Error 0xE8000063 on iPhone: Causes and Quick Fix

What Error 0xE8000063 Means

Error 0xE8000063 appears when attempting to connect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to a computer via iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and newer). Symptoms include:

• iTunes/Finder does not recognize the device or shows the message "Cannot connect to device."
• The iTunes log displays the code 0xE8000063.
• Synchronization, backup, or restoration via computer is impossible.

Typically, the error is related to a disruption in the trusted connection authentication process between the device and the computer. This is not a hardware failure—the issue is resolved through software methods.

Causes

1. Trust Relationship Failure. When connecting an iPhone to a new computer for the first time, a "Trust This Computer?" prompt appears. If this process is interrupted (e.g., due to an iTunes crash), the trust relationship can become corrupted.
2. Outdated Software. On Windows—outdated iTunes; on Mac—an old macOS version. iTunes and Finder require up-to-date components to exchange data with iOS.
3. Cable or USB Port Issues. Non-original cables, damaged wires, or faulty ports disrupt data transfer.
4. Conflict with Other Software. Antivirus programs, system cleaning utilities, or outdated Apple Mobile Device Support drivers may block the connection.
5. Network Settings Reset on iPhone. If the user reset network settings (Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings), this can affect trusted relationships.

Solutions

Solution 1: Basic Connection Diagnostics

The problem is often resolved with simple steps:

1. Use an original Apple cable. If the cable is third-party or damaged, replace it with an MFi-certified one.
2. Connect to a different USB port, preferably directly on the motherboard (not through a USB hub).
3. Restart both devices:
   • On iPhone: Press and hold the power button and volume down until the slider appears, power off, then turn on after 10 seconds.
   • On the computer: Perform a full restart (not just logging out).
4. After restarting, open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS), connect the iPhone, and tap "Trust" on the device screen if the prompt appears.

Solution 2: Update iTunes and macOS

Outdated software is one of the main causes of error 0xE8000063, especially after an iOS update.

For Windows:

1. Open iTunes, select Help → Check for Updates. If a new version is available, install it.
2. Alternatively, download the latest version from the official Apple website.
3. Restart the computer after installation.

For macOS:

1. Open App Store → Updates and install all available system updates.
2. Also update iTunes through the same updates (in older macOS versions, iTunes is included with the system).
3. Restart the Mac.

Solution 3: Reset Trust Relationships on iPhone

This is the most effective solution for error 0xE8000063. It does not delete personal data; it only clears the list of trusted computers.

1. On the iPhone, go to Settings → General → Reset.
2. Select Reset Trust Settings.
3. Enter the device passcode if prompted and confirm the reset.
4. After resetting, connect the iPhone to the computer. The "Trust This Computer?" dialog will appear on the device—tap "Trust".
5. The device should now be recognized normally in iTunes/Finder.

⚠️ Important: After resetting trust settings, you will need to re-confirm trust on every computer you connect the iPhone to.

Solution 4: Reinstall Apple Components (Windows) or Reset SMC (Mac)

If the previous steps did not help, system Apple components may be corrupted.

For Windows:

1. Close iTunes.
2. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
3. Find and uninstall:
   • iTunes
   • Apple Mobile Device Support
   • Apple Application Support (32-bit and 64-bit, if present)
   • Bonjour
4. Restart the computer.
5. Download and install the latest iTunes version from Apple's website—the installer will automatically add all necessary components.
6. Connect the iPhone and check.

For macOS: If the error persists on a Mac, perform an SMC (System Management Controller) and NVRAM reset:

• SMC Reset (for Intel-based Macs): Shut down the Mac, press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard + the power button for 10 seconds, release, then turn on.
• NVRAM Reset: Shut down the Mac, turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds. After the resets, reconnect the iPhone.

Prevention

To avoid recurrence of error 0xE8000063:

• Regularly update iTunes (Windows) and macOS (Mac). Enable automatic updates.
• Use only original or MFi-certified cables. Cheap cables often cause failures.
• Do not manually change date and time on iPhone. Incorrect time settings can disrupt SSL connections.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks when connecting to iTunes—they sometimes block service ports.
• Do not install unofficial programs that modify Apple system drivers (e.g., third-party backup utilities that operate without iTunes).