Fix- iTunes Error 9 When Updating/ Upgrading Your iPhone or iPad

Unlike iTunes error 3194 or error 9006, error 54, iTunes Error 9 is not a very common error code. But when it hits, whatever you were trying to do is stopped. In most cases, Error 9 comes up when you are trying to upgrade/update your firmware.

Like most error codes, there are a variety of fixes for iTunes error 9. What may work for someone might not work for you. What you’ll need to do is try out all the possibilities.

When you ever meet "The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred(9)". This is the iTunes Error 9 (iPhone Error 9). Don't worry about this itunes error, this blog will show you several solutions to fix error 9 and one of the solution will definitely work for your error.

What is the iTunes Error 9 (iPhone Error 9)

iTunes Error 9 is noted to be not as common or frequent than other errors such as Error 3149, 4013, 54, 3600, 9006 and the like. The problem, however, is that when it strikes, it strikes quite hard. The time it ‘strikes’ is mainly during updating or restoring your iOS device.

The Cause of iTunes error 9

A jailbroken iPhone can trigger iTunes error 9 and comes under one of the main causes behind the issue. Also, probably the error occurs due to corrupted network settings or you have defective USB cables and ports. Another reason due to which this error can occur is when security software or firewall doesn’t let the iTunes visit the Apple severs. In simple words, the error can come when security software doesn’t allow access to the Apple servers. Scroll down and keep reading to get the compete solution for your iphone error 9 (itunes error 9) or you can call on 1888-588-7141 for instant itunes support.

Other factors that can trigger error 9 to halt the restore or update process on your iPhone would include the following:

• Security software preventing access to the Apple servers.
• Firewall blocking access to the Apple servers.
• Network settings are corrupted.
• Jailbroken iPhone.
• Network database on the computer that was previously used to hack or jailbreak other iOS device and was corrupted.
  
  

Now that we see what the causes are, we can note that both software and hardware are the possible culprits for the error’s occurrence. With this, we can now go into actually fixing the problem.

Several Ways to Fix iTunes Error 9 When Updating to iOS

Here are a few working solutions recommended by other iPhone users who have encountered the same iTunes restore error. These are suggestions posted on relevant forums in response to iPhone owners having problems restoring and updating iPhones and prompted with this error 9 on iTunes.

Method 1: Hard Resetting Your iOS Device to Fix iTunes Error 9

Sometimes, a simple reset is all that is needed for the software to refresh and adjust itself. We will start you off with this easy method first.

Resetting your iOS device (Older Models: iPhone 6s or earlier, or iPad)

• Press and hold the Power Button and the Home Button on your iPhone, iPod or iPad.
• Hold down both buttons for 10 seconds and release once you notice the white Apple logo appear.
• Proceed to charge your iOS device and check if the error still exists.
  
  

Resetting your iOS device (iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus)

• Press and hold the Power Button and the Volume Down button on your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus.
• Hold down both buttons for 10 seconds and release once you notice the white Apple logo appear.
• Proceed to charge your iPhone and check if the error still exists.
  
  

Reset your iPhone X or iPhone 8:

• Quickly Click and release the Volume Up button on your left.
• Quickly click and release the Volume Down button on your left.
• Press and hold the Side button (sleep/wake, on/off) on your right. Even after the Shut Down screen shows up. (iOS 11.2 and later.)
  
  

Hopefully, this was all that was needed. If not, let us move on to the next methods available.

Method 2: Fixing iPhone Error 9 by Updating Your iTunes

Here we need to have your iTunes updated to the newest version. Doing this is simple.

For Mac Users

• Have iTunes up and running.
• On the menu bar click on iTunes and select check for Updates.
• Follow the procedure and wait for the update to finish.
  
  

For Windows Users

• Have iTunes up and running.
• Click on Help and select ‘Check for Updates’.
• Follow the procedure and wait for the update to finish.

Method 3: Using a Different Computer

Another good practice is to try a different computer where you can plug in your iOS device. Make sure it has iTunes and try Method 2. If this works, it means that your computer has an issue that needs to be addressed.

This could include hardware or software problems or worst case scenario, a binary code in your registry has been altered. If the latter is true, then you would perhaps need to perform a complete computer recovery.

Method 4: Checking Your USB Cable and Ports

Consider the scenario where perhaps your USB cable has become faulty through wear and tear or mishandling.

• A possibility for the Error 9 to appear is also through a sudden disconnection when it was updating.
• A simple fix for this is to try a new USB cable or one that you know currently works. Also be sure that the connection is not loose and seated in the device and the computer/laptop securely - this may have caused the interruption in the update if you did not intentionally yank the cable.
  
  

Note: Make sure that the USB cable is certified and authentic - best if it was from Apple.

Method 5: Getting into Recovery Mode to Fix iTunes Error 9

Using this option may cause data loss so it is not entirely advised, but it may just be the fix you need. It is imperative that you back up your data just in case.

Remember, if you are not comfortable with this method, you can try the final solution which is guaranteed to keep your data intact.

Also, only attempt this option if you have not seen results from Method 1 and 2.

• As seen in Method 2, update your iTunes and have it ready.
• Follow Method 1 for a reset to go into Recovery Mode.
• Plug in your device to your computer once you see the white Apple logo. Make sure your USB cable is known to work.
• Once prompted, click on Update.

Note: If the error still occurs, hard reset your iOS device again and click on ‘Restore’ this time. 

This workaround is the ‘Apple way’ of fixing Error 9, but if it still did not work, you still have plenty to choose from

Method 6: Checking Your Security Software and Firewall

If any of the above did not work, then a security software on your computer is perhaps blocking communication to Apple’s servers. A bit of investigation is needed, so please follow carefully.

• Go into your anti-virus software and check if iTunes is blocked or not included in the exceptions list.
• Go into your firewall program or for Windows users, Windows Firewall. Be sure that iTunes is on the exempted list.
• Close virtualization apps like VMWare or Parallels if you have them. This is especially noted to block USB communications if they are outdated.
• In conjunction with your software being an update, include and ensure the security software are as well.

Method 7: More Complex Solutions

These here are a mix of checks to both hardware and software. Anyone of these may be the fix required, so be sure to go through this list carefully. Note that some are user-defined solutions.

• Make sure that you are not using a third-party battery pack.
• Try to plug in headphones and then attempt to restore or update your device.
• ONLY TRY THIS IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE IN WELDING: Try using a heat gun and heat the dock connector, battery connector and other components that you may find on the circuit board of your iOS device. This will undoubtedly be the hardest fix, so only attempt this if you know how to work a heat gun.
• Go into the ‘Lockdown’ folder on your computer and completely reset it. Leave this as a last resort along with the 3rd option that was presented above. To get into this folder, please consult Apple support or iTunes support team.

We will be glad to assist you further! Should you need help resolving other problems with your iOS device, just contact to iphone support team. We would appreciate if you could give us more significant details of the problem including actions and changes you’ve made to the phone settings prior to the onset of the problem. Also indicate any error code or message prompt you see, as it can give us more hints to isolate to problem and obtain quick fixes. Also read iTunes not responding