5 Solutions to iTunes Error 3004 When Updating/Restoring iPhone

What is error 3004 update on iPhone/iPad?

The iTunes error 3004 typically signifies a situation where iTunes encounters difficulty in establishing a connection with the update server via ports 80 or 443, which will let iPhone/iPad unable to check for update or be restored.

It is often caused by the wrong Internet connection, outdated iTunes version, antivirus software settings, hosts file issues or hardware problems on the computer.

How to fix iTunes error 3004 when updating or restoring on iPhone/iPad

Before starting the fix process, ensure that the USB connection between your iPhone/iPad and the PC is stable. If there's an issue, try re-plugging your cable or using a different one.

Check Network Connection 

iTunes error 3004 often results from a failure to connect to Apple's firmware verification server for device verification. Start by verifying your network connection. If your network is problematic, try restarting your modem or router, or switch to a different internet source if available.

Update iTunes

If you are using an older version of iTunes, consider updating it on your PC by following these steps: Launch iTunes > Navigate to the menu bar and select the Help option > Click on Check for Updates.

Check date and time on PC

Incorrect date and time settings on your computer can contribute to the error 3004 iTunes issue. So checking if they match accurately with the standard settings is essential. If not, follow the guidance below to reset them.

On Windows 10/11: Navigate to the lower-right corner of the screen, locate and right-click on the clock, then select Adjust date and time option.

On Windows 7/8/8.1: Find the clock in the lower-right corner of the screen, right-click on it, and choose Change date and time settings.

Check the firewall settings on PC

The iPhone could not be restored when an unknown error occurred (3004) , then you can check the firewall settings on the PC. At times, a firewall might recognize iTunes as an insecure connection, leading to internet access being blocked. 

If you're using Windows Defender, temporarily toggle it off and proceed with updating your iPhone/iPad. For third-party firewalls, ensure iTunes isn't blacklisted or consider temporarily deactivating the firewall for a designated duration.

 Edit Hosts File on Computer

Another potential method to fix iTunes error 3004 on your PC involves editing the hosts file:

Step 1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open the hosts file using a text editor or Notepad.

Step 2. Identify and remove all lines containing .apple.com, then save the changes.

Step 3. Restart your computer and proceed with restoring or updating your device once more.

Bonus: iTunes alternative to transfer/backup data between iPhone and PC

When recurring errors like "iTunes error 3004" or "iTunes error 4013" frequently occur while using iTunes, why not explore a more efficient alternative? Consider using FoneTool, a better app to manage your iPhone/iPad data.

In comparison to iTunes, FoneTool offers a range of features and advantages:

• Super-fast Transfer Speed: FoneTool ensures quicker data transfer speeds compared to iTunes and other similar tools. It can transfer 100 images in just 3 seconds.

• Full or Selective Backup: FoneTool allows you to choose a full device backup or selectively transfer specific files flexibly, unlike iTunes which only permits full backups.

• User-Friendly Interface: FoneTool offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that supports you to finish all iPhone/iPad data management tasks in a few clicks.

• No Data Loss: Unlike iTunes, FoneTool won’t overwrite data on your iPhone/iPad if you want to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone/iPad/PC.

• Wide Compatibility: FoneTool shows excellent compatibility and stable operation capability across various models of iPhones, iPads, and iPods, distinguishing itself from iTunes which occasionally encounters errors.

Get the tool now and you can explore its various functions, now we will take PC-to-iPhone data transfer as an example to show you how to transfer photos from computer to iPhone easily with this tool.

1. Install and launch FoneTool > Connect your iPhone to PC with a USB cable.

2. Once FoneTool successfully identifies your device > Choose Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone > Get Started.

3. Click the Photos icon > Drag and drop the pictures to the box, or you can click the box to locate the folder that stores your files.

4. Finally, click Start Transfer. Your photos will be moved to your iPhone.

Except for desktop software, FoneTool also offers a mobile version app on your cell phone.

If you need to transfer photos from iPhone to Pixel, you can get FoneTool for iOS on your iPhone, and go to Google Play Store to download it for your Android device. It will give you an AirDrop-like feature to transfer data between iPhone and Android wirelessly.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to fix iTunes error 3004 in the iPhone/iPad updating/restoring process. But compared with iTunes which often makes mistakes, FoneTool can be your better helper to manage the iPhone/iPad data. Why not experience the professional software to protect your files?