Q: error iPhone software update server could not be contacted

What is the number that shows up with the error code?

Try the steps associated with these error codes:

Unable to contact the iOS software update server gs.apple.com

Error 1004, 1013, 1638, 3194: These errors may be the result of the connection to gs.apple.com being redirected or blocked. Follow these steps to resolve these errors:

1. Install the latest version of iTunes.
2. Check security software. Ensure that communication to gs.apple.com is allowed. Follow this article for assistance with security software. iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues.
3. Check the hosts file. The restore will fail if there is an active entry to redirect gs.apple.com. Follow iTunes: Advanced iTunes Store troubleshooting to edit the hosts file or revert to a default hosts file. See section "Blocked by configuration: (Mac OS X/Windows) > Rebuild network information".
4. Try to restore from another known-good computer and network.
5. If the errors persist on another computer, the device may need service.

 

You can also try to re-create the hosts file on your computer, or at least remove "gs.apple.com" from it,  and uninstall the security software (re-install it after updating).

Also see the following document for another possibility:

iTunes for Windows: iTunes cannot contact the iPhone, iPad, or iPod software update server

(If the "Automatically detect settings" checkbox is already checked, try unchecking and rechecking it and clicking OK.)

I had "Little Snitch" running and as soon as I turned it off, the update could commence without any issues. I just went into Little Snitch preferences/settings and allowed contact with iTunes and iPhoto and all seems OK now.

My phone doesn't have enough GB to update directly and when I Go to ITunes an error window comes up to tell me make sure my network settings are correct and active? How do I fix this to upgrade my phone . Email bassrockingrob@yahoo.com