How to Fix the ‘iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14’ Easily

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By Jack

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Iphone Could Not Be Updated Error 14

No matter how useful the iTunes app is for upgrading or restoring iOS devices, there are all chances that you may have to face the iPhone could not be updated error 14 during the process.

You must have panicked in the first instance, but you shouldn’t worry for long. We have covered you with the best solutions for this issue that we will discuss in this article.

1. About the iPhone could not be updated error 14

This error occurs while one tries to update or restore the iOS versions with the iTunes app. It is also referred to as the iTunes error 14. The following are generally attributed to be the reasons behind this error:

iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14
  • A faulty USB cable
  • Erroneous firmware update
  • An outdated version of iTunes
  • Unstable network connection
  • Corrupted IPSW file
  • Storage insufficiency

2. The ultimate fix to the iPhone error 14 – Dr.Fone System Repair (iOS)

Trying many methods separately to solve the issue can cost a lot of energy, time, and, worst data loss.

All the software issues leading to the iPhone error can be handled easily and in one go by a third-party application that we will discuss below.

Dr.Fone System Repair (iOS)

Dr.Fone System Repair (iOS) is a great application that will be your best bet to deal with the iPhone could not be updated error 14.

It scans the entire software of the iPhone for any problem that might have occurred and does the right fixing for it. The best part is that it does all of that without harming the device data.

Here is how to operate the application:

1. Download the application on any PC and then open it. Click over the button of System Repair on the main menu.

dr.fone

2. Connect the problematic iPhone to that PC with any lightning cable. Now hit the option of Standard Mode that will start the process of fixing the error 14.

Dr.Fone System Repair (iOS)

3. The app will detect your iPhone’s model first, followed by the latest firmware that needs to be downloaded later. Hit the button Start and then wait, as the process will take some time to finish.

Dr.Fone System Repair (iOS)

4. Once the firmware is downloaded, the app will instantly begin to scan the device and then repair it.

After that is done, a notification will emerge on the app’s main screen. The entire process will not take more than ten minutes, and your phone will get updated.

Fix the iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14  with Dr.Fone System Repair (iOS)

Dr.Fone – iTunes repair

This is another version of the Dr.Fone application that aims to treat the damage in the inner modules of iTunes.

Since the iPhone could not be updated error 14 emerges mostly during updating or restoring the iPhone; fixing the iTunes errors can be the most viable option.

Dr.Fone – iTunes repair gives the ultimate diagnostic and repair solutions in this regard, and it has some features like:

  • It removes a lot of errors related to iTunes, like errors 9, 21, 4031, 4105, and many others.
  • It also helps in resolving the issues that lead to the failure of syncing of iPhone/ iPod touch/ iPad and iTunes.
  • Repair the iTunes issues and restores its normal state in just two-three minutes.
  • It doesn’t cause any risk to the device data in the process of fixing the iTunes errors.

Here is how to operate the application:

1. Download the application on any PC and then open it. Click over the button of System Repair on the main menu.

2. Click on the iTunes Repair tab and select the option of Repair iTunes errors from the list. The application will instantly begin checking the iTunes components and repair them thereby.

Dr.Fone - iTunes repair

3. After the repair is done and you see the error 14 occurring still, then go back to the app and click the button Advanced Repair that will give an enhanced fundamental fixing of the issues.

Fix the iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14  Using Dr.Fone - iTunes repair

4. If the error persists even then, you can try clicking the option of Repair iTunes Connection issues to fix the connection-related issues in iTunes.

Besides, let’s figure out how to fix iPhone error 4013.

3. Diagnose the connectors and USB cables

This is essentially the first method to try before going deeper into fixing the iPhone could not be updated error 14.

You need to check that all the UB cables attached to the phone are working fine, as anything wrong with them can cause the error.

1. Use the original USB cable of Apple. Look for the specific ‘Made for‘ logos to ensure authenticity.

Made for iPhone | iPad | iPod

2. Use any other Apple cable.

3. Insert the cable into any other device and check if it is working.

4. Insert the cable into another USB port.

5. Insert the cable directly into the PC and not the USB port of the keyboard.

4. Update the OS and iTunes

There can be two possible reasons for this error related to iTunes- outdated OS or outdated iTunes app version.

Both of these issues can be easily fixed by updating them. Launch the Apple store and click on the option of Update. This will display all the software updates that have been launched recently and are available for download.

You will then be able to know if the OS is outdated or the iTunes app is. If no latest update is shown here, then you are using the right OS and iTunes app, and the problem is something else.

Update the OS to Fix the iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14

5. Fixing the IPSW file of iTunes

The IPSW file is used by iTunes to update or restore iOS devices. Any fault in these files can lead to a total crash of the iOS device, and if the iPhone could not be updated error 14 would inevitably emerge. This issue can potentially be fixed by renaming or deleting the IPSW file.

Finding the IPSW file

The first step towards the above fix is to find the IPSW file. Different devices have them stored at different locations, and we are going to tell you where.

iOS devices

iPhone/ iPad/ iPod touch: Open the library on the device. Click on iTunes. Here you will find an option named software updates. That is the IPSW file folder.

You can find the location of the IPSW file with another method that uses the Finder:

1. Click over the option of Finder on the dock and then press down the key Option.

2. In the top menu, hit the option Go.

3. Select Library.

Finding the IPSW file to fix the iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14

4. Open the folder of the Library’s iTunes.

5. Here, you will find a folder named Software updates with the device type name. That’s it.

Windows OS

Finding the IPSW file on a Windows device takes into consideration the iOS hardware, username, and Windows version being used by you.

Open the Windows File Explorer and then enter .ipsw in the search bar. Ensure to check the entire PC. Once you find the file, delete them.

If you have many user accounts, then you can find the IPSW file in the User directory.

Windows XP: Open C: drive and select Documents and Settings. Select Application, and then click Apple Computer. In the iTunes folder, you will find the IPSW file.

Windows 7, 8, 10, and Vista: Open C: drive and select users. Select AppData and then click Roaming. In the Apple Computer folder, click iTunes, and it is here that you will find the IPSW file.

Fixing the IPSW file

  1. Close the iTunes app.
  2. Open it once again now.
  3. Go to the location of the IPSW file and then delete it. Cross-check if the file is deleted or not by going to the same location once again.

Now try updating or restoring the iPhone. The iPhone could not be updated error 14 wouldn’t appear this time.

Select the IPSW file manually

If the above method of deleting the IPSW file doesn’t work, you can try selecting the particular IPSW file manually that you want to use by iTunes. Here is how to do it:

  1. Press down the key Option on Mac devices. Press down the key Shift on Windows devices.
  2. Now press the button Restore.
  3. Click on the particular IPSW file that you wish to install.

Getting the IPSW file for iOS devices

Apple launches the IPSW files for iTunes and then can be easily downloaded from any reliable source. Here is how to do it:

  1. Download the right iOS version for your iOS device. Ensure that the IPSW is the Apple-signed version.
  2. Launch the iTunes app.
  3. Connect the iOS device with iTunes.
  4. The recovery message will appear with the options of Update and Restore.
  5. Press down the key Options and simultaneously click on the button Update.
  6. Find the downloaded IPSW file and click on it.
  7. Wait till the iOS device restores to the latest iOS version on it.

6. Hard resetting the iPhone

This can be the last option to try to fix the iPhone that could not be updated error 14. However, the method involves data loss, and you must back up all the important data beforehand. Let’s see how to do it:

1. Press the buttons of sleep and home at the same time and keep them held for about 10 seconds. The screen will go all black, and the phone will restart.

Hard resetting the iPhone to Fix the 'iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14'

2. Keep the buttons pressed until the logo of Apple emerges on the phone’s screen and then release them. Wait till the logo disappears from the screen.

Hard resetting the iPhone to Fix the 'iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14'

3. The phone will reset itself automatically now, and all you need to do after that is enter the passcode.

Hard resetting the iPhone to Fix the 'iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14'

7. Use the warranty of your iPhone

If even the hard reset wasn’t able to fix your phone, then there is nothing else that you can try from your end to fix the phone.

All the iPhones come with a warranty period of one year. So if it hasn’t been more than a year for your iPhone, then simply take it to the Apple Store and get it exchanged for a new model.

Visit the Apple repair store to Fix the iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I fix the iPhone Could Not Be Updated Error 14 without a computer?

A1: No, a computer is necessary to troubleshoot and resolve the Error 14. Using iTunes or connecting to a computer via Recovery Mode provides the best chance of resolving the issue.

Q2: Will updating iTunes help fix Error 14?

A2: Yes, updating iTunes to the latest version can resolve compatibility issues and improve the update process. Make sure to check for updates regularly.

Q3: How long does it take to fix Error 14 on an iPhone?

A3: The time required to fix Error 14 can vary depending on the cause and the troubleshooting steps you take. In most cases, the issue can be resolved within an hour or two.

Q4: Will I lose my data if I fix Error 14 using Recovery Mode?

A4: When using Recovery Mode, your iPhone will be restored to its factory settings. This means all data on the device will be erased. Therefore, it’s crucial to create a backup before attempting this step.

Q5: What if none of the troubleshooting steps work?

A5: If you’ve followed all the troubleshooting steps and the Error 14 persists, contacting Apple Support is recommended. They have the expertise to provide further assistance and guide you through the resolution process.

Conclusion

So this was all about fixing the iTunes error 14. Dr.Fone is designed by the tech company Wondershare and is a reliable and trustworthy application that will fix iPhone could not be updated error 14 in a jiffy.

While we recommend this app, you may want to try other methods too, and we assure you that they won’t disappoint. Do share with us if the methods worked out for you.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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