HT204770: Get help with iOS update and restore errors

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MartyTrekker

Q: iTunes error: The iPad software update server could not be contacted. An unknown error occurred (1671).

I am locked out of my iPad - for some reason it no longer recognizes the PIN code which has always worked. So I am left with doing a hard reset of the device.

 

To force the reset, I connect the iPad to iTunes following the recovery mode instructions: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. Don't let go when you see the Apple logo — keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.

 

When I do that, iTunes returns with an unknown error code: iTunes error: The iPad software update server could not be contacted. An unknown error occurred (1671).

 

Any thoughts as to what can be done next - is the device hosed ?

 

Thanks!

 

- Trekker.

Posted on Sep 1, 2015 5:14 PM

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Q: iTunes error: The iPad software update server could not be contacted. An unknown error occurred (1671).

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  • Helpful answers

  • by brenden dv,Helpful

    brenden dv brenden dv Sep 3, 2015 7:11 AM in response to MartyTrekker
    Community Specialists
    Sep 3, 2015 7:11 AM in response to MartyTrekker

    Hi MartyTrekker,

     

    I'm sorry to hear you are having these issues with your iPad. I also apologize, I'm a bit unclear where you are pulling the Recovery Mode instructions from. They appear to be different than our published documentation, as follows:

     

    Use recovery mode

    You might need to use recovery mode to restore your device in these cases:

    • iTunes doesn't recognize your device or says it's in recovery mode.
    • You see the Apple logo onscreen for several minutes with no progress bar.
    • You see the Connect to iTunes screen.

    Learn what to do if you see the progress bar onscreen for several minutes.

    To put your device into recovery mode, follow these steps:

    1. Turn off your device and leave it off.
    2. Plug in your device's USB cable to a computer with iTunes. 
    3. Hold down the Home button on your device as you connect the USB cable. Keep holding down the Home button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
      Screenshot showing the Connect to iTunes screen on iOS.
    4. When you see this screen, release the Home button. If you don't see this screen, try steps 1 through 3 again. 

    When your device is connected, iTunes will open. You'll see a message saying that iTunes has detected an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in recovery mode.

    iTunes dialog: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes."

    Use iTunes to restore your device. Restoring in recovery mode will erase your device. If you previously synced with iTunes or iCloud, you might be able to restore from your backup.

     

    If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

     

    You may want to try those steps and see if the same error occurs. You are correct, though, that you may need to use Recovery Mode to restore a disabled iOS device. If you have previously synced your device with iTunes, you may be able to make a current backup prior to the restore, which should allow you to restore that data directly back to the device afterwards. You may find the steps outlined in this article helpful:

     

    If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support

     

    Cheers 

  • by kjblack75,Helpful

    kjblack75 kjblack75 Mar 17, 2016 7:15 AM in response to brenden dv
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mar 17, 2016 7:15 AM in response to brenden dv

    I have tried the instructions above, but continue to receive the error message:  "The iPad software update server could not be contacted.  An unknown error occurred (1671)."  Is there anything further that can be done?

  • by ayobamifromlondon,

    ayobamifromlondon ayobamifromlondon Jul 18, 2016 8:54 AM in response to kjblack75
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Jul 18, 2016 8:54 AM in response to kjblack75

    I have the exact same issue with my iPhone 6 Plus and now I can't even sell the device because no one is willing to try to even unlock it in case it has been stolen, I can't go on it to prove its mine or anything.

     

    Have you found a solution or will it just be useless and only useful to be sold as parts or the bin?

    Thanks.

  • by ayobamifromlondon,

    ayobamifromlondon ayobamifromlondon Jul 18, 2016 9:02 AM in response to MartyTrekker
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Jul 18, 2016 9:02 AM in response to MartyTrekker

    Hello,

     

    Have you found a solution to the problem?

     

    Thanks.

  • by dizzylizzy20,

    dizzylizzy20 dizzylizzy20 Aug 2, 2016 10:09 PM in response to brenden dv
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 2, 2016 10:09 PM in response to brenden dv

    TThis error code says that iTunes is downloading an update in the background and try again when it's done

  • by dizzylizzy20,

    dizzylizzy20 dizzylizzy20 Aug 2, 2016 10:11 PM in response to ayobamifromlondon
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 2, 2016 10:11 PM in response to ayobamifromlondon

    Make sure iTunes was not downloading an update in the background by clicking on the arrow in the upper right hand corner of itunes. Try it again.

  • by macoston,

    macoston macoston Aug 16, 2016 8:30 PM in response to MartyTrekker
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Aug 16, 2016 8:30 PM in response to MartyTrekker

    I had this same issue and it was due to trying to restore my iPad on my older mac. I tried again on my husband's newer mac and I was able to restore and update my ipad. Relief!