Make sure SSL 3.0 or TLS 1.0 is enabled in Internet Options, says the company

May 21, 2013 07:51 GMT  ·  By

Apple has released documentation that details a common error encountered by iTunes users on Windows computers trying to access the iTunes Store. A fix is provided as well.

iTunes users on Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP commonly report an error when trying to connect to the iTunes Store.

Apple acknowledges this much in a Support document posted online on May 20.

“If you are unable to sign in or purchase content from the iTunes Store, you may see the following alert: ‘iTunes could not connect to the iTunes Store. A secure network connection could not be established’.”

The error dialog instructs users to make sure SSL 3.0 or TLS 1.0 is enabled in the Internet Options control panel. As soon as users make the proper adjustments, they’re instructed to try again.

Apple elaborates on the matter in what the company refers to as a “resolution” to this problem.

The Cupertino giant explains that this is not a bug, but rather an effort on Apple’s behalf to protect your privacy.

iTunes uses the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol (port 443) when you sign in, and needs the date and time, as well as other information from your computer to work properly.

When SSL doesn’t get the required information, the aforementioned error pops up. Visit Apple here for the troubleshooting steps to address “the most commonly incorrect information that SSL and the iTunes Store require.”