iTunes Store is a handy tool to manage your digital media on various devices like phones and iPads. However, sometimes it encounters errors like Secure Link to iTunes Store Failed, when it cannot connect securely to the server. Don’t worry, in this guide, we will show you simple ways to fix this issue. So, keep reading!
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Secure Link to iTunes Store Failed
The said error can occur after using iTunes for a while or right after installing it, affecting all iTunes services and making it difficult to download music, movies, or apps. There are several reasons for this problem. Read on to learn what they are and how to fix the issue on Windows 10.
Quick Answer
Follow these steps to uninstall Bonjour application and fix the said error:
1. Exit iTunes application and open Task Manager on your system.
2. Open the Services tab.
3. Click Restart from the context menu by selecting the Bonjour service.
What Causes Secure Link to iTunes Store Failed Error?
Before getting into the fixes, let’s know the causes of this error
- Internet Issues
- Incorrect Date and Time Settings
- Bug or Glitch in the App
- Insufficient Security Settings
- Corrupt iTunes Installation
If you are having a problem using iTunes and can’t verify the identity of the server then we have gathered some useful methods for you that will help you fix this error.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Methods
Below are some easy-to-perform methods which you can use to get the secure link iTunes store failed error fixed before moving into complex solutions.
1A. Troubleshoot Internet Connectivity
A poor internet connection will not allow your device to connect to the iTunes Store and hence, a secure link to iTunes store failed error. If you are unable to connect your iTunes Store to the server, then we suggest you check your internet connection before moving to any other troubleshooting steps. To do so Read out our guide to Troubleshoot internet connection.
1B. Wait for server uptime
After checking your internet connection, move on to Apple’s System Status Page, and check if there are any server-related issues. If you see a green dot with the iTunes Store, this means that there is no issue with the server. Moreover, if the server is down, you can’t do anything about expect waiting.
1C. Restart Device
When left open for an extended period of time, some software programs frequently start performing strangely. Try restarting your device if your iTunes program was unable to create a secure connection with the server. By doing this, you’ll clear off the remnants of any previously used programs and give your device a clean slate. To do so follow the steps below,
1. Click on the Start menu and select the power icon
2. Then, choose Restart.
1D. Update Windows
Outdated versions of Windows can lead to program malfunctions and errors due to missing important updates. Updating Windows ensures that users have the latest version of the operating system, including bug fixes and security patches from Microsoft. Follow our guide on How to Download and Install Windows 10 Latest Update to update your Windows PC and fix the secure link to iTunes store failed error.
Also Read: How to Turn On Dark Mode for iTunes on Windows 10
Method 2: Adjust Date and Time Settings
Many applications, including iTunes Store, check the system for certificates before performing certain actions. If the time on your PC or phone is incorrect, then programs will reject the certificates, considering them invalid. If you’re facing the iTunes error, then there are chances that it is caused by the incorrect time or date of your device. In this case, correct the time and date to solve the error.
Here is how you can adjust the time on your PC:
1. Press and hold Windows + I keys together to open Windows Settings.
2. Now, click on Time & Language.
3. Then, in the Date & time tab, make sure Set the time automatically and Set the time zone automatically options are toggled on.
4. Then, click on Sync now as highlighted above.
Method 3: Disable VPN Client
In the IT industry, VPN clients are commonly used for online privacy and security. However, there are instances where VPN clients can disrupt the proper functioning of legal applications, such as the current iTunes issue. In such cases, turning off the VPN client can often resolve the error. Although the specific steps may vary depending on the device, the basic concept remains consistent. If you want to disable your VPN client, read out our guide on How to Disable VPN and Proxy.
Method 4: Disable/Uninstall Conflicting Applications
If you’re facing iTunes errors on Windows, a third-party app may be blocking necessary resources. To fix it, disable or remove incompatible programs, and perform a clean boot to identify conflicting applications affecting internet communication. Both disabling and uninstalling these programs are recommended. Check our guide on Perform Clean boot in Windows 10 to solve the secure link to iTunes store failed error.
Also Read: How to Transfer Playlist from iPhone to iTunes
Method 5: Reset Winsock Catalog
You can restart the Winsock catalog if none of the following procedures resolve your networking issue. By doing this, networking corruption issues will be resolved and the Winsock catalog will be restored to its original state. Here’s how to reset the Winsock catalog on your computer:
1. Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Now, type the following commands one by one and hit Enter key after each command.
ipconfig /flushdns nbtstat -RR netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
3. Wait for the process to be completed and reboot your PC.
Method 6: Enable Use SSL 3.0 or Use TLS 1.0.
Security protocols that offer communication security across a computer network include Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and its descendant Transport Layers Security (TLS). If SSL or TLS are not turned on in your browser, there is a good chance that you are experiencing the iTunes issue. Enabling SSL or TLS (or both) in Internet Explorer will fix iTunes can’t verify the identity of the server issue. Here’s how to go about it:
Option 1: Using Browser
1. Open your Chrome Browser and type the following URL: chrome://flags.
2. Hit Enter key to open security settings and find Minimum SSL/TLS version supported.
3. From the drop-down change it to SSLv3 and close everything.
4. Reboot your PC to save changes.
Option 2: Internet Properties
Note: Now it might be possible you won’t be able to find this setting as it’s officially ended by Chrome but don’t worry follow the next step if you still want to enable it.
1. Press the Windows Key + R keys then, type inetcpl.cpl and hit Enter key to open the Internet Properties window.
2. Now, navigate to the Advanced tab and scroll down till you find TLS 1.0.
3. Make sure to check Use TLS 1.0, Use TLS 1.1, and Use TLS 1.2. Also, uncheck Use SSL 3.0 if checked.
Note: Older versions of TLS such as TLS 1.0 have known vulnerabilities, so continue at your own risk.
4. Click Apply followed by OK and restart your PC to save changes.
Method 7: Allow Apple-Related Process Through Firewall
One of the essential elements in the safety and security of your data and system is your firewall program. In this case, the secure link to iTunes store failed error might be resolved by either momentarily disabling your firewall or enabling Apple-related processes/iTunes to access the internet. Follow our guide on Allow or Block Apps through the Windows Firewall.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Transfer Music From iTunes To Android
Method 8: Uninstall Bonjour Application
An Apple program called Bonjour is used for zero-configuration networking. But, in other instances, it made it difficult for iTunes to function. The current secure link issue might have a similar cause. In this situation, removing the Bonjour application can fix the secure link to iTunes store failed on Windows 10 issue.
1. Exit iTunes by clicking the X mark from the top right corner.
2. Right-click the Windows button, and then select the Task Manager from the option that appears.
3. Next, select the Services tab.
4. Now, select Restart from the context menu by selecting the Bonjour service.
Launch iTunes after that, and see if the secure link problem has been fixed.
Method 9: Repair System Files
The current problem could occur if the crucial OS files are damaged. In this case, the issue might be resolved by utilizing the built-in SFC software to repair the faulty system files. You can check out the How to Repair System Files on Windows 10 guide to learn how to run these scans to resolve the secure link to iTunes store failed on Windows 10 issue.
Method 10: Repair iTunes Installation
Try fixing the iTunes installation if none of the previously recommended solutions work for you. You won’t be able to access the iTunes Store if the installation of iTunes is corrupt. In this situation, fixing the iTunes installation will take care of the problem. Here’s how to fix the iTunes setup on your computer:
1. Go to Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys and select Apps.
2. In the left panel, click Apps & features.
3. Click on the Advanced option under iTunes once you’ve located it.
4. After that, scroll down and select Repair.
Verify that the error has been fixed after the process is finished.
Method 11: Reinstall iTunes
If you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked, it appears that the iTunes installation is faulty, which is what is causing the secure link issue. Repairing the installation did not fix the issue. In this situation, reinstalling iTunes can fix the issue.
1. Open Apps in Windows Settings and click Apps & features.
2. In the Programs & Features window, find iTunes.
3. Right-click on it and then click Uninstall to delete it from your computer.
4. Restart your system.
5. Now, download the iTunes app from here and install it again.
This brings us to the end of our guide on how to secure link to iTunes Store failed. Leave your questions or suggestions in the comment section below and we’ll see you in our upcoming guide!
