6 Ways to Fix iTunes Error 0x80090302

Have you ever faced an iTunes error 0x80090302 while connecting your iOS devices to iTunes? It is a common iTunes issue, and it can be due to many different reasons like internet connection or lightning cable broken. To solve this problem, I had prepared some workable and effective methods for you. If you are suffering from this problem and don't know what should do now, this is the right page for you.

Part 1. What is iTunes 0x80090302 Error? & What It Means?

The iTunes 0x80090302 error is a common Windows-side iTunes issue that usually appears when you try to update, restore, sync, or activate an iPhone/iPad/iPod through iTunes. The error typically says something like:

"There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone. An unknown error occurred (0x80090302)."

Error 0x80090302 is a Windows security/SSL communication error. It indicates that iTunes is unable to establish a secure and trusted connection with Apple's servers. Because iTunes relies on encrypted communication to download firmware and perform activation, the process fails when this error appears.

Part 2. Why iTunes Error 0x80090302 Occurs?

Generally, iTunes error 0x80090302 is regarded as a connection error between iOS device and computer. You can see common reasons as follow:

1. Bad Internet or Cable: If you are connecting your iOS devices to your computer with a bad internet connection or a broken cable, this issue will occur in a high probability.

2. Antivirus Program Interference: Sometimes, your iTunes may encounter this problem while an antivirus program is running on your computer.

3. Interrupted or corrupt IPSW firmware download: iTunes may attempt to resume a broken firmware download, triggering error 0x80090302.

4. Damaged Apple Mobile Device Support drivers: These drivers help iTunes communicate with iOS devices—if damaged, the restore/update may fail.

Read it on and I will show you the available ways to fix it.

Part 3. Top 6 Methods to Fix iTunes Error 0x80090302

Fix 1. Use TunesKit iOS System Recovery

As for me, whenever I encounter an iOS problem, I would try to use an iOS system recovery tool first. I think TunesKit iOS System Recovery is the best tool for me to fix an iTunes error like iTunes 0x80090302.

Besides fixing this issue, TunesKit iOS System Recovery is also workable in the common iOS system problems, such as iPad won't sync with iTunes, or iPhone stuck on do not disturb. Let's see what should we do when iTunes shows we could not complete your iTunes request. an unknow error occured (0x80090302).

Let's see the detailed tutorial fixing iTunes error 0x80090302.

Step 1Select repair feature

First of all, please download and install TunesKit iOS System recovery on your computer. After that, open this tool and choose the iTunes Repair (Windows) or Repair Sync Errors (Mac) as your repair tool.

Step 2Fix iTunes error 0x80090302

This iTunes repair tool will detect your iTunes and check the errors on it. If there is something wrong it detected, you will get a Repair button. Click the button to start repairing your iTunes.

Step 3Apply Fix

This process will take a few seconds. After it finishes, click the Restart (Windows) or Done (Mac) button to apply the repaired results on your PC.

Fix 2. Disable Antivirus on Your Computer

Once you face iTunes store error 0x80090302, you can consider whether there is an antivirus program running on your computer. Many computer users, including me, have installed an antivirus on the computer. Though it protects our computers from virus attacks, it will stop your iTunes process mistakenly. Hence, you can shut down your antivirus program temporarily, or update your antivirus program to the latest version.

Fix 3. Update Your iTunes

Using an outdated iTunes will cause various various problems, including iTunes error 0x80090302. You can update your iTunes to the latest version to solve this problem. Click the Help tag, and hit the Check for Update to get the latest iOS version. Or you can go to the Apple website to get a new iTunes installer.

Fix 4. Delete Corrupted IPSW Firmware Files

iTunes may be trying to use a damaged or incomplete firmware file, causing error 0x80090302.

Find and delete the IPSW folder:

Windows Path:

C:\Users\ <yourusername>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

Mac Path:

~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates

After deleting, restart iTunes and let it re-download the firmware.

Fix 5. Change a Workable Cable

A broken lightning cable can be the main reason why you met iTunes error 0x80090302. In fact, the Apple official cable usually comes with an MFi - stands for Make For iPhone - certification. A piratic cable will hurt your phone and cause disturbing problems while using it.

Fix 6. Reinstall iTunes

In addition, if there are settings wrong on your iTunes, you can uninstall your iTunes and install it again. It is also an effective way to fix iTunes error 0x80090302. You can uninstall iTunes in Control Panel, find Programs and Features and uninstall iTunes. After the uninstallation, go to the Apple website to download iTunes and install it again.

Part 4. Summary

Though iTunes error 0x80090302 is not a serious problem, it still brings trouble to iOS users. In this post, I list out 5 useful and efficient ways that can help you get out from under. To sum up, TunesKit iOS System Recovery is the most recommended one. As a dedicated and professional iOS fixing tool, what it can do is not only fixing the iTunes error, but it can also fix iPhone restore from iCloud stuck, iPhone can't hear caller problem, or iPhone stuck on Hello screen.