How to Know If iTunes Is Downloading Update

iTunes is a media player, media library, Internet radio broadcaster, and mobile device management application developed by Apple Inc. It is used to purchase, download, and manage music, videos, podcasts, and other digital media files. However, sometimes users might face issues regarding updates and downloads. One such issue is with iTunes updates. Sometimes, users are confused as to whether iTunes is downloading updates or not. In this blog post, we will learn how to check if iTunes is downloading updates so that we can monitor the process effectively.

Updates are necessary for the security and stability of any application. iTunes is a vital application for iDevice users. Regular updates fix glitches, improve performance, and introduce new features. However, downloading updates is not always hassle-free. Once users trigger the update, it disappears from the forefront. Users then get confused as to whether iTunes is downloading updates or not. It’s essential to know the method to check whether the application is currently downloading updates.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Check If iTunes Is Downloading Update

The reasons for checking if iTunes is downloading updates are multiple. In this section, we will explore the most significant reasons:

• Update Status – The first and most apparent reason is to check the update status. It’s essential to know when the update is downloading, how much time it will take to complete, and how much data is remaining. The download status helps users plan the usage of their devices accordingly.
• Network Speed – Another crucial reason for checking the downloading status is to know the network’s speed. If the download speed is sub-optimal, users can troubleshoot the network for better performance.
• Prevent Interruption – Checking update status helps users prevent any interruption in the update process. In case there are any obstacles, users can take preemptive measures.

Method 1: Use iTunes

The easiest method to check if iTunes is currently downloading an update is to use iTunes itself. Here are the steps:

1. Open iTunes on your computer or laptop.
2. Check the menu bar on the upper left-hand corner and click on “iTunes.”
3. Click on the “Check for Updates” option.
4. You’ll see a message, “Checking for Updates.”
5. If “Updating iTunes” appears, this implies that your iTunes is currently downloading updates.

Pros:

• Easy to perform
• Gives you an accurate status on downloads
• Allows you to resume downloads easily if interrupted

Cons:

• Cannot check the download status in a single glance
• Cannot check the Network speed
• The checking process takes time

Method 2: Use Terminal

If you are an advanced user, you can check iTunes download status using Terminal, which is like Command Prompt or PowerShell in Windows. Here are the steps:

1. Launch Terminal by opening the Spotlight search and typing “Terminal” or searching it under the “Launchpad.”
2. Type “lsof -Pnl +M -i4 | grep LISTEN | grep 80” and hit enter, omitting the quotes.
3. You’ll see a list of processes that are listening to port 80, and one of them would say “itunescloudd” in the same line.
4. Now you’ve confirmed that iTunes is downloading updates.

Pros:

• Can be quicker for advanced users who are comfortable in Terminal
• Allows for continuous monitoring by running the command in the background
• Simple to execute

Cons:

• Can get messy with complex query output
• Terminal usage requires advanced knowledge
• Not as user-friendly as Method 1

Method 3: Check the Network Activity Monitor

You can check if iTunes is downloading updates using Network Activity Monitor, a pre-installed application. Here are the steps:

1. Launch Network Utility by opening the Spotlight Search and typing “Network Utility” or searching it under “Launchpad.”
2. Click on the “Netstat” icon, and you’ll see the network statistics.
3. Check if there is network activity related to “Apple Software Update" or "swcdn.apple.com.”
4. Now, you’ve confirmed if iTunes is currently downloading updates.

Pros:

• Useful for those who would like to check their network speed
• Allows for continuous monitoring
• Simple to use and understand

Cons:

• Cumbersome to use as it requires external software
• Shows a lot of information that may be confusing
• Not as user-friendly as Method 1

Method 4: Via Your System Preferences

You can check the update status of iTunes via your System Preferences. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the “Apple” icon on the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Select “System Preferences.”
3. Find "Software Update" and click it to open the panel.
4. You’ll see the "Checking for Updates…" message on your screen check if iTunes is downloading updates.

Pros:

• Easiest for those who use the System Preferences often
• Shows a quick overview of other updates apart from iTunes
• Real-time checking

Cons:

• Limited viewability of iTunes. It barely shows iTunes update progress, and does not include network speed listing
• User cannot resume a paused download
• Cannot check the current download speed for iTunes

What to Do If You Can’t See iTunes Downloading Updates?

If downloading updates on iTunes is troublesome for you, here are a few tips to help:

• 1. Check your internet connection – Ensure that there is a stable internet connection. Poor connectivity is the most common reason for download errors.
• 2. Check the iTunes preferences – Check if your iTunes preferences are set for download updates automatically
• 3. Force Quit iTunes – Restarting the iTunes may solve downloading errors.
• 4. Disable security software – Disabling the security software/working with the security software’s exclusions or exceptions may solve the downloading issues.
• 5. Clear iTunes Cache – Clearing iTunes cache is also an option for resolving the downloading issue.

Bonus Tips

• Tip #1: Restart your computer or laptop as it can do wonders in resolving software related issues.
• Tip #2: Clean install of iTunes solves most issues related to iTunes update.
• Tip #3: Keep iTunes up to date. Regular updates fix various bugs and glitches that the previous versions have.

5 FAQs

Q1: How do I force iTunes to update?

A: Just open iTunes and click on “Help” on the upper menu bar. Then click on “Check for Updates” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Q2: How do I stop iTunes from updating?

A: Click on iTunes, go to the upper menu bar, select “Preferences.” Choose the “Advanced” tab and uncheck the “check for new software updates automatically” option.

Q3: Why is iTunes taking so long to download on Windows?

A: Slow internet, outdated version, poor connectivity, and corrupted files are common reasons why updating iTunes on Windows takes more time than usual.

Q4: How do I know if an iTunes update isn’t genuine?

A: If an iTunes update is not genuine, it won’t install correctly, and the device’s settings will display a warning message. Install updates from Apple’s official website, and do not click on fishy notifications.

Q5: Can I use iTunes while it is downloading an update?

A: Yes, users can use iTunes while downloading updates. However, it is recommended to not use the internet for any other significant activity while using iTunes as a precaution.

Final Thoughts

Apple iTunes is a routine software update that users need to perform for stability and performance reasons. Sometimes, updates issues can cause inconvenience for the users. It is essential to know the methods to check if iTunes is currently downloading updates so that users can monitor the download process and take any preemptive actions in case of obstacles. Remember to troubleshoot possible errors, and use the bonus tips to keep your iTunes up-to-date. Checking the status of your iTunes updates helps you ensure that your iDevices are always working in the best possible way.