Facing issues connecting to iTunes Store? Check out these fixes

You might be facing issues while connecting to the iTunes Store, which depends on a number of things such as iOS settings, Wi-Fi, internet and network connections. When the connection issue crops up you might be seeing the following error messages.

• Cannot connect to the iTunes Store. An unknown error has occurred.
• We could not complete your iTunes Store request. The iTunes Store is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.
• iTunes could not connect to the iTunes Store. Make sure your network connection is active and try again.
• We could not complete your iTunes Store request. The network connection could not be established. There was an error in the iTunes Store. Please try again later.

IBTimes UK brings you a bunch of fixes when you face iTunes Store connection issues on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Pre-requisites

• Ensure that you have a stable internet connection on your computer or device.
• Your system must be meeting iTunes minimum system requirements.
• You should be running the latest version of the operating system.
• On your Mac, from the menu bar at the top of the screen choose Apple>> Software update to check if any update available. For Windows go to Microsoft's Windows Update page.

If you cannot connect to iTunes Store on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

• Check that date, time, and time zone for your device are correct. Tap Settings>> General>> Date & Time. The Time Zone might have another city in your
• You should be running latest iOS software version. Go to Settings>> General>> Software Update to check for updates. Alternatively, connect your device to iTunes and click Check for Update on your device's Summary page.
• You must be in a range of a Wi-Fi router or base station. In case you are on cellular data, ensure that the feature is enabled from Settings>> Cellular. But note that you might not be able to download larger items if you are on cellular data. Instead consider connecting to Wi-Fi to download apps, videos and podcasts.
• Check out if other devices such as computers are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network to access internet.
• Reset your Wi-Fi router. For this turn it off and wait for a while and then turn it on again.

If you cannot connect to iTunes Store on your PC or Mac

The connection error appears due to a software conflict or your internet service provider might be blocking your access.

Mac

• You should be having the latest version of iTunes and Safari.
• If you have firewall that might be preventing you from connecting to iTunes.
• Sometimes the connection errors are due to keychain issues. Use keychain first aid to reset your keychain.

Windows

• Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
• If you see the iTunes Store is empty and displays the words iTunes Store then try to fix the issues between software that monitors Internet traffic and Apple software.
• Try to configure Windows Firewall to allow iTunes to access the iTunes Store.
• Disable any proxies that are built into Windows. It is recommended to avoid proxies as theu can create issues.

The hosts file could also lead to connection issue. Perform the following steps to create a copy of your hosts file and replace it with an empty hosts file.

• Head over to the hosts file at C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32DRIVERSETC
• Select the hosts file. You should see a duplicate of the hosts file named "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts-copy" (Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8)
• Now drag the original hosts file to your desktop
• Right-click the duplicate file and click Open. You might get prompt to use to open the file, just double click Notepad.
• If you're prompted to choose the program you want to use to open the file, double-click Notepad.
• When Notepad opens, choose Edit>> Select All
• Then select Edit>> Delete
• Select File>> Save. Then select Notepad
• Right-click the duplicate file and form the pop-up menu select Rename
• Type hosts then press Enter

In the end restart your computer and then try connecting to the iTunes Store.