How to Fix iTunes Error 42408

With the release of macOS Big Sur, Apple has ditched iTunes and introduced Apple Music instead. While some Mac users welcomed the idea of a new media player, the majority of them are not so keen to replace their favorite media player on Mac. This is also one of the reasons why some Mac users are hesitant to upgrade to Big Sur.

iTunes was released more than 19 years ago, and it is still the go-to media player for most Mac users. Aside from Mac, iTunes is also available on Windows computers. iTunes allows you to manage all your media files (music, videos, and podcasts) in one place. Most importantly, iTunes is the main playback app on Apple devices.

You can also sync your iTunes library across various devices. For example, you can import your songs and videos from your iPhone to your Mac. You can also purchase music, albums, and titles from the iTunes store. And you can access them on your devices, as long as you are signed into that iTunes account.

But sometimes the error 42408 appears when Mac users are trying to launch iTunes on their Macs. If you’re one of the unlucky ones, then this guide would provide you more information about this error and what you can do about it.

What is iTunes Error 42408?

The iTunes error 42408 usually appears whenever you try to download your purchases from the iTunes Store or when you authorize those purchases on your Mac.

Here is the error message you might encounter when this error happens:

We could not complete your iTunes Store request. An unknown error occurred (-43408).
There was an error in the iTunes Store. Please try again later.

Now, the user has no other option but to click the OK button, which simply closes the message dialog. And even if they try to perform the same action again and again, the error message just keeps coming back.

This error is quite annoying, especially if you have already been billed for your purchase but can’t download the content that you bought. If not resolved, your purchase will be for naught and you just wasted money on a song or album that you can’t enjoy.

Fortunately, this error is not that difficult to deal with. But before we tackle the workarounds to this error, let’s find out first what triggers it in the first place.

What Causes iTunes Error 42408?

The iTunes error 42408 is usually caused by corrupted files on your iTunes app that is triggering the authorization error on your Mac. It can also appear due to outdated permissions of your iTunes account, preventing you from making a purchase or downloading purchased content.

An outdated iTunes may also lead to the occurrence of this issue. Even though Apple has discontinued iTunes in macOS Big Sur, it still provides support to older macOS that runs this app.

You should also double check your iTunes login details. Make sure your username and password are correct when you make a purchase. Entering incorrect details would mean you won’t be able to access the iTunes Store.

Another factor that you should look into is your internet connection. If the purchase was interrupted by a poor internet connection, then the purchase won’t push through. It is also possible that your firewall or antivirus is preventing the download of your purchased content.

Finding out the cause of the error can help a lot in the resolution of this error. But if you’re not sure what’s causing it, then you can refer to steps below to help you.

What to Do About iTunes Error 42408?

If you are having trouble downloading or purchasing content from the iTunes Store due to any of the causes listed above, these are the initial steps you need to take:

• Try purchasing or downloading the content using another device. This should rule out the possibility of an account-related error. If you’re able to download it on another device, then your Mac is the problem.
• Check your internet connection. It would be better if you can switch to a different network to make sure you get a stable connection.
• Delete corrupted files using a Mac cleaner.
• Log out of your iTunes account, then log back in.
• Turn off your firewall and antivirus temporarily while fixing this error. Don’t forget to turn it back on after everything.
• Reboot your Mac, then launch iTunes once again.

Should the above steps fail to resolve the error, you can check out the solutions here:

Fix #1: Disable Automatic Syncing.

If your Mac is configured to sync iTunes automatically, then whatever you purchase on your other devices will also be downloaded on your computer. If you get this error every time you download purchased content, then it is advisable to turn off the automatic syncing feature. To do this:

1. Disconnect your other devices that are connected to your Mac.
2. Open iTunes, then from the top menu, click iTunes Preferences > Devices.
3. Tick off Prevent iPods from syncing automatically.
4. Connect your Apple devices once again to test the issue.

Fix #2: Reset Safari’s Cache.

According to some Mac users who encountered this error, resetting the Safari browser’s cache seems to have an effect on iTunes. To try this solution, follow the steps below:

1. Quit iTunes completely and then launch the Safari browser.
2. Click on the Safari menu bar, click on Empty Cache.
3. Once done, close Safari and open iTunes once.
4. Try to do what you were doing when the error happened to see if it has been resolved.

Fix #3: Delete Your iTunes Preferences.

If the issue is being caused by corrupted preferences related to the iTunes app, then resetting it should easily fix the problem. To reset the iTunes preference or plist file, follow the instructions below:

1. In Finder, click Go, then press the Option key to reveal the Library folder.
2. Click on the Library folder, then open Preferences.
3. Inside the folder, look for any files with iTunes in their name, then drag them to the Desktop.
4. Open the iTunes app again and try to do what you were doing to check if the error has been fixed.
5. If the error is gone, select all the plist files you moved from the Preferences folder to your Desktop, then drag them all to the Trash.
6. But if this step did not work, you can move them back to the Preferences folder and try the next step.

Fix #4: Create a New User.

If you’re having a problem authorizing the purchase on your Mac’s iTunes, you can create a new user and use it instead. To do this:

1. Close iTunes and go to Apple menu > System Preferences.
2. Click on Accounts and create a new user.
3. Make sure to assign Admin privileges.
4. Log into your new account and launch iTunes.
5. Check if the issue has been resolved by trying to download or purchase from iTunes.

Wrapping Up

Not being able to sync your iTunes library can be a pain. If you’re getting the error 42408 when downloading or purchasing content from iTunes, the fixes above should help you get over this problem easily.