Top 6 Fixes to iTunes Error 3503 When Updating/Restoring

What is iTunes error 3503?

iTunes error 3503 issue typically occurs when trying to update or restore an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iTunes, and it indicates a communication issue between the device and iTunes.

Possible causes of error 3503 include outdated or corrupted iTunes software, a problem with the USB cable or port, security software interfering with the connection, or hardware issues with the device itself.

After being aware of the issue, your following question will be how to get out of the issue. In this guide, we will go through every possible solution to iTunes error code 3503. Let’s get started.

6 fixes to iTunes error 3503

Here are all possible ways to fix iTunes 3503 error on different models of iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Try them one after another until it gets fixed.

1# Try another USB port and cable

First thing first, to troubleshoot the iPhone/iPad update error 3503 in iTunes, you need to check your USB connection status. Simply disconnect the cable and reconnect it to another port. If it doesn’t work, try again with another original Apple data cable for your iPhone/iPad.

2# Force restart iPhone/iPad

Force restarting your iOS devices is always a workable solution when they are unable to work effectively. If you’re lucky, the iTunes error 3503 will go away after a factory reset. Depending on your iPhone/iPad models, and then do as the following steps.

Force restart iPhone
● For iPhone 8 and later with Face ID:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.
● For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
Press and hold the Top button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
● For iPhone 6s, SE and earlier with Home button:
Hold down the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Force restart iPad
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Home button at the same time > Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo.

3# Disable Find My iPhone/iPad

To be honest, the Find My function is a negative factor. To resolve the iTunes 3503 error, just temporarily switch off Find My iPhone on your iPhone or Find My iPad for iPad users before the iTunes process is completed. Here are the simple steps to follow.

Go to iPhone Settings app > Tap [your name] > Choose iCloud > Scroll down to locate and tap Find My iPhone/iPad > Toggle the switch to turn it off. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

4# Update iTunes to the latest version

Often, an outdated version of iTunes courts problems like iTunes error 3503. Simply update your iTunes to the latest version may work. Here are the steps.

Disconnect iPhone/iPad from computer > Re-open iTunes > Click Help from the toolbar > Tap Check for Updates > If there is a new version available, update it.

5# Disable Antivirus software

Certain antivirus software may interfere with the normal operation of iTunes. To avoid iTunes error 3503, it is suggested to disable or deactivate any antivirus or security software on your computer before updating or restoring your iPhone/iPad using iTunes.

6# Put iPhone/iPad into recovery mode

Putting your iPhone/iPad into recovery mode is the last resort to resolve iTunes error 3503. In this way, all of the data stored on your device will be deleted, so you’d better create the newest full backup for iPhone/iPad to avoid data loss.

The latest iTunes is also needed in this solution. Then, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Keep your iPhone/iPad connect to computer > Run the latest version of iTunes.

Step 2. Once your device is recognized, you have to restart your iPhone/iPad according to the steps mentioned in 2# solution > Then you will go to recovery mode.

Step 3. Once you have entered recovery mode, select Update option and follow the onscreen instructions to finish.

Finally, set up your iPhone/iPad after the process is complete.

Bonus: Backup iPhone/iPad via iTunes alternative

Without utilizing iTunes, you can try the iOS data backup expert - FoneTool to make the full iPhone/iPad backup process as simple as possible without bugs.

It helps protect all of your iPhone data, including photos, videos, music, apps, Safari, system settings, notes, and so on.

Free download FoneTool to your computer, and finish the backup task in two steps shown below.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer via USB. Launch FoneTool and choose Phone Backup > Mouse over to Full Backup and click Get Started to continue.

Step 2. If needed, enable Backup Encryption to protect your privacy > Choose a backup storage path > Click Start Backup and wait until it finishes.

Instead, if you choose to restore iTunes backup but find iTunes restore backup greyed out, you can also rely on FoneTool to import your iTunes backup and restore to your iPhone/iPad.

Conclusion

Hope your iTunes error 3503 issue has been solved after trying solutions in this guide. However, if you continue to experience issues, it may be helpful to contact Apple support for further assistance. And never forget to backup your iOS devices before any troubleshoot. For more queries, suggestions or feedback, feel free to contact us.