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How do you fix iTunes restore error 18?

Alton Alexander
By Alton AlexanderUpdated on June 4th, 2022

There are a few different reasons that you might see the iTunes Restore Error 18 message. One reason is that your computer might not be able to connect to Apple's update servers. This can happen if your computer is behind a firewall or if you're using a proxy server.

Another reason for this error is that your device might have a hardware issue that is preventing it from completing the restore process. If you're seeing this error after trying to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to a new version of iOS, it might be because your device couldn't be verified. This can happen if you're trying to update to a beta version of iOS.

If you see the iTunes Restore Error 18 message, you can try updating your device again using a different method. If you're using a Mac, you can update your device using iTunes. If you're using a Windows PC, you can update your device using iCloud.

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1. Update your iTunes to the latest version

  1. Open iTunes and go to the Help menu.
  2. Click on the Check for Updates button.
  3. If an update is available, iTunes will display a message like “Update available: 1.0.1”.
  4. Click on the Update button.
  5. iTunes will download and install the update.
  6. After the update is complete, iTunes will restart.
  7. If you have any questions or problems following the update, please contact Apple Customer Service.

2. Check for updates for your iOS device

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Under "Software Update," tap on Check for updates.
  4. If there are any updates available, they'll be listed here. Tap on Install to start the update process.
  5. Once the update is complete, your device will restart. After it's done restarting, you'll be prompted to open the App Store again. Tap on the App Store icon on the Home screen to open it.
  6. If you have any new updates available, they'll be listed here. Tap on the Update button to install them.
  7. After the updates are installed, your device will restart again. You'll be prompted to open the App Store again. Tap on the App Store icon on the Home screen to open it.
  8. If you have any problems after the updates are installed, tap on the App Store icon on the Home screen and tap on Help for more information.

3. Check your USB connections

  1. Open iTunes and make sure your device is connected to your computer.
  2. Click on the "Devices" tab and select your device.
  3. Click on the "Launcher" tab and select "Restore".
  4. On the "General" tab, make sure the "File System" is set to "External" and the "Device Mode" is set to "External".
  5. Click on the "Restore" button and select the destination folder for your restore.
  6. Make sure the "Verify files" checkbox is selected and click on the "Restore" button.
  7. If the restore fails, check that the device is connected to your computer and that the "External File System" and "Device Mode" settings are correct.

If you didn't find success with an option above, then try:

  1. Restart your computer
  2. Try using a different USB port
  3. Try using a different USB cable
  4. Try using a different computer
  5. If you are using a Mac, try using a different USB port on your computer
  6. If you are using a PC, try using a different USB port on your computer
  7. If you are using a Windows computer, try using a different USB port on your computer 11. If you are using a Mac, try using a different USB cable
  8. If you are using a PC, try using a different USB cable
  9. Try using a different iOS device
  10. Try using a different USB cable with a different iOS device
  11. Try using a different computer with a different USB cable and a different iOS device