Top 10 Most Common iPhone Errors & Solutions (2024)

Apple iPhones and iPads have been pioneers of the technology world. Users can take advantage of a smooth and effective experience. These advanced devices are not immune to glitches. That is especially true during the restoration process. You can be frustrated by errors during the restoration process, regardless of whether you are trying to resolve a persistent issue, update your device, or retrieve lost data. We will look at the ten most typical iPhone/iPad restoration Errors in this in-depth article. We’ll address the reasons behind them and provide a fix to make sure everything goes as planned. (How to Fix iPhone Errors?)

10 Most Common iPhone iPad Restore Errors And Solutions

Top 1. IMAP Error “ Unable to move message to trash”

Unable to Move Message

The message could not be moved to the mailbox Trash.

The error usually occurs when the user attempts to delete an email from their device. It displays the following message once it appears:

Follow the below steps to resolve the issue:

• Select Settings by pressing the Home button.
• Scroll down to find the “Mail, contacts, calendars” item.
• Scroll down and find Advanced after typing in your email address.
• Scroll down to Advanced and type in the IMAP Path Prefix.
• Type INBOX in the box, either next to IMAP Path Prefix or directly after it.
• You will be able to see the issue resolved by pressing Home and reopening your email.

Top 2. “Cannot activate your iPhone now” Error

We’re sorry, we are unable to continue with your activation at this time.

Please try again later, or contact customer care.

The activation error occurs when your iPhone is locked, and you attempt to activate the SIM. This error prevents activation due to the temporarily unavailable activation server. iTunes is unable to validate your device, and the service cannot activate it.

Your request couldn’t be processed.

We’re sorry, but there was an error processing your request. Please try again later.

Follow Fix Step:

• It is recommended that if you are seeing an error for the first time, you wait a couple of minutes before you try again. Apple servers may be busy.
• The next step is to restart the unit before trying to activate it again.
• If you still have the same issue, try activating another SIM carrier to see if the SIM carrier is the cause.

Top 3. “Error 1604”

The iPhone “iPhone” could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1604).

The user will get this error when they try to restore their device after receiving an error and the phone is connected to the USB Port on the laptop.

Here are the steps you can take to resolve this problem:

• Close iTunes and disconnect your iPhone from your computer.
• You can navigate to C: Documents & Settings if you’re an XP User Apple ComputeriTunesiPhone software updates
• Use Windows 7 or Vista to navigate to Users C: Apple ComputeriTunesDevice supportAppDataRoaming
• Next, you will need to copy the Software Updates to a new location.
• Launch iTunes to start the recovery mode.
• The restoration work continues.

Top 4. “Error 23”

The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (23)

This error is usually displayed when you try to download content onto your device.

To fix the problem, follow the below steps:

• Enter the DFU Mode
• Go to Devices and click Backup and Restore. iTunes will appear in the left-hand column. Select iPhone.
• Click the iPhone while holding down the Ctrl button.
• Click on Backup in the menu that appears.
• Click on the iPhone icon under Devices and select Restore from the menu that appears.

Top 5. “Error 1002”

The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1002)

This baseband error is a sign that your radio has broken or that you need to replace the logic board.

Follow the steps to repair the damage:

• Quickwn version 2.2 must be downloaded.
• iTunes will display any errors and allow you to fix them.
• Once a prompt appears telling you to reboot your device, click on it.
• Follow the instructions after restarting your device.
• Once the Apple boot logo appears, close Quickpwn.
• If this doesn’t work, you will need to replace your main logic board.

Top 6. “Error 21”

The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (21)

The problem is caused when a device fails to meet the requirements of the new iTunes upgrade. This error occurs when there’s a technical issue.

You can eliminate the problem by following these steps:

• Press the Home and Power Key simultaneously.
• Once a notification appears, ignore it.
• If your screen turns black, it only means you’re already in DFU mode.
• Once in DFU mode, the iTunes software will automatically be disconnected from your device.
• Hold the Home key down and release the Power key.

Top 7. “Error 28”

The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (28)

If you do not repair or replace this hardware, the problem will remain. Once you have encountered the issue, the following error will appear:

Follow the steps below to fix the problem:

• At least 30 minutes, separate the logic board and the battery.
• Click on the iREB-RC3 icon and right-click.
• Click on the Recovery Mode Loop Fixer Tab and select Run as Administrator.
• Select 3GS in iREB.
• Start iTunes, press Shift + Restore, then select a customized IPSW.

Top 8. “Error 13019”

The iPhone “I’s iPhone” cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (13019).

The technical error usually occurs when a user is trying to sync their music. You will notice the following error message if you encounter this issue:

• Sync your music to your iPhone first.
• Navigate to the sync music option.
• Repeat the process of syncing.

Top 9. “Error 1600”

The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1600)

The error is usually displayed when the user attempts to restore customized firmware on their device. Once you run into this issue, the following error will appear.

Follow the steps to fix the problem now:

• Ascertain that your device has been unplugged.
• Turn off the device.
• While pressing the home button, connect the USB cable.
• Keep the button pressed until you see a cable that points to the iTunes icon.
• To find a custom IPSW, press SHIFT+Restore.

Top 10. “Error 1601”

The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1601)

The error usually occurs when a user attempts to restore a device using a customized firmware. Once it happens, you’ll see this error:

Follow the steps to fix the issue:

• Place your device into DFU mode by opening iTunes.
• Connect your device to the computer.
• Release the power button and hold down the Home and Power buttons for another 10 seconds.
• Close iTunes and open iREB on your PC.
• Choose your device, and then wait for a red or white screen to appear.
• Select your device, and then hold down the Alt/Shift key while you restart iTunes.
• Choose Restore, then release Alt/Shift and select the custom.ipsw files.

Check Article: ITunes Is Unable To Restore An IPhone Or IPad Backup?

The Bottom Line

We have listed the most common iPhone restore problems in this guide. The fixes for each of these errors have proven to be helpful to many iPhone users. Try the solutions if you have also experienced the iPhone cannot be restored issue due to any of the errors listed above. If this guide solves your issue, please share it with other iPhone users experiencing the same problem. (What is the biggest problem with iPhone?)