How to fix iTunes (iPhone) error 4005

What is iTunes error 4005

Encountering iTunes error 4005 during an iPhone update or restore can be a source of frustration for many users. This error typically points to a communication problem between your device and iTunes, and while it may seem daunting, resolving it is often within reach. In this expert guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of iTunes Error 4005, exploring its potential causes and providing step-by-step solutions to help you get your iPhone back on track.

iTunes error 4005 (sample 1)

iTunes error 4005 (sample 2)

Causes:

1. USB Connection Issues: A faulty or unstable USB connection between your iPhone and computer can trigger Error 4005.
2. Security Software Interference: Overzealous security software or firewalls may hinder the communication between iTunes and your iPhone, leading to this error.
3. Outdated Software: Using an outdated version of iTunes or an obsolete operating system on your computer can contribute to compatibility issues.

Preliminary Steps:

Backup Your Data: Before attempting any fixes, ensure you have a recent backup of your iPhone data. This ensures that your information is safe during the troubleshooting process.

Download repair tool

Sometimes resolving the errors is out of our control and possibilities. This is where third-party tools are more than welcome to contribute and carry all the difficulties away. If you are facing error 4005 or similar issues, but fail to benefit from any of the manual steps below, try using Tenorshare ReiBoot — a great recovery tool designed for resolving errors like that. Get to know how one can use it to address the errors and restore or update an iOS device successfully on their website.

Tenor Reiboot Dashboard

Tenor Reiboot Download iOS

Tenor Reiboot Repair Modes

Tenor Reiboot Repair Process

Download iOS Repair Tool

1. Download and install ReiBoot for either Mac or Windows.
2. Once done, open the app and plug your device into the computer.
3. The program should recognize your device and offer a couple of options.
4. Choose Standard if you simply want to update your device, or Deep repair if you want to fully restore it.
5. Then, download the firmware found by the app for your smartphone by clicking Download.
6. Once the process is finished, click Repair now to start resolving the problems.

Standard is meant to search for basic issues and bugs to address them without wiping out your data.
Deep repair will reset your device to factory settings and delete the entire data stored on it.

7. Wait until the app finishes its repair and restores your device. It will take about 15 minutes to end.

Fix iOS Software Update error 4005 manually

Here are detailed instructions for each method to fix iOS software update error 4005:

Check USB Connection

1. Ensure that you are using a genuine Apple USB cable.
2. Try using a different USB port on your computer.
3. Consider using a different USB cable to rule out cable issues.

Update iTunes to the latest version

To update iTunes, follow these steps:

1. Open the iTunes app.
2. Click on Help and select Check for Updates.
3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version.

Restart your computer and iPhone

To restart your computer and iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your computer and iPhone.
2. Wait for a few seconds.
3. Turn on your computer and iPhone.
4. Once both devices are back on, try the update or restore process again.

Deactivate the antimalware program on your Mac

Some third-party programs, such as antivirus or antimalware software, may interfere with the connection between iTunes and the iOS device server. To temporarily disable any antivirus or antimalware software on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Locate the antivirus or antimalware software icon in the menu bar or system tray.
2. Right-click or control-click the icon and select the option to disable or quit the software.
3. Try the update or restore process again in iTunes.

Use DFU Mode

Putting an iPhone into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a specific sequence of button presses. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.
3. Turn off your iPhone. Press and hold the Power (Sleep/Wake) button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
4. Initiate DFU Mode. Once your iPhone is off, press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds. Simultaneously, Press and Hold the Home (or Volume Down) button. While still holding the Power button, press and hold the Home button (for iPhone 6s and earlier) or the Volume Down button (for iPhone 7 and later). Hold both buttons for approximately 10 seconds.
5. Release the Power button, but continue holding the Home (or Volume Down) button. After 10 seconds, release the Power button while still holding the Home button (or Volume Down button).
6. Check for iTunes (or Finder) prompt. If you’ve successfully entered DFU mode, your iPhone screen should remain black. iTunes (or Finder) should detect the device in recovery mode with an option to restore.
7. Proceed with iTunes (or Finder) instructions. Follow the on-screen instructions in iTunes (or Finder) to restore or update your iPhone.

Entering DFU mode can be a bit tricky at first, so if you’re having difficulty, don’t hesitate to repeat the steps until you successfully initiate DFU mode. This method is particularly useful for troubleshooting and reinstalling the firmware on your iPhone.

Edit hosts file on Windows PC

Find and edit the hosts file on your Windows PC:

1. Press the Windows key and type Notepad in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Notepad and select Run as administrator.
3. In Notepad, click on File > Open.
4. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
5. Change the file type from Text Documents (.txt) to All Files (.*).
6. Open the hosts file.
7. Look for any lines containing apple.com or gs.apple.com. If you find any, add a # at the beginning of each line to comment them out. This will prevent the hosts file from blocking access to Apple’s software update server.
8. Click on File > Save in Notepad to save the changes you made to the hosts file.

Restore from iCloud or iTunes backup

If the error persists, you can try restoring your device from an iCloud or iTunes backup. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
2. Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes.
3. In the Summary tab, click on Restore Backup.
4. Choose the most recent backup and click on Restore.

Try Another Computer

If possible, attempt the update or restore process on another computer. This can help rule out computer-specific issues.

Perform factory reset of your iPhone

To factory reset your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Before resetting your iPhone, make sure to back up your data so that you can restore it later. You can back up your data using iCloud or iTunes.
2. On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
3. Scroll down and tap on the General option.
4. Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
5. This option will erase all data and settings on your iPhone, returning it to its factory state.
6. If prompted, enter your passcode or Apple ID password to confirm the action.
7. Tap on Erase iPhone to confirm that you want to erase your device and restore it to factory settings.
8. The erasing process may take a few minutes. Once it’s done, your iPhone will restart, and you can set it up as a new device.

Please note that this process will erase all data and settings on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding. If you encounter any issues during the process, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for assistance.

Conclusion

While iTunes Error 4005 may pose a temporary obstacle, armed with the right knowledge and a systematic approach, you can often resolve the issue and proceed with your iPhone update or restore. By addressing potential causes such as USB connection problems, security software interference, and keeping your software up-to-date, you increase your chances of a successful resolution. Remember to take precautionary measures, such as data backup, before attempting any fixes. In the event of persistent issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to ensure a smooth resolution.