"Can't download the software because of a network problem" after 30 minutes of hanging

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Level 1

23 points

"Can't download the software because of a network problem" after 30 minutes of hanging

Though the phone was connecting fine a week ago, I'm now getting the prompt for the update to allow the two to communicate.

I'm running Mojave (10.14.6) on a Mid-2012 MBP, with an iPhone 12 Pro Max running iOS 14.5.1. I start the update process, the download status sits there for 30 minutes, then says "Can't download the software because of a network problem".

I've tried connecting both with my normal ISP and through a VPN, and the same thing happens.

I'd appreciate any insights or suggestions for possible next steps. Thanks, gang!

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 6, 2021 11:15 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Eric--F

Community Specialist

May 7, 2021 4:51 PM in response to prisoner2k

Hi Prisoner2k,

Thank you for your follow up. We are sorry to hear that you are now getting an error message on your iPhone. Unfortunately, you will have to restore your iPhone. We recommend that you backup your device and verify the backup is complete before you restore.

If you need the steps for reference, here is How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Have a nice day!

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Answer 2

sterling r

Community Specialist

May 7, 2021 1:39 PM in response to prisoner2k

Hi Prisoner2k,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

We are happy to help with the issue you are having with updating your MacBook Pro.

It is possible that your network may show to be connected, but not successfully be obtaining that connection. We recommend you test your network connection to be sure. You can test this by browsing the web or checking email.

Are you trying to update wirelessly? If it is connected, and you are trying to update via WiFi, there may be other interferences. Sometimes this can happen when too many devices are connected to the same network.

If your Mac doesn't connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi try these steps.

If WiFi is working as expected, we recommend that you try with a different WiFi network or connect your MacBook directly to your router via an Ethernet cable and try the update again.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

prisoner2k Author

Level 1

23 points

May 7, 2021 2:28 PM in response to prisoner2k

Well, gang, the saga continues. After a restart, the download went through, though it took over an hour to complete, despite the “time remaining” only indicating needing two minutes.

After completing, I launched iTunes with the iPhone plugged in, and now got this message:

“iTunes cannot read the contents of the iPhone. Go to the summary tab in iPhone preferences and click Restore to restore this iPhone to factory settings.”

Uhhhhhhm…what?

Last week, the two devices communicated with no issues, and now iTunes wants me to reformat my phone?

The only thing that changed in that time was the iOS update to 14.5.1.

Before I go through the hassle of wiping everything from my phone (so long, music library…), does anyone have any recommendations for something else to try?

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"Can't download the software because of a network problem" after 30 minutes of hanging

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