iPhone users often encounter a message, saying 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when the download is complete', while they try to update or restore iPhone using iTunes. However, they cannot move forward since iTunes seems to be download firmware files or software files forever.

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There are different reasons that might cause such a problem. It could be that your device is unable to connect to the Apple server, your internet connection is not stable, or the third-party security software is preventing the connection with the Apple server, or there might be some hardware problems with your iPhone.

How can you resolve the problem? In this article, we are going to explain various solutions that you can try to fix this issue.

However, Apple has made it possible for you to have iTunes installed on your Windows computer. The installation is easy, and you do not need to customize anything. The only thing you need to have is an Apple ID. Meaning that if you have an iPhone or an iPad without having a Mac computer, you can still access iTunes on your Windows system. Download STARZ and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. ‎Designed to be the ultimate fan experience, the STARZ App lets you download full movies and series to watch whenever, wherever. That’s premium entertainment you can take with you, at an unbeatable price. Make sure that you're logged in to your computer as an administrator. If you're not sure if you have. ITunes is the world's easiest way to organize and add to your digital media collection. We are unable to find iTunes on your computer. To download from the iTunes Store, get iTunes now.

1. iTunes Is Downloading the Software for This iPhone? How Long Does It Take?

Actually, there is no particular time limit on how long it will take for iTunes to download the firmware. It varies from people to people, depending on how soon your iDevice connects with the Apple server to download the software. Roughly 'iOS Download and Update' usually takes almost 30 minutes. If everything goes fine then your device might run smoothly in no more than 1 hour.

If you find iTunes is stuck on 'iTunes Is Downloading the Software for This iPhone' for hours, you may quit iTunes and restart to try again.

2. If Your iPhone Has Some Problems

If your iPhone is now stuck on recovery mode or cannot work normally for some other issues (such as white screen, keeping restart, freezing problem, failing to be activated, etc), and you are trying to restore iPhone, you can try a third-party tool to fix it.

Try a Third-Party Tool to Fix the Problem without Data Loss

Here we would like to introduce a powerful tool iMyFone Fixppo (iOS 14/13/12 supported) to fix the problem without data loss. It is out of the question the best iTunes alternative in the market. It applies exclusive technologies so that it can fix the problems that even iTunes cannot fix. It also uses firmware, but it works in a different way from iTunes. Therefore, when your iTunes is stuck at downloading a software update for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch and cannot proceed, the best option is iMyFone Fixppo.

Moreover, the main feature of this tool repairs a broad range of iOS issues without data loss such as iPhone stuck at black/white screen/recovery mode/Apple logo or iPhone could not be activated. The other feature offered is entering or exiting Recovery Mode without data loss. If your iPhone is stuck in recovery, you can try this feature with the free trial version.

Follow the steps provided below to use iMyFone Fixppo to fix the iOS problems with your iPhone without data loss.

Step 1: Install and launch the latest version of this software on your PC. Choose 'Standard Mode' from the program's main screen. Then connect your iOS device to it and click Next.

Step 2: Now, if the program can recognize your device, you can go to the next step. If not, put your iPhone in DFU/recovery mode by going along the on-screen instructions.

Then the program will recognize your iPhone and offer all the available firmware. You just need to choose the version you like and click 'Download' to get the firmware that matches your iPhone.

Step 3: The fixing process will start as soon as you click the 'Start' button. Once it's over, your device will be fixed and you won't suffer from the issue 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone'.

3. If Your iPhone Is in Normal Mode

If your iPhone works normally before iTunes is stuck on downloading the software for this iPhone, you can try to do something for both your iTunes and iPhone to avoid the problem.

Here in this section, we've brought to you quite effective solutions that you can perform to fix the iTunes stuck issue.

3.1. Update iTunes

First of all, make sure you have the latest iTunes installed. To update iTunes on Windows version, you can just click 'Help' in the menu and then click 'Check for Updates'. Follow the instruction to install the latest version of your iTunes.

If you are using a Mac, you can just go to the App Store and check if there is an update for iTunes. Click 'UPDATE' if there is the option.

3.2. Hard Reset iPhone

Try performing a hard reset on your iPhone as the first method to fix the issue as it has been proved effective for fixing iOS glitches. Follow the steps provided carefully:

• iPhone 6 or Older Devices

Hold down the 'Sleep/Wake' button simultaneously with the 'Home' button till you see the phone screen turn black. As soon as the Apple logo starts appearing, let go of the buttons.

• iPhone 7/7 Plus

Press and hold the 'Sleep/Wake' and 'Volume Down' button together until the Apple logo appears. Leave them once after that.

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• iPhone 8/8 Plus/iPhone X or Later

First, quickly push the 'Volume Up' key and release quickly, repeat the same with the 'Volume Down' key. Press the 'Sleep/Wake' button till the Apple logo appears on the screen.

3.3. Reset All Settings

To reset all settings on your iPhone, you don't have to be a tech-geek. Knowing some simple steps will ease your burden and help you deal with the problem that iTunes is stuck on downloading the software for this iPhone. Here are the steps –

1. From your iPhone home screen, go to 'Settings' and then click 'General'.
2. Scroll down to the end of the screen and then press the 'Reset' tab found there.
3. Under the 'Reset' option click on 'Reset All Settings' and you are good to go. If prompted for a passcode then provide the same.

3.4. Restore from Backup

If you are still stuck on 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone', you should then try to resolve it by restoring your device from a previous backup. Sometimes, restoring with old backup fixes whatever additional glitches happened with an iOS device, even you use the latest iOS 14. So, here are the steps to do it –

1. Ensure to install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and launch it. Connect your iPhone using a lightning cable and make sure to tap on 'Trust' when 'Trust This Computer' message appears on your screen. Now, click on your iPhone from the iTunes' main screen.
2. Go to the 'Summary' tab and under the 'Backups' section click on 'Restore Backup' button. Select the most recent or any desired backup file from the list in the pop-up window and tap 'Restore'.

Note: Please do not disconnect the iDevice until the process completes.

Received an error of “iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone” while trying to update iOS 14 or restore iPhone using iTunes? Here we’ll offer some troubleshooting tips to fix it.

iTunes Tips & Issues

When using iTunes to update, backup, sync or restore your iPhone, you may meet the iTunes error “iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when the download is complete”. It can be really annoying to meet this problem and you may want to fix this error as soon as possible.

Nowadays, many people meet this error when updating to iOS 14 with iTunes. The reasons for “iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone” error can be various, for example, iPhone is unable to connect to Apple server, Internet disconnection, system crash, etc. Now let’s follow this quick tip and find some useful trick to fix iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone error.

6 Tips to Fix iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone

Tip 1. Update iTunes

Firstly you can check whether your iTunes is up to date and get the latest version of iTunes on the computer. On Windows, just click on Help > Check for Updates. On Mac, you can go to the App Store and check if there is an “Update” option (from macOS Catalina, iTunes are updated to Music, Video, and Podcast app, you can update, restore, and sync your iPhone with Finder on Mac).

Tip 2. Uninstall Third-party Apps

If you have installed some security software on your iPhone, then it may prevent the connection with the Apple server. You can try to uninstall these apps to fix iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone problem.

Tip 3. Reset Network Settings

If you stuck on the problem of iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone, then resetting network settings may help. Go t to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you have made before.

Tip 4. Restore from Backup

Sometimes restoring iPhone from an old backup could fix some iTunes errors like iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone. Connect your iPhone to computer > open iTunes > Summary > Backups > Restore Backup.

Tip 5. Reset All Setting

Resetting settings on your iPhone may help you fix iTunes stuck on downloading the software for this iPhone. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’. Scroll down to the end of the screen and then press the ‘Reset’ tab. Under the ‘Reset’ option click on ‘Reset All Settings’.

Tip 6. Fix iTunes Erroir with an iTunes Repair Tool

If this issue still exists after you have tried those 5 methods, we’d like to recommend an iTunes repair tool named AnyFix – iOS System Recovery. Its usage suits more than 200 iTunes errors include iTunes is currently downloading software for the iPhone. You just need a few clicks to fix the issue you encountered without any data loss. And here are some sample steps to help you out.

Step 1: Download and install the latest version of AnyFix – iOS System Recovery. Launch it and tap on iTunes Repair.

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Fix iTunes Errors with AnyFix

Step 2: Choose iTunes Installation/Download/Updates Errors and tap on Fix Now.

Choose iTunes Installation/Download/Update Errors to Fix

Step 3: After completing the analyzing process, tap on Fix Now. Then, tap on Yes to give AnyFix permission.

Step 4: After completing the repairing process, you can tap on Open iTunes to check if the problem is resolved. If not, you can choose Deep Repair mode to fix the issue.

Repair Completed

Bonus Tip: How to Extract iTunes Backup to Computer Selectively

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 the iPhone. Of course, you can restore an iTunes backup via iTunes, but restoring backup means wiping and replacing all iPhone data with backup content. What if you just want part of the data in iTunes backup? At this time, AnyTrans is suitable for you to extract iTunes backup to the computer in a selective way.

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Now you can free download AnyTrans to your computer and then follow the steps to extract iTunes backup to the computer selectively.

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Step 1. Run AnyTrans > connect your iPhone > go to Backup Manager page > Under Backup History > Choose the backup you want to extract.

Choose Backup Manager

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Step 2. Choose a backup to download and open to view data in it.

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Step 3. View the backup files, and you can download the file from the backup to computer or your iPhone.

View the Backup File

The Bottom Line

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As you see, it’s quite simple to fix the problem of iTunes is Currently Downloading Software for the iPhone with the tips we offered, and you can try AnyFix – iOS System Recovery to fix your iPhone system and iTunes errors. Just get it to your PC or Mac and start a free trial >

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