"Today, my phone crashed entirely and alternates between the white Apple logo, a black screen, and the Recovery screen. When I connect to iTunes, I select Update, and it goes partway through before it comes up with an Error 27. Apple support so far hasn't had any advice aside from what is already online, and so they are advising a reset. Does anyone have any advice? I'm desperate to get something sorted out if possible."
- from Apple Community
When using iTunes to update or restore your iPhone, you may suddenly encounter the iPhone/iTunes error 27 message. This error typically causes the restoration or upgrade process to be abruptly interrupted, which can be quite frustrating. Don't worry, iPhone/iTunes error 27 is not an unsolvable problem. This article will explain the common causes of iPhone/iTunes error 27 and learn how to fix iPhone/iTunes error 27, helping you successfully restore your device to normal operation.
Before understanding how to fix iPhone/iTunes error 27, it's helpful to identify its possible causes, which can help you troubleshoot the issue more quickly. Here are the possible reasons for encountering iTunes/iPhone error 27:
* Outdated or corrupted iTunes version.
* Abnormalities in the computer's system or drivers.
* Unstable USB cable or port.
* Incomplete or corrupted iOS firmware download.
* Interference from third-party security software or firewall.
* Corrupted iPhone system files.
This section introduces six effective solutions to help you fix iPhone error 27. It is recommended to try them in order.
One of the most common yet often overlooked causes of iTunes error 27 is an unstable USB connection. If the data transfer between your iPhone and computer is interrupted during the restore or update process, iTunes may fail and display error 27. To avoid this, ensure that your physical connection is stable before making any system-level changes.
Always use an original Apple USB cable, connect it directly to the computer (avoiding USB hubs), and check the cable for any visible damage or loose connectors. If necessary, try a different USB port and reopen iTunes to attempt the restore or update again.

Antivirus programs, firewalls, and VPNs can sometimes block iTunes from accessing Apple servers. When this happens, iTunes may fail to verify or download firmware files, leading to iPhone error 27. Temporarily disabling these tools can help determine whether they are causing the issue.
Using an outdated version of iTunes is another common cause of iTunes error 27. Older versions may not fully support the latest iOS firmware, resulting in restore failures. Ensuring that iTunes is up to date improves compatibility and stability.
Here is how to update iTunes:
Step 1. Open iTunes on your computer.
Step 2. Click "Help" > "Check for Updates".
Step 3. Install the latest version available.
Step 4. Restart your computer and try the restore process again.

You can also put your iPhone into DFU mode to fix iTunes error 27. Before enabling the DFU Mode to fix the iPhone error 27 issue, please note that it will erase all data on your device. So it is kindly suggested to make a backup at ordinary times in case of data loss. (How to back up an iPhone to a computer?)
Here is how to fix iPhone error 27 using DFU mode:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.
Step 2. Enter DFU mode according to your device model.
For iPhone 8 and later models:

Step 3. The screen should remain black, and iTunes will prompt that an iPhone in recovery mode has been detected.
Step 4. Click "Restore iPhone" and wait for the restore process to complete.
If the above methods cannot solve the problem, it may indicate that the iPhone system itself is damaged. In this case, using a professional iPhone system repair tool is a more efficient and safe solution. iOS System Recovery is such a tool. It can fix almost all types of system issues on iPhone/iPad/iPod, including iPhone error 27, iPhone stuck in recovery mode, iPhone displaying the Apple logo, etc., without data loss.
Main features of iOS System Recovery:
How do I fix iPhone/iTunes error 27 without data loss?
01Run the software on your computer and connect your iPhone to the PC via a USB cable. Select "More tool" > "iOS System Recovery" when you get the main interface of the program.

02After that, the software might automatically detect your iPhone and show the problem that your iPhone has. Just click the "Start" button to go on.

03Then you will be asked to confirm the iPhone information. If the information is right, just click the "Repair" button to begin the fixing process. If not, just manually select the exact information and then click the "Repair" button.

If all other solutions fail, resetting your iPhone to factory settings can eliminate persistent system errors that cause iTunes Error 27. This should be considered a last resort, as it removes all data from the device.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. On your iPhone, go to "Settings" > "General".
Step 2. Tap "Transfer or Reset iPhone".
Step 3. Select "Erase All Content and Settings". (iPhone won't erase?)
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

iPhone error 27 may seem tricky, but with the right approach, it can be fully fixed. If you're looking for a safe, efficient, and data-friendly solution, iOS System Recovery stands out as the best option. It minimizes risk, saves time, and resolves error 27 without unnecessary data loss.
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