (-50) when downloading content

When you try to download content you bought from the iTunes Store, you might see a message that says "There was an error downloading your purchased music. An unknown error occurred." To fix the issue, check for any issues with third-party security software, then remove the cached download file and try to download the music again.

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Fix issues with third-party security software

If your connection times out while your music is downloading, you might see this message. The time out might be caused by security software monitoring certain servers and common ports. If your third-party security software doesn't let you download from iTunes, learn how to fix the issue.

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Remove the cached download file

A network issue can also cause an iTunes download to time out. When this happens, a cached download file might not let you download the file next time. Remove the cached download on a Mac or PC before you try downloading again.

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  1. 1
    On a Mac
    .
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    1. If iTunes is open, quit the program.
    2. In Finder, select Go > Home from the menu bar at the top of your computer screen.
    3. Open Music > iTunes > iTunes Media. If you have an older iTunes library, you might see an iTunes Music folder instead of an iTunes Media folder.
    4. Open Downloads.
    5. Drag all files from the folder to Trash.
    6. Open iTunes.
    7. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose Store > Check for Available Downloads.
    8. If prompted, enter your Apple ID and password.
    9. Click Check. Your music downloads to your iTunes Library.
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  2. 2
    On a Windows PC
    .
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    1. If iTunes is open, quit the program.
    2. Hold down the Windows key on your keyboard. If your keyboard doesn't have a Windows key, hold down the Ctrl and Esc keys on your keyboard.
    3. Click the magnifying glass icon or the search field.
    4. In the search field, type "%USERPROFILE&\Music".
    5. Open iTunes > iTunes Media. If you have an older iTunes library, you might see an iTunes Music folder instead of an iTunes Media folder.
    6. Open Downloads.
    7. Drag all files from the folder to the Recycle Bin.
    8. Open iTunes.
    9. Hold down the Control and B keys on your keyboard to turn on the iTunes menu bar. Then choose Store > Check for Available Downloads. Learn more about menus in iTunes for Windows.
    10. If prompted, enter your Apple ID and password.
    11. Click Check. Your music downloads to your iTunes Library.
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iTunes repeatedly prompts to authorize computer to play iTunes Store purchases

iTunes might ask you to authorize your account before you can play items you bought from the iTunes Store due to issues with account or folder permissions. Follow these steps to fix the issue.

Authorize your purchases from an administrator account

If you're not an administrator on your computer, you might need to authorize your computer with an administrator account before you can play iTunes Store purchases. Follow these steps to authorize your computer using an administrator account:

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  1. 1
    Log in to your computer as an administrator
    .
    If you don't have access to an administrator password, contact the computer's administrator. If this is a work computer, the administrator might be your IT department.
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  2. 2
    Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
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  3. 3
    From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account > Authorize This Computer
    .
    If you're using Windows and can't see the menu bar, learn how to turn it on.
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  4. 4
    Enter your iTunes account name and password.
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  5. 5
    Authorize your computer here
    .
    If you have multiple accounts, log in to the iTunes Store and authorize each account separately.
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  6. 6
    Quit iTunes.
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  7. 7
    Log out of your administrator account.
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  8. 8
    Log in to the account you'd like to play your purchases from.
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  9. 9
    Open iTunes.
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  10. 10
    Choose an iTunes Store purchase and click Play
    .
    The item should begin to play.
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Authorize your purchases with the correct Apple ID

You might have used a different Apple ID to buy the items you want to play. To determine which account you used to buy an item, follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Open iTunes.
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  2. 2
    In My Music, find a song that you bought from the iTunes Store, and select it.
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  3. 3
    From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window, choose File > Get Info
    .
    If you're using Windows and can't see the menu bar, learn how to turn it on.
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  4. 4
    Click the File tab
    .
    Look to the right of "purchased by" for the Apple ID that made the purchase.
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  5. 5
    Authorize your computer here using the correct Apple ID
    .
    The Apple ID you used to buy the item doesn't change, even if you change your Apple ID.
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  6. 6
    If you already authorized the Apple ID shown in the item's information, check the purchase history of that Apple ID to see if the item is on the list
    .
    If not, think about another Apple ID you might have, and authorize your computer with that Apple ID.
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  7. 7
    If you forgot the password to one of your accounts, you can recover it.
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Turn off User Account Controls

You can fix some authorization issues in iTunes for Windows if you reset your User Account Controls. To reset your User Account Controls in Windows 7 or later, follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Press the Windows key on your keyboard
    .
    If your keyboard doesn't have a Windows key, press the Control (Ctrl) and Escape (Esc) keys on your keyboard.
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  2. 2
    Click on the magnifying icon or search field
    .
    In the search field, enter "UserAccountControlSettings".
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  3. 3
    Click UserAccountControlSettings
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  4. 4
    If asked if you want to allow this app to make changes, click Yes.
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  5. 5
    Move the slider to the bottom setting.
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  6. 6
    Click OK.
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  7. 7
    If asked if you want to allow this app to make changes, click Yes.
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  8. 8
    Restart your computer
    .
    Then, turn User Account Controls back on.
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  9. 9
    Press the Windows key on your keyboard
    .
    If your keyboard doesn't have a Windows key, press the Control (Ctrl) and Escape (Esc) keys on your keyboard.
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  10. 10
    Click on the magnifying icon or search field
    .
    In the search field, enter "UserAccountControlSettings".
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  11. 11
    Click UserAccountControlSettings
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  12. 12
    Move the slider back to the setting that you want.
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  13. 13
    Click OK.
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  14. 14
    Restart your computer.
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  15. 15
    Authorize your computer here.
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Remove the SC Info folder

To work properly, iTunes needs the SC Info folder on your computer. You can authorize your computer to play your purchases if you remove the folder. Then, let iTunes recreate it.

  1. 1
    Remove the SC Info folder in Mac OS X
    .
     
    1. Quit iTunes and any other open applications until only Finder is open.
    2. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose Go > Go to Folder.
    3. In the window, enter "/Users/Shared/SC Info", then click Go.
    4. If Finder isn't already set to column view, set it. From the menu bar at the top of your screen, choose View > as Columns.
    5. Find the SC Info folder. Click and hold it, and drag it to the trash.
    6. Restart your computer.
    7. Open iTunes.
    8. Authorize your computer. If you have multiple accounts or Apple IDs, authorize your computer for each account.
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  2. 2
    Remove the SC Info folder in Windows
    .
     
    1. Quit iTunes.
    2. Press the Windows key on your keyboard. If your keyboard doesn't have a Windows key, press the Control (Ctrl) and Escape (Esc) keys on your keyboard.
    3. Click on the magnifying icon or search field. In the search field, enter "%ProgramData%", then press Return.
    4. Show hidden files: Windows 10: Click View, then select "Hidden items.", Windows 8: Click View, then click Options. On the View tab, select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives.", Windows 7: Click Organize, then click "Folder and search options." On the View tab, select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives."
    5. Open the Apple Computer folder, then open the iTunes folder.
    6. Right-click the SC Info folder and choose Delete from the pop-up menu.
    7. Restart your computer.
    8. Open iTunes.
    9. Authorize your computer. If you have multiple accounts, authorize your computer for each account.
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Error (-3221) when accessing the iTunes Store (Windows)

Security software created by companies other than Apple can prevent iTunes from connecting to Apple servers or to devices. Sometimes, you might see a numeric error message when you sync, update, back up, or restore your device. The following might happen if your security software is causing an issue with iTunes:

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  • Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch aren't recognized in iTunes, or they won't back up, restore, update, sync, or activate.
  • You see iTunes Errors 4, 6, 1630-1641, 3000-3999, or 9000-9999*.
  • You can't connect to iTunes Store to buy or download content.
  • iTunes won't open.
  • NOTE: If you see error 9006, your computer might not be able to connect to Apple servers or your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Check for communication issues between iTunes and Apple software update servers. If you still see the error message, then continue reading to learn how to check your connectivity and security software.
Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Get started

Before changing your security software's setup:

  1. 1
    Make sure that the date, time, and time zone are set correctly on your computer
    .
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Log in to an administrative user account, not a guest account.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Update OS X or Windows
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  5. 5
    Update your security software.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  6. 6
    If your device isn't recognized, find more information on what to try if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod isn't recognized in iTunes for Mac or Windows
    .
    • If you're still having trouble, continue to the next section.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Test your connectivity

Check your host file to make sure that it's not blocking iTunes from communicating with Apple's servers. If you're having issues using AirPlay, Home Sharing, iTunes, or Remote, test the connectivity between the computers or devices in your house. They should be connected to the same network and subnet in order to function properly.

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • If you're still having trouble, continue to the next section.

Test your security software

  • If you still have trouble after you test your connectivity, your security software could be interfering with your computer's connection with iTunes.
  • In some cases, it might be necessary to temporarily remove your security software to isolate an issue. Some Internet security apps don't uninstall completely, so you might need to download and run a cleanup utility for your security software for it to be completely removed.
  • Work with your security software provider to allow the complete list of ports and services that Apple products use or if you need help with uninstalling their software.
  • Make sure that there isn't more than one type of security software installed at a time. If you have more than one type of security software installed, you might experience other performance issues.

Performance issues and/or blank iTunes store (Windows)

If you have software on your computer that monitors Internet traffic, you might see error 0x80090318 when you:

  1. 1
    Open the iTunes Store.
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  2. 2
    Update or back up iOS devices.
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  3. 3
    Start the Apple Mobile Device Service.
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  4. 4
    Sign in to iCloud for Windows.
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This type of software might use a Layered Service Provider (LSP) which can help identify the particular program installed. Software that monitors Internet communication includes both valid programs, such as security or content filtering software, and potentially unwanted programs that use ad-injection, sometimes called adware. Other indications that potentially unwanted software is installed on your computer include your search engine changing without you changing it or an increase in the number of pop-up ads displayed in your browser. Use the steps below to identify and remove this software.

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Identify and remove Layered Service Provider software

  1. 1
    Download Autoruns for Wndows from Microsoft.
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  2. 2
    Look for Autoruns.ZIP on your computer
    .
    Open the compressed folder.
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  3. 3
    After reviewing the contents and the license, drag autoruns.exe to the desktop.
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  4. 4
    Open autoruns.exe.
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  5. 5
    Click the Winsock Providers tab.
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  6. 6
    A list of software appears, including a column that shows the software's publisher.
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  7. 7
    For software other than Bonjour, which is published by Apple, check with the publisher for support to resolve the conflict between their software and Apple software.
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  8. 8
    If the publisher is unfamiliar to you, locate their information.
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Error (-3259)

Security software created by companies other than Apple can prevent iTunes from connecting to Apple servers or to devices. Sometimes, you might see a numeric error message when you sync, update, back up, or restore your device. The following might happen if your security software is causing an issue with iTunes:

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  1. 1
    Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch aren't recognized in iTunes, or they won't back up, restore, update, sync, or activate.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    You see iTunes Errors 4, 6, 1630-1641, 3000-3999, or 9000-9999# .
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    You can't connect to iTunes Store to buy or download content.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    iTunes won't open
    .
    Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Get started

Before changing your security software's setup:

  1. 1
    Make sure that the date, time, and time zone are set correctly on your computer
    .
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Log in to an administrative user account, not a guest account.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Update OS X or Windows
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  5. 5
    Update your security software.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  6. 6
    If your device isn't recognized, find more information on what to try if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod isn't recognized in iTunes for Mac or Windows
    .
    • If you're still having trouble, continue to the next section.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Test your connectivity

Check your host file to make sure that it's not blocking iTunes from communicating with Apple's servers. If you're having issues using AirPlay, Home Sharing, iTunes, or Remote, test the connectivity between the computers or devices in your house. They should be connected to the same network and subnet in order to function properly.

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • If you're still having trouble, continue to the next section.

Test your security software

  • If you still have trouble after you test your connectivity, your security software could be interfering with your computer's connection with iTunes.
  • In some cases, it might be necessary to temporarily remove your security software to isolate an issue. Some Internet security apps don't uninstall completely, so you might need to download and run a cleanup utility for your security software for it to be completely removed.
  • Work with your security software provider to allow the complete list of ports and services that Apple products use or if you need help with uninstalling their software.
  • Make sure that there isn't more than one type of security software installed at a time. If you have more than one type of security software installed, you might experience other performance issues.

An unknown error occured (-9808)

Security software created by companies other than Apple can prevent iTunes from connecting to Apple servers or to devices. Sometimes, you might see a numeric error message when you sync, update, back up, or restore your device.

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help

The following might happen if your security software is causing an issue with iTunes:

  • Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch aren't recognized in iTunes, or they won't back up, restore, update, sync, or activate.
  • You see iTunes Errors 4, 6, 1630-1641, 3000-3999, or 9000-9999*.
  • You can't connect to iTunes Store to buy or download content.
  • iTunes won't open.
  • NOTE: If you see error 9006, your computer might not be able to connect to Apple servers or your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Check for communication issues between iTunes and Apple software update servers. If you still see the error message, then continue reading to learn how to check your connectivity and security software.
Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Get started

Before changing your security software's setup:

  1. 1
    Make sure that the date, time, and time zone are set correctly on your computer
    .
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Log in to an administrative user account, not a guest account.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Update OS X or Windows
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  5. 5
    Update your security software.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  6. 6
    If your device isn't recognized, find more information on what to try if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod isn't recognized in iTunes for Mac or Windows
    .
    • If you're still having trouble, continue to the next section.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Test your connectivity

Check your host file to make sure that it's not blocking iTunes from communicating with Apple's servers. If you're having issues using AirPlay, Home Sharing, iTunes, or Remote, test the connectivity between the computers or devices in your house. They should be connected to the same network and subnet in order to function properly.

Was this helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • If you're still having trouble, continue to the next section.

Test your security software

  1. 1
    If you still have trouble after you test your connectivity, your security software could be interfering with your computer's connection with iTunes.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    In some cases, it might be necessary to temporarily remove your security software to isolate an issue
    .
    Some Internet security apps don't uninstall completely, so you might need to download and run a cleanup utility for your security software for it to be completely removed.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Work with your security software provider to allow the complete list of ports and services that Apple products use or if you need help with uninstalling their software.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Make sure that there isn't more than one type of security software installed at a time
    .
    If you have more than one type of security software installed, you might experience other performance issues.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Update and restore alert messages on iPhone and iPod Touch

When you use iTunes to update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you might see an error code or alert. You can fix most update and restore errors with these steps.

  1. 1
    Update iTunes
    .
    Get the latest version of iTunes for your computer.
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  2. 2
    Update your computer
    .
    Install updates for your Mac. If you have a PC, get updates from Microsoft.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Check your computer's security software
    .
    You might need to update, change, or uninstall software that's causing an issue.
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  4. 4
    Unplug extra USB devices
    .
    Keep only your device, keyboard, and mouse plugged in to your computer.
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  5. 5
    Restart
    .
    Turn off your computer and your device. Then turn them on again.
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  6. 6
    Try again
    .
    Update or restore your device again.
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Get more help

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If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Categories : Software

Recent edits by: Eng, Sean Zylow

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