Error 3253 when downloading anything

It didn't just fix the iTunes issues I had, it fixed several other issues I had with my internet connection as well. Since the FiOS router is configured to automatically find a DNS server by default, this means that whatever DNS server Verizon was directing me to is apparently awful.

Thanks for the suggestion of using OpenDNS, but I'd be a lot happier if Verizon would just fix their DNS server.

Hello everybody,

I'm having the same trouble while downloading some podcast episodes both with iTunes on my pc or using the PODCAST app from iPad or using iTunes from iPad as well. I tried to download them several times in different days but I always get the same error.

I realized it's the 3253 cos I tried the download from iTunes, on the mobile devices there's no detailed error code, it just says that the download failed, wait and try again.

The solution by shouldbecoding fixed the error. I disabled the second Ethernet Controller and now I am downloading fine even with 'simultaneous downloads"

I was only partially right. I worked one minute and doesn't the next...

iTunes 11 also fixed this for me---I haven't had a problem with simultaneous downloads since installing it.

I am running iTunes 11.0.3 and it did not solve my problem. I also have high-speed, 100MBS, download speeds. So don't count on iTunes 11 to fix your problem. Apple is definitely throttling the downloads.

As is evidenced by the multiple solutions that people have proposed and that have worked for various individuals, there appear to be multiple factors that could lead to this issue. Various fixes- either in combination or alone- could remedy the situation.

I was able to resolve the issue before iTunes 11 came out by changing my DNS entries in my router to point to OpenDNS's servers. Since you specifically cite iTunes 11 and nothing else, is it safe to assume that it is the only fix you have tried? I would suggest you try altering your DNS settings as that worked for myself as well as several other users.

As far as I can tell, Apple is not throttling anything. My issues were caused entirely by terrible DNS service from Verizon's FiOS (which is plenty fast for throughput).

Exactly the same issue here. Download Error 3253 since three Weeks now. What's totaly confusing me, is the fact that my iDevices iPad 3 and iPhone 5 are loading App Updates with full Connection Speed. Only my Windows Machine with iTunes is at slow speed.

I am having this problem as well. Currently running itunes 11.1.3. The problem just started recently. I changed the DNS addresses as suggested in other replies but the problem persists. Error -3253. Not sure what the next steps should be..

I had this same issue and I am running Windows 8.1 on Comcast and on my college campus's internet. Just for me to download my apps I had to open the download panel in itunes and keep clicking the circular arrow until it went through. I hope what I did will help someone else.

I have to babysit blasted downloads now. Started using home sharing and Apple TV Gen 3 with my new Mac Mini, but now I get this download issue. I have comcast 50 mb, the mac itself never has download issues, with system or app updates, ps4, xbox one, tablets etc no issue so I am not blaming my internet, routers etc. This is an iTunes thing as last night I bought Ride Along and had to "smack" the download with the retry a few times and the movie is fine. This seems to be iTunes servers over loading I think as using opendns didn't fix it. So I guess I need to babysit my downloads which is ok, but Apple needs to look at their servers and iTunes to fix this. *sigh*

I am running 11.1.5 and the DNS change hasn't done anything for the issue. I do have the AT&T 300M MB service, but I have had it for 6 months and the issue didn't start occuring until today (04/20). Automatic downloads on or off doesn't matter. It is really annoying. Apple Care wanted me to pay, ugh, I hate that especially when these products are already at a ridiculous premimum and my computer is only 3 months old.

I have two different Mac's getting the same time out issue from iTunes. I've tried various DNS servers....blah blah blah. Three weeks sounds about right, I'm having to babysit my downloads as well. I have 50 down from Time Warner and work for Time Warner's internet department, so it's not a connection issue, I can promise that.

It's starting to get a bit old, so please Apple find out why the connections keep getting reset