iTunes Error 17? How to Fix It When Upgrade iPhone, iPad in 2023

🗓️ August 23, 2022 By ✍️ Jaysukh patel

Today, many users reported iTunes error 17 downgrade problems when they are trying to upgrade to iOS 16 from iOS 15 using iTunes on Mac or Windows 11 or version 10. Instead of OTA (Over-The-Air) update cause of Wi-Fi lag or might be due to the slow Wi-Fi connection. Don’t worry. The iPhone could not be restored an unknown error occurred 17 is not a high voltage glitch. We have found closed troubleshooting to Fix iTunes error 17 quickly.

You guys, no matter you have Mac machine or Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. Just go with my following solution that will give you the right approach to go next from you stuck situation pop up screen iTunes an unknown error occurred (17).

Solutions to Fix iTunes Error 17 when Restoring/ Upgrading on a Mac or Windows 11/10

Error 17 (Fix iTunes Error 3194) is one of the most crucial mistakes among others while we connect iPhone to iTunes for the update or restore via Mac. You should try the same steps for other error code or message like,

Error 1639, 3000 – 3020, 3194, 3100 – 3999, this device isn’t eligible for the requested build.

Fix #1. Check out internet connection

Slow broadband or Wi-Fi connection will interrupt Apple iTunes to connect and download the IPSW file from the Apple’s server. Therefore, your system will show you iTunes error code 17. If your internet is running well, however, you get iTunes issue then continue next Clue.

Fix #2. Please Disable Your Mac/ Windows Firewall or, Anti-Virus Software

Sometimes pre-installed anti-virus software or due to enabled Firewall on your desktop/ laptop computer could restrict iTunes from connecting to Apple Server. So, first of all, you should disable it and test again.

Fix #3. Download and install latest iTunes

According to my life experience, each year Apple forces to their users to upgrade its product software time-to-time cause of sometimes many of the feature can’t work as we expected. The similar case stands in front of you as a form of an old iTunes firmware.

You should check out your current iTunes version or Update the latest version then try again. Can’t able to update, uninstall then install latest downloaded iTunes.

Otherwise, earlier iTunes can’t be able to download and install latest iOS seed or upgrade/ restore the most recent version of the iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini and iPod Touch.

Fix #4. Check host file

Steps for Reset host file and add connection between apple Server and Your Mac/ PC

1. Go to Applications > Utilities on Mac.
2. Click on Terminal and open it.
3. Type command like:

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

4. Press return to run a command, Type hidden text password that’s using to unlock Mac screen or account.
5. Now, you can see host file on the screen. (See screen below)

Enter the line below:

#17.151.36.30   gs.apple.com

Press control + O to save host file, then press return on asking filename and Control – X to exit from the editor.

Restart Mac, check again and try again.

For Change Windows 10 or Windows 7 host file:

Step #1. Go to this path Locate C:\\Windows\System32\drives\etc

Step #2. Now find the file that named Hosts and opens the file as an Administrator.

Step #3. You have to Find and delete the lines that have .apple.com and then save it.

Step #4. Once restart your Windows PC and try again.

Also get Fix iTunes error 3194 Windows 10

Extra Tidbits

My best suggestion is to take the full backup on iCloud, try another PC to restore new iOS or install an update. After that restore iCloud back up using iTunes.

Get More: How to take iOS backup or restore iOS on iPhone using iTunes.

Restore Clean iOS install or Backup restore.

Check out Router problem

Does your router make problem sometimes as usual? Connect internet connection directly into port (RJ45). Or reset the router (Get online router help).

Use OTA Backup, Update or Restore services

Yes, Apple gives 5 GB free cloud storage for keeping all sensitive data safe automatically. Buy more iCloud storage on iPhone/ iPad.

To save iPhone data to iCloud go to the Settings App (for iOS 10 and earlier users) on iPhone > General > iCloud > Backup > Enable iCloud Backup (Backup Now).

For iOS 11 and above users – open Settings – tap on Your name card appear on Airplane mode – Tap on iCloud – navigate iCloud backup option – Now Turn on toggle iCloud Backup Green.

Note: we have tested entire procedure to iTunes error message 17 fix, and it is Major useful for iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone SE, iPhone 6/ iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S/6S Plus, iPhone 7/ 7 plus, iPads, and iPod Touch.