Fix iTunes Can't Verify the Identity of the Server: 10 Ways

Why can’t iTunes verify the identity of the server?

iTunes is an iPhone/iPad device manager developed by Apple helping users to sync data and back up their iPhones. When you need to connect the iPhone to your Windows or Mac computer, iTunes may sometimes tell you it’s unable to verify the identity of the server. In this case, you will have no way to connect to iTunes and access the App Store or cloud storage.

In fact, this iTunes error is sometimes caused by the wrong local system time of the computer, an expired certificate, iTunes lose files, or an outdated iTunes version. Don’t worry, in this article,  we will show you 10 methods of how to fix the “iTunes can’t verify the identity of the server” problem. Also, we will introduce an easier-to-use way to back up, transfer, and manage your iPhone/iPad.

What does an ID verification error mean?

When you see that iTunes is unable to identify the server and indicated as below, it means that iTunes has tried exchanging data packages with the server used to handle information, and the ID of the server has not been recognized as valid.

• iTunes can't verify the identity of the server "upp.itunes.apple.com".

• iTunes can't verify the identity of the server "init.itunes.apple.com".

• iTunes can't verify the identity of the server "ax.itunes.apple.com".

• iTunes can't verify the identity of the server "se2.itunes.apple.com".

• iTunes can't verify the identity of the server "safebrowsing.client.google.com".

• iTunes can't verify the identity of the server "pd-st.itunes.apple.com".

How to fix “iTunes can't verify the identity of the server”

For solving the said error, here are 10 efficient tips to get rid of the tough nut.

Way 1. Check your date and time settings on Windows PC/Mac

Using the wrong date and time can cause an iTunes verification error. Make certain that the system time zone matches your location.

• On Windows 10/8, go to System Preferences > Date & Time. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.

• On Mac, select System Preferences > Date & Time. Click the padlock to unlock changes and turn on the option to set the date and time automatically.

Then you can check whether iTunes can’t verify the identity of the server on Windows 10/8 or Mac is fixed.

Way 2. Launch iTunes in safe mode

The secure running environment for iTunes is another key factor, it will help you to find out if the problem is caused by system apps or some third-party script or plugin. If iTunes is unable to verify the identity of the server, there must be something interrupting the process request. Enter Safe Mode as following directions:

Step 1. Press the Shift and Ctrl keys together and double-click on the PC. And for Mac users, you can hold down the Command and Option keys when opening iTunes.

Step 2. Then you will receive a pop-up message saying “iTunes is running in Safe Mode”, click on the Continue button and iTunes will start in safe mode.

After that, you can launch your iTunes and find the iPhone icon to carry out the sync.

Way 3. Change the certificate settings on Mac

Many Mac users experienced server-verifying errors whenever they launch iTunes. Changing the certificate settings are tested works to fix iTunes can’t verify the identity of the server but it will bypass the built-in security for trusting unknown certificates.

Step 1. Close iTunes and ensure the App Store are closed.

Step 2. Run Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.

Step 3. In the Keychain section, go to System Root > Certificates under Category.

Step 4. Check for certificates, which have a little blue dot with a plus sign next to them.

Step 5. Open the certificate and click on the triangle next to Trust.

Step 6. Set Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to No value specified.

Step 7. Close that certificate and double-click the certificate to open it up again.

Step 8. Select “Use System Defaults” in “When using this certificate”.

Step 9. Close the certificate and the blue dot next to the certificate will disappear.

Step 10. Repeat the previous steps for all certificates that have a blue dot next to their name.

Then you can restart the iTunes, and see if your iTunes can't verify the identity of the server Mac.

Way 4. Remove the Verisign certificates

Many users confirmed that deleting the Verisign certificates from Keychain access settled the matter.

Go to Applications, select Utilities, and then click on Keychain Access. Locate your Verisign certificates and export them. You can now remove the certificates. Check if iTunes can now successfully verify the identity of the server.

If you’re still encountering the same error, go to ~/Library/Keychains, and delete all the files from that folder to fix keychain errors. Reset your computer, open iTunes and check the results.

Way 5. Reset the iTunes store cache

Launch iTunes and then tap Edit. Select Preferences, and click on the Advanced tab. Select the Reset cache option and hit OK.

And then you can see if the said problem disappears.

Way 6. Disable security software

Try to block your security programs (antivirus, antimalware) and check if iTunes can't verify the identity of the server fix is completed. Third-party security applications may sometimes disable certain iTunes features. Turn off your antivirus and antimalware protection and check the results.

Way 7. Flush DNS

Flush your DNS to delete all IP addresses and DNS information from your computer’s cache. This quick workaround can help you fix a battery of common Internet connectivity issues.

If you’re running macOS Sierra and later, launch Terminal and enter the following command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder;sudo killall mDNSResponderHelper;sudo dscacheutil -flushcache.

On Windows, launch Command Prompt with admin rights, and run the ipconfig /flushdns command.

Way 8. Check for OS and iTunes updates

Install the latest iTunes version on your computer, and check for OS updates as well. On your Mac, open the App Store, click on Updates, and tap the Update button next to iTunes.

If you use Windows PC and you have downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store, check for updates through the Microsoft Store. If you downloaded the app from Apple’s official website, open your iTunes, click on Help, and choose Check for Updates.

Way 9. Reinstall iTunes

If the problem still exists, remove iTunes and restart your computer and iPhone. Install a fresh copy of iTunes, and connect the iPhone to your device again. Check if the error persists.

Way 10. Reset the keychain login password on Mac

If all ways above are useless, you can also try to reset the Keychain login password if you get iTunes can’t verify the identity of the server error on Mac.

Step 1. Run Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities.

Step 2. Choose Login on the left pane.

Step 3. From the Edit menu, select Change Password for Keychain login.

Step 4. Enter your current and new password. Finally hit OK to save changes.

Then the problem “iTunes can't verify the identity of the server Mac” may be easy to figure out.

Bonus tip: Turn to iTunes alternative

Still can’t fix iTunes unable to verify the identity of the server? Why not try to use a better iTunes alternative? Here we will introduce a handy free iPhone data management tool - FoneTool.

When you encounter an iTunes unknown error, it has been considered as the best iTunes alternative to back up and transfer iPhone/iPad data. With its excellent service, you can effortlessly back up and restore all data on your iPhone, including photos, music, videos, contacts, messages, etc. to avoid data loss.

Compared with iTunes, FoneTool comes with various features and advantages:

Fast transfer speed: FoneTool gives you faster speed than iTunes and other tools. 100 images can be transferred in 3 seconds.

Full backup or selective backup: It lets you choose to transfer the whole device data or just some selected files as per your need while iTunes only allows full backup.

Easy-to-use software: The user-friendly interface brings a better experience than iTunes.

No data loss: Unlike iTunes, FoneTool won’t overwrite data on your iPhone if you want to transfer data from iPhone to PC.

Great compatibility: Different from iTunes' occasional errors, FoneTool is widely compatible with models of iPhone, iPad and iPod.

Click this button to download FoneTool for free and we will demonstrate the steps to back up iPhones with FoneTool so you will know how to use this tool.

Fully back up and restore iPhone

Step 1. Launch FoneTool on your PC > Connect your iPhone to the computer with the USB cable. 

Step 2.From the left pane, choose Phone Backup. Go to Full Backup and click Get Started.

Step 3. Enable Backup encryption as you like. Then select a storage path to save the backup and click Start Backup and wait until it finishes.

Selectively back up and restore iPhone

Step 1. Click Phone Backup on the left pane. Choose Selective Backup and click Get Started.

Step 2. You could click the icons to select the files on the iPhone you need. Hit the OK button to confirm.

Step 3. Select the Backup Storage Path to choose a destination to save the backup, then click Start Backup.

Step 4. Go to Backup History to set up a backup task and click Restore.

Conclusion   

After reading this post, you can get 10 useful ways to settle the question about iTunes can’t verify the identity of the server. And you can get a better backup alternative to take the place of iTunes. If you are already bored with a series of iTunes issues, FoneTool can give you a much-improved user experience.

Besides, as an all-in-one iPhone management application, it can also help you to transfer music from a Windows media player to iPhone easily!