OS X: iTunes could not contact the iPhone software update server
So, I just wanted to restore my iPhone with iTunes 11 on OS X 10.8.3. But all I got was:
iTunes could not contact the iPhone software update server because you’re not connected to the Internet.
Well, thanks iTunes for being so confident, but I was pretty sure I was connected to the Internet. So after trying several things for several minutes I found a fix. Here’s how: Open ‘System Preferences’, click ‘Network’, select your network interface and click ‘Advanced…’. Switch to the ‘Proxies’ tab and tick the box labelled ‘Auto Proxy Discovery’. Confirm with OK and enjoy your iPhone restore/update process mysteriously happen.

thanks man.
Thanks – I never would have thought of that but it worked like a charm!!!! 😀
Yes it works, thx
Worked great. Thanks for posting this info.
Best recommendation yet. This worked and only took 1 minute to fix. Thanks.
I had my doubts, but sure enough, it worked. thanks.
Thanks so much, that problem has been bugging me for weeks and this is the only place I’ve found an answer!
Thank you! I have no idea why this suddenly happened, but this saved me lots of time.
Worked like a charm on my Mac (updating to IOS 8.3.)
I don’t have “Auto proxy discovery” in the proxies tab to check. what do I do?
OMGGGGG i spent the whole day looking for a soloution and this worked. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCCHHHH
This didn’t work for me – but something else did work: remove obsolete root certificates. I found that here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7040148
Genius! Thanks…
I’m sorry, I’m unclear as to where “system preferences” (the first step) is even located. Can anyone help me out?
I thought it was me and I;m not computer stupid! WORKED PERFECTLY! THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank you!! This has been driving me CRAZY!!!