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iTunes is a media player, library, iPhone device management utility, iTunes Store client application, iOS software updater, etc. You can say that it is an advanced and complete iPhone software package. The tool is available for Windows and Mac and is developed and published by Apple itself.
However, sometimes your iTunes program cannot safely connect to the iTunes Store because the file or application is corrupted. If you encounter the same problem, you can check the guide “How to fix the “Secure Link to iTunes Store failed” error”.
We’ve listed a few effective solutions here that should work for you.
Table of Contents:
What is causing the “Secure connection to iTunes Store failed” error?
- It is possible that your iTunes program cannot securely connect to the server due to a corrupted Winsock directory. Alternatively, it may be due to a corrupt installation of Bonjour, QuickTime, or iTunes.
- The user encounters an error when running iTunes diagnostics (because it cannot connect to the server). In some cases the problem occurred after prolonged use, in others, it occurred immediately after installing iTunes.
- Using a VPN client for Internet security and privacy is an accepted standard in the IT industry. But sometimes these VPN clients can interfere with a legitimate application. The same can be the cause of the current problem with iTunes.
- Bonjour is an Apple app that is used as a network without setup. But in some cases, this has caused iTunes to be difficult to use. The same may be the cause of the current problem with the secure connection. In this context, uninstalling the Bonjour app may solve the problem.
Before proceeding with solutions, check Apple’s system status page to see if there are any service interruptions. Also, reboot your system and network devices.
How to repair the “Secure link to iTunes Store failed” error
This tool is highly recommended to help you fix your error. Plus, this tool offers protection against file loss, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. If you already have a problem with your computer, this software can help you fix it and prevent other problems from recurring:
Updated: November 2024
Update your operating system
It may be tempting to put them off, but operating system updates should be installed as soon as possible.
Outdated versions of operating systems (OS) are prone to bugs. If you are using an outdated version of the operating system, we recommend that you update it. Updating your operating system will improve its performance and fix major bugs.
Windows:
If you use the iTunes Store on your PC, check for pending updates on your system and install them.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Check for pending updates under Windows Update and follow the instructions on the screen to install them.
- Then restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
If the pending updates caused an error on your computer, installing the updates will fix it.
iOS:
If you use the iTunes Store on your Apple device, check for pending updates on your device and install them to fix the error.
- Start charging your phone and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings and click on your username that appears at the top.
- Now select iCloud and click iCloud Backup.
- On the screen, click on the Backup Now option.
- Once the process is complete, go back to Settings.
- Select General and click on Software Update.
- If an update is available, install it by following the instructions on the screen.
- Then check to see if the error has been fixed.
You should now be able to use the iTunes Store on your iPhone without any problems.
Setting the date, time, and time zone
Many apps, including the iTunes Store, check for certificates on your system before doing certain things. If the time on your computer or phone is incorrect, the apps reject the certificates and consider them invalid.
If you encounter an iTunes error, it is most likely caused by an incorrect time or date on your device. If this is the case, adjust the time and date to correct the error.
Windows:
- Type “Date and time” in the search bar and select “Open” to open the settings window.
- Check the time zone.
- Check the option Set time automatically.
- Under Clock Sync, click Sync now.
- Finally, open the Microsoft Store and check to see if the bug is fixed.
iOS:
- Go to Settings and click General.
- Select Date and time and uncheck the Automatically option.
- Now set the time, date, and time zone on your iPhone.
- Then close Settings and open the iTunes Store to see if this resolves the error.
If you set the time, date, and time zone, the apps will be able to access the system certificates without any problems.
Resetting the Winsock directory
In Windows operating systems, “Winsock” is a helper program that manages I/O requests for Internet applications. If you are having network problems and none of the troubleshooting steps work, you can reset the Winsock directory. This will restore the original state of the “Winsock Directory” and correct network-related errors.
Close the iTunes Store and related processes on your computer.
- Enter `Command Prompt` at the search bar and press `Run as Administrator` to run the program with administrator privileges.
- At the extended command prompt, enter the following commands in sequence and press Enter after each command.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /refresh
netsh winsock reset - Then reboot the computer. If you are prompted to reassign the LSP, click NO.
- Open the iTunes application and see if this resolved the error.
If the cause of the error on your computer is a corrupt “Winsock Directory”, restarting your computer will fix the problem.
Fixing iTunes installation
If none of the above methods worked, try repairing the iTunes installation. If the iTunes installation is corrupted, you won’t be able to access the iTunes Store. In this case, fixing the iTunes installation will solve the problem.
- Go to Settings and click on Applications.
- In the left pane, select Applications and features.
- Find iTunes and click on Advanced Settings.
- Now scroll down the list and click on Repair.
- Once the process is complete, check to see if the error has been fixed.
Reboot your device
Usually, some programs start to malfunction if left open for an extended period of time. If iTunes has been unable to establish a secure connection with the server, try rebooting your device. This will clear fragments of previously running programs and reboot your device.
- Click the Windows Start button in the lower-left corner of the taskbar.
- Select Power and click Restart to restart your computer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t my Apple ID connect to the iTunes Store?
If it's not the Apple servers or your Internet connection, it may be a problem with your device. There are usually two reasons for problems connecting to the iTunes Store: incorrect date and time settings and outdated software. Click Settings -> General -> Date and Time and verify that the settings are correct.
Why won’t iTunes connect to the Internet?
If your router and network connection are working properly, you may not be able to connect to some websites because your Domain Name Server (DNS) settings are incorrect. Clearing your DNS cache may solve the problem and allow you to connect to the iTunes Store. If you can't stop, you can manually clear the DNS cache.
How do I fix the iTunes Store not connecting?
- Quit all apps and reboot your device.
- Check the system status on the Apple website.
- Log out of the store, then log back in.
- Update your device with the latest software.
- Change the date and time in the settings.
How do I connect iTunes to my network?
In iTunes on your computer, choose Edit -> Preferences, then Sharing. Select "Share my library on the local network. Select the items you want to share. If users need to enter a password before they can see your shared items, select "Password Required" and enter the password.