Fix: ‘iTunes could not connect to this iPhone. The value is Missing’

Restoring your iDevice is a way to fix numerous issues with your device. However, many users are unable to restore their iPhones due to iTunes error – “iTunes could not connect to this iPhone, the value is missing.” The most annoying thing here is that this error occurs even when users performing a DFU restore. Here is one user’s complain.

“I’ve just attempted to restore my iPhone as it was in DFU mode and now I get the error
“iTunes could not connect to this iPhone. The value is missing.”
and the phone is stuck on the apple logo.
Any ideas”

After a little research, we found a solution for this problem. So, if you are dealing with this error, here you can see how to fix it.

Update iTunes

Several different factors may cause this error while you are attempting to restore your iDevice. And, having outdated iTunes is the first on our today’s list. So, check your iTunes for updates. Here is how to do that.

1. Open iTunes on your computer, and click on the Help tab.
2. When the drop-down menu appears, click on Check for Updates.
3. Wait for a couple of seconds and iTunes will download and install the most recent release if an update is required.
   

Now try performing the restore. If this method didn’t work for you, try the following.

Reinstall iTunes

Sometimes, iTunes files may be corrupted, and that may be the cause of the error – “iTunes could not connect to this iPhone, the value is missing.” One possible solution to fix the missing files is reinstalling iTunes. Here is how to do that.

On Windows Computers

1. Uninstall iTunes and Related Components
   1. Click on Start and go to Control Panel.
   2. Now, click on programs.
   3. Choose Programs and Features.
      
   4. Uninstall iTunes and all related Apple software components.
      1. iTunes
      2. Bonjour
      3. QuickTime
      4. Apple Software Update
      5. Mobile Device Support
      6. Apple Application Support
      7. Any other Apple-related programs
         

Note: On some systems, iTunes may have two Apple Application Support versions. Make sure you uninstall them both. To check if all related programs are removed or not, you can use the search bar. Just, type “apple” in it.

2. Reinstall iTunes and Related Components
   1. After uninstalling iTunes entirely, restart your computer and download the latest iTunes version from apple.com.
   2. Open the downloaded file, and an installation wizard will come up.
   3. Follow the installation instructions and go through the steps of the Choose the location of the iTunes folder and agree to the terms and conditions.
   4. When the installation is done, click Finish, and you have a new iTunes app on your computer.

On Mac Computers

On Mac, Computers iTunes is a built-in app. This means that removing it from the operating system is a little tricky. However, follow the next steps, and you will reinstall it without any issues.

1. Uninstall iTunes
   1. Open the Applications folder and locate the iTunes
   2. Click it with the right click (or Comand + Click), and choose Get Info.”
   3. Tap on the little lock icon located on the right bottom corner of the window.
   4. Enter the administrator password when required.
   5. Click on the Sharing & Permissions arrow and a new section will open up.
   6. Click on the Read & Write privileges and choose Everyone.
      
   7. Now, drag the iTunes icon to Trash.
      
2. Reinstall iTunes
   1. Go to apple.com and download the latest version of iTunes.
   2. Open the downloaded file, and an installation wizard will open up.
   3. Now, follow the installation instructions until the app is installed. That includes agreeing to the terms of service and choosing the location for the iTunes files.

After you reinstalled iTunes on your computer, try performing the restore of your iDevice. If you are still experiencing the same error, try the following method.

Perform Hard Reset and Restore Your iPhone

1. Connect the iPhone to a computer using the original USB cable.
2. Perform a Hard Reset (Forced Restart) on your iPhone. If you don’t know the procedure, check the Forced Restart section in the following iphone dead article
3. When the iTunes logo came up on your iDevice, iTunes will give you 2 options in a dialog box. (Update and Restore).
4. Click the Restore button, and confirm your choice when asked again.
5. If this doesn’t restore your device, click Cancel in the next dialog box.
6. Now, click the Restore option that is in the iTunes application window. It will again ask you to confirm your action.
7. Confirm your choice, and the restore process should start.

This method is confirmed by our readers and should also help you solve “iTunes could not connect to this iPhone, the value is missing” error on your iDevice.

Final Words

As much complicated as it looks on the surface, many iDevices’ issues may be solved in less than 5 minutes. That is the case with today’s issue. So, if you are dealing with “iTunes could not connect to this iPhone, the value is missing” on your iDevice, I highly recommend trying the above methods. If none of the above works for you, go to the nearest Apple Store and ask them for a solution. Also, do not forget to tell us if you successfully fixed the error in the comment section below.