Apple folks are getting bothered out there, this time the problem is related to iTunes. When you try to upgrade or restore your iOS device, the error message accompanies you as

This iPhone could not be restored. An an unknown error occurred (14).

This will prevent you from getting your work done. Here’s everything you need to know about how to fix iTunes Error code 14. So make sure to go through the article till the end. Without further delay, let’s get started.

Also see: iTunes Won’t Detect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod? Here’s how to Fix.

Why iTunes Error Code 14 is Occuring?

There could be many reasons behind the issue, following are some different reason that can cause the issue to occur:

• Faulty USB cable
• Old iTunes version
• Low space on the device
• Network issues
• Firmware errors/corruption

USB Cable

Always use made for iDevices cable and charging device. How to figure out that? Just search the Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad logo on the product, as shown in the image below.

Troubleshooting USB Cable

• Use the original Apple Lightning USB cable accordingly.
• Plug USB directly into the computer, instead of USB ports on your keyboard plug.
• Try to use another USB port on a PC.
• Try to use another USB cable.
• Test the same USB cable on different PC.

Update iTunes to its Latest Version

Make sure that iTunes you’re using must be updated to its latest version. If your iTunes prompts you to update on the latest version, follow the steps and update the new iTunes software.

Alternately, try to restore your device using iTunes instead of updating. Press the Option Keys on Mac or press Shift Key (Windows) and select Restore.

Problematic Firmware File

Due to the problematic IPSW file, iTunes won’t recognize the same file. If the ISPW file is not properly downloaded, this might cause iTunes error 14 to encounter. iTunes usually requires this file to restore your iDevice.

However, removing or deleting the IPSW file leads iTunes to download a fresh copy of the IPSW file.

IPSW files on Macs

Here, we’re going to locate the file on Mac using Finder.

Step 1: Visit Finder in your dock and hold down the Option key.

Step 2: Select to choose Go from Top Menu.

Step 3: Choose Library.

Step 4: Open Library’s iTunes folder.

Step 6: Search for folder named iPhone/iPad/iPod Software Updates.

Locate ISPW file manually

• Phone~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
• iPad~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates
• iPod touch~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates

Locate ISPW File on Windows

Simply, open Windows File Explorer and type “*.ipsw” in the search bar. Then search and delete those iOS update files in iTunes in .ipsw format. Or just search for .ipsw files in your /User directory in case you have more than one user account.

For Windows 8-10

• \Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\

For Windows Vista and 7

• \Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone (iPad or iPod) Software Updates

For Windows XP

• Documents and Settings/[username]/Application Data/Apple Computer/iTunes/iPhone (iPad or iPod) Software Updates

Steps to follow once you’ve deleted .ipsw file

Step 1: Close iTunes completely, and open iTunes again on PC.

Step 2: Verify that you’ve deleted .ipsw file by visiting System Drive > User > Your Username > App Data > Apple Com > iTunes > iPhone Software Update–delete anything there if Required.

Step 3: If you’re connecting your iPad or iPod follow the same path but after entering the iTunes folder go to iPad Software Updates or iPod Software Updates.

Step 4: Restore and Upgrade your iDevice using iTunes prompts.

Now, the iTunes error 14 should get resolved.

Download ipsw file and restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod with that file

Step 1: Visit ipsw me and download iOS version that was on your iPad.

Step 2: Ensure to download an  Apple signed IPSW version.

Step 3: Open iTunes.

Step 4: Wait for Recovery Message to show up on iTunes with options to Update or Restore.

Step 5: Press and hold down the Option key, choose the Update button while the option key still pressed.

Step 6: Locate ipse file you downloaded and select it.

Step 7: Wait for iPad to restore iOS version.

What if Nothing Works?

If the solutions mentioned above don’t work for you, then here are more things you can do. Make sure to disable third-party security software, as it prevents iDevices to restore, upgrade, or back up. Also, ensure to have the battery of your device must be above 50%. Check Internet connection too. In the worst-case scenario, contact Apple Support.

Read next: “Connect to iTunes” – iPad is disabled | How to Fix