“Has anyone received this error in iTunes“The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (-18)? How do I go about fixing my iPhone?”
iTunes error codes vary depending on the issue. Each code will determine the root cause and guide you on how to fix it, for example, error 39 is about syncing. And our topic today is iTunes error 18 is caused by a corrupted media library and this error no longer allows you to update or modify. You will receive an error when you attempt to restore your iPhone in iTunes.
It is extremely frustrating when all you want to do is restore your iPhone in iTunes yet you received iTunes error 18. The silly thing about iTunes error codes is that it does not tell you what exactly the problem is, you need to search for the error code and the best possible thing you can do to fix it.
Fortunately, there are available resources online that can fix iTunes error 18 and other related issues. We listed 4 of the most effective methods below. Part 1. Possible Reasons for iTunes Error Code 18Part 2. 4 Powerful Methods to Fix iTunes Error 18Part 3. The Most Recommended Tool to Fix iTunes Error 18Part 4. Summary
Part 1. Possible Reasons for iTunes Error Code 18
There are a variety of reasons why you received an iTunes error 18 upon restoring your iDevice in iTunes. Here are some of the known causes:
- A restore operation has been initiated after a previous restore process started
- Outdated iTunes
- The activation server is down during the restore process
- An issue linked with the Find My iPhone app
- Jailbroken iPhone. iTunes may have confused a jailbroken device to have insufficient memory storage
- The media library is corrupted
- Connection error between the computer and the iPhone
- A missing file in the iTunes backup
If you are one of those users affected by this error, you can proceed with the next part and start troubleshooting.
Part 2. 4 Powerful Methods to Fix iTunes Error 18
There is some official advice from Apple for errors that occurred during updating and restoring, however, they won’t always solve the problem. Since there are many possible causes of this iTunes error 18, we can consider that this error occurs when there is an unexpected thing that happened during the connection and iTunes does not know how to manage it and needs an intervention in order to fix it the error.
Try doing any of these 4 powerful methods:
Method 1. Disable Find My iPhone
Since the Find My iPhone app is deemed to be one of the major reasons why you are getting an iTunes error 18, try disabling this app in the meantime before you restore your iPhone in iTunes:
- Go to your Settings
- Find and tap iCloud
- Navigate to the Find My Phone app and toggle it off
Method 2. Update iTunes to the Latest Version
An outdated iTunes can cause software incompatibility and may trigger further issues such as iTunes error 18. You can head over to the Help in iTunes menu and then scroll down to Check for Updates. Install the latest version if there is an available update.
Method 3. Restore iPhone via Recovery Mode
If restoring the iPhone in iTunes is not possible because of this iTunes error 18, then the next best thing you can do is to restore the iPhone via Recovery mode.
The process may differ depending on the iPhone model.
For iPhone 8 and later:
- Touch and let go of the volume up button quickly and then do the same with the volume down button. Touch and keep the side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
If you are using iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Touch and hold the Top/Side and the volume down buttons until you see the recovery mode screen
iPhone 6 and earlier models:
- Press and keep the Home and the Side buttons at the same time. Keep pressing until the recovery mode screen appears
To restore your iPhone via the recovery mode, follow these:
- Power off the iPhone and connect to the computer via USB cable
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode based on your iPhone model. The steps are given above
- iTunes will now recognize your device and you can now restore it
Method 4. Reset iPhone to Factory Settings
Another efficient method you can do is to reset your device to its defaults. However, doing this process can cause severe data loss. This is why having a backup is essential especially in times like these.
To reset your iPhone:
- Go to Settings and select General
- Tap Reset
- Find and choose Erase All Content and Settings
- Confirm the reset by entering your passcode
- Wait until the reset is completed
Once your iPhone has been reset, you may recover data from your backup. By this time, the iTunes error is gone.
Part 3. The Most Recommended Tool to Fix iTunes Error 18
If you are the type of person who wants to save time by achieving a faster result, then you can choose to use an alternative troubleshooting method and that is to use a repair tool. There are plenty of programs out there that can easily repair software issues such as iTunes error 18.
iOS System Recovery
Fix with various iOS system issues like recovery mode, DFU mode， white screen looping on start, etc.
Fix your iOS device to normal from white Apple logo, black screen, blue screen, red screen.
Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
Fix iTunes Error 3600, Error 9, Error 14 and various iPhone Error codes
Unfrozen your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
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One of the sought-after programs is FoneDog iOS System Recovery. This tool provides all the necessary troubleshooting steps needed to fix various iOS issues including iTunes errors.
In fact, this software is able to repair over 50+ known iOS problems. You can simply connect your iPhone and let FoneDog iOS System Recovery perform the troubleshooting.
This software is featured to fix the following:
- Scan and fix 50+ iOS issues safely and efficiently
- Resolves various iTunes error codes
- Clean and user-friendly environment
- Easy installation
- No Data Loss
You can use FoneDog iOS System Recovery by following these steps:
Step 1. Download FoneDog iOS System Recovery and connect iDevice
On your Windows or Mac computer, download FoneDog iOS System Recovery and complete the installation process. Launch the software and select iOS System Recovery on the main menu.
Connect your iDevice to the computer with the help of a USB cable.
Step 2. Select Issue and Scan
On your screen is a list of over 50+ iOS issues. Scroll down and select the nearest or the most appropriate issue and click Start. This will enable FoneDog iOS System Recovery to begin the diagnosis by scanning your iPhone.
Step 3. Choose and Download Firmware
To let FoneDog iOS System Recovery repair your iPhone, it needs to have the most compatible firmware. On your screen is the list of all the possible firmware you can use on the iPhone. Click the Download button.
Step 4. Let FoneDog iOS System Recovery repair automatically
FoneDog iOS System Recovery will download and extract the firmware on your iPhone and after that, it will begin the repair. This process can take a while but you will be able to see its progress and get notified when the repair is completed.
Apart from the iTunes error 18, you can also take advantage of the software to fix other software-related problems. This software eliminates a lot of troubleshooting steps and therefore gives you more time to enjoy and maximize your iDevice.
Part 4. Summary
iTunes error code 18 is caused by a lot of issues. The most common of all is the unexpected or connection error between iTunes and your iPhone. Perhaps, iTunes may have been confused during the restore operation.
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Fortunately, you can fix this issue easily and quickly. Today, you have learned the 4 crucial methods to get rid of iTunes error 18. But if you are looking for a better and more efficient alternative, then FoneDog iOS System Recovery is great.
This software gives you more time and freedom to get the most of your device.
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