iPhone Error List - Roundup for Common iPhone / iTunes Errors and Fixes

For the past two decades, we have never enjoyed the full Apple experience on a Windows PC. Now it gets much closer with the recent release of iCloud for Windows in the Microsoft Store. Before that, the key bridge between Apple devices and a Windows PC is iTunes. It helps update your iPhone, sync or transfer files between your PC and iPhone, or use your PC to erase all content and settings from your iPhone, aka iPhone restore.

However, manage an Apple device on a computer is not always a smooth sailing. If you've encountered some unexpected iPhone / iTunes errors, you can refer this complete iPhone Error list article to find out the causes and best fixes.

Part 1: iTunes Update Server Communication Errors

Error Symptoms: 17, 1004, 1013, 1638, 3014, 3194, 3000, 3002, 3004, 3013, 3014, 3015, 3194, 3200

Common Error Codes:

• iPhone error 17
• iPhone error 1004
• iPhone error 1013
• iPhone error 1638
• iPhone error 3014
• iPhone error 3194
• iPhone error 3000
• iPhone error 3002
• iPhone error 3004
• iPhone error 3013
• iPhone error 3014
• iPhone error 3015
• iPhone error 3194
• iPhone error 3200

This group of iPhone errors usually indicate the communications between iTunes (or Finder on Mac) and Apple's update server is interrupted or not available at all. Along with these iPhone error codes, you may also see "There was a problem downloading the software," or "The device isn't eligible for the requested build" message.

Quick Fixes

• Check Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is active by browsing websites or using another online service.
• Restart Router: Turn off your router, wait for a few minutes, and then turn it back on. This can resolve many general connectivity issues.
• Disable Firewall: Temporarily turn off any firewall software on your computer to see if it resolves the issue.
• Check Antivirus Settings: Disable antivirus software temporarily and try updating or restoring your iPhone again.
• Network Configuration: Ensure that your network allows connections to Apple’s servers, which might be blocked especially in corporate or school networks.
• Close VPN: If you are connected to a VPN, try disconnecting it as it might route traffic through servers that are blocked or slow to access Apple's services.
• Alternate Network: If possible, try connecting to a different network. Issues might be related to your current ISP or specific network setup.
• Check Apple Service Status: Head to the Apple Support System Status page, and you'll immediately see when a service or system is experiencing a problem.

Part 2: Security Software Intervention Error

Error Symptoms: 2, 4, 6, 9, 1000, 1611, 9006, 9807, 9844

Common Error Codes:

• iPhone error 2
• iPhone error 4
• iPhone error 6
• iPhone error 9
• iPhone error 1000
• iPhone error 1611
• iPhone error 9006
• iPhone error 9807
• iPhone error 9844

When dealing with iPhone update errors, like error 9, that might be caused by security software interference, it's important to ensure that your security settings are not preventing iTunes from connecting to Apple's servers. Here’s how you can troubleshoot issues related to security software.

Quick Fixes

• Disable Antivirus and Firewall: Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software on your computer. This can help determine if these programs are blocking iTunes from accessing the Apple servers.
• Add iTunes as an Exception: If you prefer not to disable the firewall entirely, you can add iTunes as an exception in your firewall and antivirus settings. This allows iTunes to communicate through the firewall without disabling security for other applications.
• Check Your Security Software Settings: Review the settings in your antivirus program. Some security programs include features that block certain types of data traffic or that restrict software communications.

Part 3: USB Cable/Port Connections Error

Error Symptoms: 13, 14, 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1611, 1643-50, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 4000, 4005, 4013, 4014, 4016

Common Error Codes:

• iPhone error 13
• iPhone error 14
• iPhone error 1600
• iPhone error 1601
• iPhone error 1602
• iPhone error 1603
• iPhone error 1604
• iPhone error 1611
• iPhone error 1643-1650
• iPhone error 2000
• iPhone error 2001
• iPhone error 2002
• iPhone error 2005
• iPhone error 2006
• iPhone error 2009
• iPhone error 4000
• iPhone error 4005
• iPhone error 4013
• iPhone error 4014
• iPhone error 4016
• iTunes invalid response

USB cable and port connection issues are common culprits behind errors when updating or restoring an iPhone via iTunes. Because a damaged or non-certified cable can fail to establish a consistent connection between your iPhone and your computer. Meanwhile, the USB port on your computer may also fill with dirt or debris preventing a solid connection.

Quick Fixes

• Use an Apple-certified USB cable: Ensure the cable is MFi-certified (Made for iPhone/iPad). Non-certified cables can cause errors.
• Inspect the cable: Look for any wear, tear, or damage. Try using a new or different cable if you suspect the current one is faulty.
• Clean the Ports: Clean the USB ports on your computer and the charging port on your iPhone: Use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from the ports.
• **Test Different USB Ports: **Try a different USB port on your computer: Preferably, use a USB port directly on the computer rather than through a hub or keyboard.
• Avoid USB hubs: Connect directly to the computer’s USB port to ensure sufficient power and data integrity.
• Disconnect Other USB Devices: Reduce USB device interference: Disconnect other USB devices that may be connected to your computer to eliminate potential conflicts.
• Test with another computer: If possible, try to connect your iPhone to another computer. This can help determine if the issue is with the original computer’s USB ports or hardware.

Part 4: iPhone Hardware Issues

Error Symptoms: 1, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 1000, 1002, 1004, 1011, 1012, 1014, 1667, or 1669

Common Error Codes:

• iPhone error 1
• iPhone error 3
• iPhone error 10
• iPhone error 11
• iPhone error 12
• iPhone error 13
• iPhone error 14
• iPhone error 16
• iPhone error 20
• iPhone error 21
• iPhone error 23
• iPhone error 26
• iPhone error 27
• iPhone error 28
• iPhone error 29
• iPhone error 34
• iPhone error 35
• iPhone error 36
• iPhone error 37
• iPhone error 40
• iPhone error 1000
• iPhone error 1002
• iPhone error 1004
• iPhone error 1011
• iPhone error 1012
• iPhone error 1014
• iPhone error 1667
• iPhone error 1669

Undiagnosed hardware issues can sometimes disrupt the connection between your Mac and iOS device. Before diving into potential internal hardware problems, make sure to troubleshoot the basics such as your internet connection, security software, cables, and USB hubs.

Quick Fixes

• Test Different Devices: Connect your iOS device to a different, known-working Mac. If you can sync with iTunes, your iOS device is likely functioning correctly. If it fails, there may be a hardware or software issue with your iOS device.
• Test Different iOS Devices: Connect a different, known-working iOS device to your Mac. If it syncs successfully, your Mac's hardware is probably fine. If it doesn't sync, this might indicate a problem with your Mac's hardware or software.

The Bottom Line

Addressing iPhone errors can be a frustrating experience. Whether it's connectivity problems, software glitches, or hardware malfunctions, understanding the root cause of your iPhone error is key to finding an effective solution.

Remember to start with the simplest fixes, such as checking your cables and internet connection, before moving on to more complex diagnostics. If you continue to experience issues despite these efforts, have a try with the expert iOS System Recovery utility software like BuhoRepair.