Fix for App Store and Passbook "Can't Connect to iTunes Store" Error - MacRumors
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Fix for App Store and Passbook "Can't Connect to iTunes Store" Error

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passbookAfter the iOS 6 update today, many have found that they've had problems connecting to the App Store. Some may have had trouble updating apps, while others are unable to view Passbook apps when connecting from the Passbook application.

One reader spotted a solution from Apple's support forums that shows how to get around the issue:

Go to Settings>General>Date and Time>Set Automatically>Off. Set the date one year ahead. Try to [update the apps again or press the button from Passbook]. If you get an error message, go back to the settings. Correct the date and time (set automatically) then go back and try [again].

After switching the date, we were able to successfully connect to the Passbook section in the App Store. A few other readers also reported success with this technique.

Top Rated Comments

182 months ago
Starbucks app still not compatible. WTF? It was one of the ones featured in the bloody keynote.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
182 months ago
Did not fix it for me.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghsDUDE Avatar
182 months ago
Boom! Finally. I guess I had to set it 2013...the year Apple may have their Maps App **** together...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
182 months ago
What a joke. I'm not setting my system date a year ahead to get Apple's fubar'd app to work properly.

I swear, Apple's QA testing team is seriously dropping the ball as of late... Their podcasting app, the wifi fiasco this morning, the inconsistently blue/black status bar at the top of the display, the sketchy AppStore revamp, Passbook, etc.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
182 months ago
worked fine for me out of the box with no need for such shanigans
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
181 months ago
I had reeeeeeally hoped (and thought) that PassBook would allow me to scan in my already existing membership cards to various grocery stores, pharmacies and my starbucks card. I am rather disappointed that this basic functionality isn't...well, functional.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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