iTunes download auto-resume?

Question

Level 1

10 points

iTunes download auto-resume?

Is there a way to make the download behavior of the iTunes such that it automatically retries downloading content after an error? It seems like there should be since the no one in their right mind would just give up downloading their purchase because of a download error. Seems like there must be a way to simply set it to automatically retry after error (more like the app store behavior... it knows you bought it, it's going to keep at downloading it, hands off).

I am having this issue because i'm located in a country with poor internet connectivity, and I just want to leave iTunes downloading the movie I purchased all night. I can't do that though because it just gives up on the first error. I have to babysit it, and even then it usually throws away a significant chunk of progress on error.

Anyone know if there's a feature I missed or some workaround?

Thanks.

Posted on Jan 20, 2012 3:51 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 20, 2012 6:30 PM in response to quarkhopper

The problem may be with a slow internet speed the download, "times out".

Go to the iTunes menu bar top of your screen, click Store > Check for Availalble Downloads. Or follow the directions for re downloading past purchases > Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store

Try iTunes Store Connection Issues here > http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/troubleshooting/

Read here also > iTunes Store: Download times will vary

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Answer 2

quarkhopper Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 20, 2012 6:52 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

You can resume the download with the little button right next to the individual item in the list (it's the pause/resume button. If you click it while downloading it pauses the download). It will usually pick the download up somewhere not too far from the point at which the error occured, but you have to click the button manually every time there's an error, which prohibits its use overnight (bacause I am sleeping and don't click many buttons while asleep).

I was hoping there was some way to have it auto-resume the download without having to interact with it, sort of the way that the app store on my iPad works. I purchase the app, and if there's a minor problem with the internet it keeps trying to download.

Point of interest: The instructions for redownloading purchases don't apply to movies. With movies, you purchase exactly one download and you have to contact customer support if you accidentally delete the download and need to ask for it again (By the way, they're really nice at customer service and will almost always reactivate your order for download). I know because I did that once like a silly person.

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Answer 3

Mar 8, 2012 3:13 PM in response to quarkhopper

I believe the "little button" start progrss on 0KB although my files is bigger than 600 Megs.

I download it for hours for a single file (4 - 5 hours) and there are 25 files, so how patient am I !?!?!?!?

why a mature app, iTune, developed over than decade by professional engineer can not provide a simple tthing, autoresume ?

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Answer 4

Sep 16, 2012 5:04 PM in response to quarkhopper

Ever wondered how people get to "Level 9" status on this forum? They come to your problem, post a response that does not help at all, click "This Helped Me" and earn themselves 5 points. Sorry you got affected by this.

I am in Malaysia for the moment and I am having the same problem. I have no solution unfortunately. I wanted to let you know that you are not alone. My only advice is to use the feedback option on the Apple website and make a suggestion. Apple generally builds their software process for people with perfect super fast internet connections.

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