No one enjoys getting error messages while using their devices, but they’re almost a given. If you get iTunes error 3259 on your device, it usually gives ideas as to why it’s showing up. The messages you get can include “iTunes could not connect to the Store. An unknown error occurred (-3259). Make sure your network connection is active and try again.”
It can also display messages like “can’t connect to the iTunes Store. An unknown error has occurred”, or “there was an error downloading your music (-3259)”.
While all these don’t necessarily explain what’s going on, there are some known causes of the error. It happens when there’s a conflict between iTunes and the security software (like firewall) installed in your computer, so it can’t sync with your iOS device or connect to iTunes Store.
Computers running iTunes can be hit with error 3259, whether it runs Windows or macOS, with the right or wrong software combination. Try a few of the fixes below to fix the error and get back to enjoying iTunes.
Fix iTunes Error 3259
Quick checks
- Ensure your computer’s time, date and timezone settings are correct. iTunes usually checks such information so it can cause problems like the iTunes error 3259.
- Log in via your admin account to change settings and install software.
- Check that you have the latest iTunes software version compatible with your Mac or PC as each new version comes with critical patches or bug fixes and updates
- Run the latest version of your computer’s operating system for macOS or Windows, whichever works with your computer. You can also update your PC or Mac
- Check that your computer’s security software is the latest version. This includes the firewall or antivirus, and update to the latest if it’s outdated or expired
- Confirm your network connection or WiFi is working as it should
Check your hosts files
This is done to ensure the connection to Apple servers is clear and not blocked. This is a bit technical but you can ask someone more tech-savvy to do it.
Disable or uninstall security software
You can test each security program – antivirus or firewall – to isolate the problematic one. If more than one security package is installed, disable or remove all of them. If the security software is off and error 3259 disappears, you can do the following:
- Turn off firewall
- Check for the list of ports and services Apple requires for iTunes
- Add rules to your firewall’s configuration that’ll allow connections to them
Contact Apple
If none of the above fixes help, contact Apple for expert assistance.
Elsie is a tech writer with 8+ years professional experience. For Tech News Watch, she brings rich experience contributing to topics such as Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS among others. In her spare time, she loves checking out the latest tech trends, gadgets, and news, listening to music and cars.
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