iTunes won't allow me to update from iOS 3.1.3 to iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Question

iTunes won't allow me to update from iOS 3.1.3 to iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

So I know that when it comes to an iPhone 3G, it is better to keep it at iOS 3.1.3 however I really want to update it to the latest iOS. Thing is, it won't allow me to. Everytime I would click on "update" it would end up saying that my iPhone isn't eligible for the requested field. Its quite annoying and I have no idea what to do anymore. I've tried restoring my phone and I've looked online EVERYWHERE but nothing comes up so I have decided to go on here and see if anyone can help me out. It would be greatly appreciated as I don't know what else to do.

iPhone 3G, iOS 3.1.3

Posted on Jan 16, 2012 11:01 AM

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Answer 1

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Jan 16, 2012 11:40 AM in response to PaulineLeigh_xo

The 3G can be upgraded to iOS4 but not iOS5. There are only a few benefits to updating a 3G to iOS4. IMO, they are not worth it... your 3G will likely run slower. See this... http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4204

If you still want to update to iOS4, make sure you have the latest version of iTune installed, connect your 3G and press Update.

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Answer 2

Jan 16, 2012 12:32 PM in response to paulcb

Yeah I figured that out but the latest version of iTunes has been installed already and when I plugged in my 3G and clicked update, it wouldn't allow it.

I was told that it would be better to keep it as iOS 3.1.3 so I guess you're right when you say it isn't worth it. I guess now I just would like to know what is wrong with it in the first place.

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Answer 3

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Jan 16, 2012 12:33 PM in response to PaulineLeigh_xo

it wouldn't allow it.

Please clarify. Has your iPhone ever been 'modified'?

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Answer 4

Jan 16, 2012 1:01 PM in response to paulcb

I mean that after it would extrat the software, a message would pop up saying that it "couldn't be restored and the device wasn't eligible for the requested build." Those words exactly.

I wouldn't necessarily know if it has been modified. My other phone broke so I switched my SIM card to my cousin's old iPhone 3G - the one I am currently using. I am not sure if she modified it while she had it or not.

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Answer 5

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Jan 16, 2012 1:17 PM in response to PaulineLeigh_xo

This indicates your 3G may have been 'modified, i.e. jailbroken. This has been reported.. search this forum and Google for more info. Use these terms "device isn't eligible for the requested build".

Here's headstart...

http://www.karthikk.net/2011/06/how-to-solve-this-device-isnt-eligible-for-the-r equested-build-error-ios-5/

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