iTunes Unable to Verify Identity of Server? Fix It

If you see “iTunes is unable to verify the identity of the server” when connecting to the iTunes Store, the problem is almost always a date/time, network, or security setting on your Mac or PC, not an Apple outage. The fix is usually to check your clock, reset your network settings, or update your iTunes/Apple Devices app. Below is a step-by-step guide to resolve the error on both Windows and macOS.

What Causes This Error?

The message appears when iTunes cannot confirm that the server it’s talking to is actually Apple’s. This verification uses SSL/TLS certificates, which are only considered valid if your device’s date, time, and time zone are correct. If any of these are off, the certificate appears “expired” or “not yet valid,” and iTunes blocks the connection.

Other common triggers include:

Outdated iTunes or Apple Devices app on Windows
Corrupted network settings or DNS cache
Antivirus or firewall software intercepting the connection
A proxy or VPN that changes your apparent location
Old cached data in iTunes that conflicts with the server

Check Your Date, Time, and Time Zone

This is the most common fix and should be your first step. On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) > Date & Time and enable “Set time and date automatically.” On Windows, right-click the clock in the taskbar, choose Adjust date/time, and turn on “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically.”

If the time is already correct, try toggling the automatic setting off and on again. This forces your device to re-sync with a time server. If you’re behind a corporate firewall, the time server may be blocked, so you might need to manually set the correct time.

Update iTunes or the Apple Devices App

On Windows, Apple replaced iTunes with three separate apps (Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices) for syncing and managing your iPhone. If you’re using an older version of iTunes, it may no longer be fully compatible with Apple’s servers. Open the Microsoft Store and check for updates for “Apple Devices,” “Apple Music,” and “Apple TV.” If you still prefer iTunes, download the latest version from Apple’s website.

On a Mac, iTunes was replaced by the Music app in macOS Catalina (10.15) and later. If you’re still using an older macOS with iTunes, make sure you’ve installed all system updates via System Settings > Software Update.

Reset Network Settings and Clear DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can cause iTunes to resolve Apple’s server address incorrectly, leading to verification failure. To clear the DNS cache:

On Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns.
On macOS: Open Terminal and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

Then restart your router and computer. If you’re using a VPN or proxy, temporarily disable it and try again. Some corporate networks block Apple’s servers, so try connecting through a different network (like your phone’s hotspot) to isolate the issue.

Check Antivirus and Firewall Settings

Security software can interfere with iTunes’ ability to establish a secure connection. If you have a third-party antivirus, temporarily disable its firewall or web protection and try again. If that works, add iTunes (or the Apple Devices app) to the exception list.

On Windows, you can also check the built-in firewall: go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Make sure iTunes and Apple-related services are checked for both private and public networks.

Reinstall or Repair iTunes

If nothing else works, a fresh install may clear corrupted preferences. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find iTunes, and choose Repair (if available) or Uninstall. Then reinstall the latest version from Apple’s website. On macOS, you can’t uninstall iTunes completely, but you can delete its preference files: go to ~/Library/Preferences/ and remove com.apple.iTunes.plist, then restart the Music app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this error mean my Apple ID is banned?

No. This error is about the server connection, not your account. You’ll usually get a different message (“Your Apple ID has been disabled”) if your account has a problem. Fixing the date/time or network settings will not affect your account status.

Why does it happen on Wi-Fi but not on cellular?

This suggests your Wi-Fi network is blocking the connection, possibly due to DNS settings, a router firewall, or a VPN configured on the router. Try resetting your router or changing the DNS to a public service like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

Will this error go away on its own?

Sometimes, if it’s a temporary Apple server issue, it may resolve in a few hours. But if it’s caused by your device’s settings, it will persist until you fix them. The steps above cover the most common causes.

I’m using a PC, but there’s no “Apple Devices” app in the Microsoft Store.

The Apple Devices app is available on Windows 10 and 11, but it may not appear if your PC doesn’t meet the requirements or if you’re in a region where it’s not yet rolled out. In that case, stick with iTunes and ensure it’s updated to the latest version.

Can I bypass this error by using the web version of iTunes Store?

Yes, you can access the iTunes Store through a web browser at tv.apple.com or music.apple.com. This won’t fix the underlying issue on your device, but it lets you purchase or download content while you troubleshoot.

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