Can’t Update or Restore iPhone 8 Plus via iTunes? Here’s How to Fix It

Trying to restore or update your iPhone 8 Plus through iTunes but nothing’s working? Whether your computer can’t detect the device, the update fails, or iTunes throws an error, this guide covers the most effective fixes to get your iPhone back up and running again.

Common Reasons Why iTunes Fails to Update or Restore

Before jumping into the solutions, here’s what might be going wrong:

Faulty USB cable or port
Outdated iTunes or macOS/Windows
iTunes crashing mid-process
A glitch in iOS or the iPhone’s system files
Hardware-related issues (rare, but possible)

Step-by-Step Fixes to Try

✅ 1. Use the Original Cable and Try a Different USB Port

Use the official Lightning cable that came with your iPhone.
Try different USB ports on your computer (preferably not through a hub).
Remove other USB devices to rule out interference.

🔁 2. Quit and Reopen iTunes

iTunes might just need a restart:

On Mac: Press Command + Option + Esc, select iTunes, then click Force Quit.
On Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to Processes, select iTunes, and hit End Task.

Then relaunch iTunes and try again.

🔄 3. Restart Your Computer and iPhone 8 Plus

Restart your PC or Mac like normal.
On your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Side button until “slide to power off” appears.
- Slide to turn off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

This simple step often resolves temporary glitches.

🛠️ 4. Try Recovery Mode to Restore or Update

Recovery Mode allows iTunes to reinstall iOS without loading the OS.

Here’s how to do it:

Connect your iPhone 8 Plus to your computer with iTunes open.
Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iTunes will detect a device in recovery mode. Choose Update (to keep your data) or Restore (to erase and reinstall iOS).

If the update fails after 15 minutes, you may need to repeat the steps.

🔍 5. DFU Mode Restore (Advanced)

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is deeper than recovery mode and reloads both firmware and software.

Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
Release the Side button and immediately hold Volume Down for 5 seconds.
Release all buttons when iTunes/Finder detects a device in recovery mode and your iPhone’s screen stays black.
Click Restore iPhone in iTunes.

⚠️ DFU will erase everything, so back up your data if possible beforehand.

Other Fixes to Consider

🔧 6. Try a Different Computer

Sometimes the issue lies with your computer, not your iPhone.

Use a second Mac or PC with iTunes or Finder installed.
Test the update or restore there.

💽 7. Reinstall or Update iTunes

On Mac: iTunes updates via macOS Software Update.
On Windows: Download the latest version from the Apple website.

Keeping iTunes updated ensures compatibility with the latest iOS.

When to Contact Apple Support

If all else fails and your iPhone is:

Still stuck in recovery mode
Not detected by iTunes
Crashing mid-restore

Then it’s time to reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Especially if your phone has hardware issues, like a faulty Lightning port or motherboard.