iPhone users often encounter a message, saying 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when the download is complete', while they try to update or restore iPhone using iTunes. However, they cannot move forward since iTunes seems to be download firmware files or software files forever.

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3. IPhone users often encounter a message, saying 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone and will restore your iPhone when the download is complete', while they try to update or restore iPhone using iTunes. However, they cannot move forward since iTunes seems to be download firmware files or software files forever.
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There are different reasons that might cause such a problem. It could be that your device is unable to connect to the Apple server, your internet connection is not stable, or the third-party security software is preventing the connection with the Apple server, or there might be some hardware problems with your iPhone.

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How can you resolve the problem? In this article, we are going to explain various solutions that you can try to fix this issue.

1. iTunes Is Downloading the Software for This iPhone? How Long Does It Take?

Actually, there is no particular time limit on how long it will take for iTunes to download the firmware. It varies from people to people, depending on how soon your iDevice connects with the Apple server to download the software. Roughly 'iOS Download and Update' usually takes almost 30 minutes. If everything goes fine then your device might run smoothly in no more than 1 hour.

If you find iTunes is stuck on 'iTunes Is Downloading the Software for This iPhone' for hours, you may quit iTunes and restart to try again.

2. If Your iPhone Has Some Problems

If your iPhone is now stuck on recovery mode or cannot work normally for some other issues (such as white screen, keeping restart, freezing problem, failing to be activated, etc), and you are trying to restore iPhone, you can try a third-party tool to fix it.

Try a Third-Party Tool to Fix the Problem without Data Loss

Here we would like to introduce a powerful tool iMyFone Fixppo (iOS 14/13/12 supported) to fix the problem without data loss. It is out of the question the best iTunes alternative in the market. It applies exclusive technologies so that it can fix the problems that even iTunes cannot fix. It also uses firmware, but it works in a different way from iTunes. Therefore, when your iTunes is stuck at downloading a software update for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch and cannot proceed, the best option is iMyFone Fixppo.

Moreover, the main feature of this tool repairs a broad range of iOS issues without data loss such as iPhone stuck at black/white screen/recovery mode/Apple logo or iPhone could not be activated. The other feature offered is entering or exiting Recovery Mode without data loss. If your iPhone is stuck in recovery, you can try this feature with the free trial version.

Follow the steps provided below to use iMyFone Fixppo to fix the iOS problems with your iPhone without data loss.

Step 1: Install and launch the latest version of this software on your PC. Choose 'Standard Mode' from the program's main screen. Then connect your iOS device to it and click Next.

Step 2: Now, if the program can recognize your device, you can go to the next step. If not, put your iPhone in DFU/recovery mode by going along the on-screen instructions.

Then the program will recognize your iPhone and offer all the available firmware. You just need to choose the version you like and click 'Download' to get the firmware that matches your iPhone.

Step 3: The fixing process will start as soon as you click the 'Start' button. Once it's over, your device will be fixed and you won't suffer from the issue 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone'.

3. If Your iPhone Is in Normal Mode

If your iPhone works normally before iTunes is stuck on downloading the software for this iPhone, you can try to do something for both your iTunes and iPhone to avoid the problem.

Here in this section, we've brought to you quite effective solutions that you can perform to fix the iTunes stuck issue.

3.1. Update iTunes

First of all, make sure you have the latest iTunes installed. To update iTunes on Windows version, you can just click 'Help' in the menu and then click 'Check for Updates'. Follow the instruction to install the latest version of your iTunes.

If you are using a Mac, you can just go to the App Store and check if there is an update for iTunes. Click 'UPDATE' if there is the option.

3.2. Hard Reset iPhone

Try performing a hard reset on your iPhone as the first method to fix the issue as it has been proved effective for fixing iOS glitches. Follow the steps provided carefully:

• iPhone 6 or Older Devices

Hold down the 'Sleep/Wake' button simultaneously with the 'Home' button till you see the phone screen turn black. As soon as the Apple logo starts appearing, let go of the buttons.

• iPhone 7/7 Plus

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Press and hold the 'Sleep/Wake' and 'Volume Down' button together until the Apple logo appears. Leave them once after that.

• iPhone 8/8 Plus/iPhone X or Later

First, quickly push the 'Volume Up' key and release quickly, repeat the same with the 'Volume Down' key. Press the 'Sleep/Wake' button till the Apple logo appears on the screen.

3.3. Reset All Settings

To reset all settings on your iPhone, you don't have to be a tech-geek. Knowing some simple steps will ease your burden and help you deal with the problem that iTunes is stuck on downloading the software for this iPhone. Here are the steps –

1. From your iPhone home screen, go to 'Settings' and then click 'General'.
2. Scroll down to the end of the screen and then press the 'Reset' tab found there.
3. Under the 'Reset' option click on 'Reset All Settings' and you are good to go. If prompted for a passcode then provide the same.

3.4. Restore from Backup

If you are still stuck on 'iTunes is downloading the software for this iPhone', you should then try to resolve it by restoring your device from a previous backup. Sometimes, restoring with old backup fixes whatever additional glitches happened with an iOS device, even you use the latest iOS 14. So, here are the steps to do it –

1. Ensure to install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and launch it. Connect your iPhone using a lightning cable and make sure to tap on 'Trust' when 'Trust This Computer' message appears on your screen. Now, click on your iPhone from the iTunes' main screen.
2. Go to the 'Summary' tab and under the 'Backups' section click on 'Restore Backup' button. Select the most recent or any desired backup file from the list in the pop-up window and tap 'Restore'.

Note: Please do not disconnect the iDevice until the process completes.

If you downloaded a version of iTunes from Apple's website, use the steps in this article.
If you have Windows 10, you can also get iTunes from the Microsoft Store. If you have trouble installing iTunes from Apple's website, download iTunes from the Microsoft Store. If you can't download or update iTunes from the Microsoft Store, contact Microsoft for help.

If you can't install iTunes on your Windows PC from Apple's website, or if you see 'error 2' or 'Apple Application Support was not found' after you install the software, follow the steps below in order.

Make sure that you're logged in to your computer as an administrator

If you're not sure if you have an administrator account, learn how to log on as an administrator.

You can also refer to your computer's help system, contact your IT department, or visit support.microsoft.com for more help.

Install the latest Microsoft Windows updates

To download the latest updates, visit the Microsoft Windows Update website.

iTunes for Windows requires Windows 7 or later, with the latest Service Pack installed. If you can't install the updates, refer to your computer's help system, contact your IT department, or visit support.microsoft.com for more help.

Download the latest supported version of iTunes for your PC

Download iTunes from Apple's website, then click Download to download the iTunes installer. When prompted, click Save (instead of Run).

If you have Windows 10, you can get the latest version of iTunes from the Microsoft Store. If you get iTunes from the Microsoft Store, you shouldn't need to follow the rest of the steps in this article. If you downloaded iTunes from Apple's website, continue below.

Repair iTunes

Right-click the installer that you downloaded in step 3—it will be labeled iTunesSetup or iTunes6464Setup—and choose 'Run as administrator.'
If you've previously installed iTunes, the installer will prompt you to repair the software.
After the repair is complete, restart your computer and try launching iTunes.

Remove components left from a previous installation

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If iTunes fails to install or repair, it might be necessary to remove components left from a previous installation of iTunes and then reinstall.

Learn how to remove and reinstall iTunes and other software components for Windows Vista or later.
Songs that you bought from the iTunes Store or imported from CDs are saved in your My Music folder by default. Deleting iTunes won't delete your music.

Disable conflicting software

Some background processes can cause issues that prevent applications like iTunes from installing.
If you installed security software and are having issues installing iTunes for Windows, you might need to disable or uninstall security software to resolve the issues.

Restart your computer

Get more help

If the steps in these articles don't help you fix the issue, you might be able to find a solution through a search of the Microsoft support website.