Update failures - iPad OS 14 via iTunes (Windows) app

Question

Update failures - iPad OS 14 via iTunes (Windows) app

I'm trying to install iPad OS 14 on my iPad mini. I've done this with numerous OS updates before, for both my iPad mini and my iPhone 8, but for some reason, it's failing this time with error code 4000.

I have tried all the suggestions I have found online (update iTunes, make sure iOS 14 isn't already installed, try a different cable, reboot PC and iPad, etc.) -- same result every time.

The only thing I haven't tried is loading the update directing from the Settings menu on the iPad. That's not possible at the momement due to Wi-Fi availability, and I'd rather not have to head to a Starbucks just to get the update loaded.

(If it matters, I'm updating from 13.6 -- I didn't install 13.7 before 14 came out.)

Is there a bug in the v14 update that prevents it from working via the iTunes Windows app? And is there any way to get better debug information than just "error code 4000"? A log file could be very useful if there's one hidden away on disk somewhere.

iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi

Posted on Sep 21, 2020 1:10 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Apple-Support__ Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2020 8:09 PM in response to Chris_D13

Your speculation that the problem may be caused by security software is correct. However, you were mistaken about the source: the issue was the iPhone, not the PC.

After reading some speculation on other similar posts, I completely disabled security on my iPad mini, removing the passcode and essentially leaving my iPad wide open. This allowed me to install the iOS 14 update successfully. I then went back and re-enabled security. Now I'm just hoping I didn't inadvertantly leave any insecure settings on the device.

Before resorting to this somewhat extreme measure, I did try extending the auto-lock timeout and watching the device carefully to be sure that it didn't lock itself while the update was being prepared. Even with those additional precautions, I kept seeing the 4000 error code. The only thing that "fixed" the issue was to turn off security entirely.

It is unfortunate that applying an upgrade requires compromising the security of my iPad. Perhaps if the error message were more descriptive than "4000", Apple would be able to troubleshoot this issue properly and provide better protections for users' security and privacy.

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Answer 2

Chris_D13

Community Specialist

Sep 27, 2020 11:03 AM in response to Apple-Support__

Greetings!

Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities! It seems you're receiving error 4000 while updating using a computer with iTunes.

Have you had a chance to check for security software conflicts that may be blocking communication with iTunes? You can see that suggestion in the following article:

If you see an error in Finder or iTunes on your computer - Apple Support

If the issue persists, reach out to Apple Support for assistance:

"If you still see the error code or alert message

You can look up the error code or alert message to learn what to do next. You can also contact us."

Kind regards.

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