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The iTunes 3259 error is due to your computer’s inability to connect to the iTunes Store / downloads server. In order to solve the possible problems of this error, it is strongly recommended to solve the different problems that the iTunes application could have, which can be done by cleaning the different parts of the iTunes program, then making sure that Windows is able to work smoother again as a result. Error 3259 will usually indicate in this format:
- “iTunes could not connect to the Store. An unknown error occurred (3259). Make sure your network connection is active and try again. “
- “An error occurred while downloading your music (3259)”
- When you try to download purchased music, the 3259 error message appears in iTunes.
- When attempting to connect to the iTunes Store, getting the error message 3259
Symptoms for iTunes Error 3259
How do you know that you are experiencing iTunes error 3259? The answer is simple – iTunes will get to notify you. Hence, we’ve listed some common iTunes notifications when error 3259 occurred:
- “iTunes could not connect to the App Store. An unknown error occurred (error 3259). Make sure your network connection is active and try again”
- “There was an error downloading your music (error 3259)”
- “Cannot connect to iTunes Store. An unknown error has occurred”
On the other hand, the major reason for iTunes Error 3259 is due to problems with iTunes download center. Another reason for this error is ‘incorrect settings in Windows OS’.
Causes of iTunes Error 3259
Typically, the iTunes 3259 error occurs when security software installed on your computer conflicts with iTunes, such as by connecting to the iTunes Store or synchronizing with an iPhone or iPod. There are dozens (probably hundreds) of security programs and one of them could theoretically interfere with iTunes. It is therefore difficult to isolate programs or features that are problematic. One culprit, however, is a firewall that blocks connections to iTunes servers.
How to Fix iTunes Error 3259 ?
Solution 1: Update Your iTunes to the Latest Version
When last did you update your iTunes? If you’ve not recently updated your iTunes, then using an obsolete version of iTunes may be the cause of Error 3259. Here is how to update your iTunes to the latest version:
Step 1: Launch iTunes.
Step 2: Go to the menu bar and click Help > Check for Updates.
Step 3: Follow the easy prompts to install the latest version of iTunes.
Solution 2: Uninstall and Re-install iTunes
If updating to the latest version of iTunes has not stopped the 3259 error notification, uninstalling iTunes and reinstalling its latest version may help resolve the iTunes error 3259 that you are facing. The steps listed below consist of two parts: the first part explains how to uninstall iTunes, while the second part explains how to install the latest version of iTunes.
Uninstalling iTunes: Go to your Windows’ Control Panel and uninstall iTunes with the following components in this order:
- iTunes,
- Apple Software Update,
- Apple Mobile Device Support,
- Bonjour,
- Apple Application Support 32-bit,
- Apple Application Support 64-bit.
Check to know whether iTunes installed two versions of any of the programs. If it did, do uninstall all of them before restarting your PC.
Installing Latest Version of iTunes: Download and install the latest version of iTunes for PC here. Try downloading your songs again with iTunes to see if the iTunes Error 3259 persists.
Solution 3: Allow iTunes in Your Windows Firewall
When Windows Firewall is enabled, it prevents iTunes from accessing network connection unless iTunes is listed as an exception. Here is how to allow iTunes in Windows Firewall:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, and click on the Search icon and in the search field enter “firewall.cpl.
Step 2: click “firewall.cpl” > “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” > “Change Settings”.
Step 3: Check to see if iTunes is selected for both private and public network, and Bonjour selected for the private network only.
Step 4: If iTunes and Bonjour are not listed, then go to C:/Program Files/iTunes/ or C:/Program Files/Bonjour/ for iTunes and Bonjour respectively. Then open the files, and click “Add” in the Add an app window.
Step 5: Once they have been added, you can now click OK on the Allowed app window.
Step 6: iTunes is now allowed, and you can close the Windows Firewall.
Solution 4: Disable Windows Firewall and Antivirus
Oftentimes, disabling your Windows firewall and Antivirus would help to cease the iTunes Error 3259 that follows. Here are steps to disabling Windows firewalls and Antivirus:
Step 1: Open your Window’s Control Panel, and click System and Security > Windows Firewall.
Step 2: Disable Windows Firewall by clicking “Turn Windows Firewall off”.
Step 3: Click “OK”.
You can enable your antivirus when iTunes is running well again.
