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iTunes for Windows and Finder for Mac are similar utilities that Apple brings to iPad/iPhone users for device management. However, they are not always in the groove. Somehow you may run into hiccups like an iPad/iPhone Error 9, which says "the iPad/iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (9)." Just don't panic when this iTunes Error 9 showed up. This guide covers what it is and 9 methods to get it solved. Now, let's kick in and look for the optimal solution here.
What is iPad/iTunes/iPhone Error 9
Before we explore the in-depth solutions to resolve iPhone/iPad Error 9 on iTunes/Finder, you may be wondering what this iTunes Restore Error 9 refers to. Is it similar to Error 4013/4014? Hence, let's start with a brief introduction to this problem.
💡 If you are eager to resolve the iPhone/iPad Error 9 issue, you can proceed directly to:
iTunes Error 9 Trigger Reasons
Briefly, iTunes Error 9 is often associated with connection issues between your device and Apple servers, resulting in unexpected disconnections and interruptions during the update or restoration process. It can be triggered by several reasons, including:
- Hardware problems, such as a faulty USB cable or charging port.
- Connectivity issues during the update or restore process.
- Interference from security software.
- Using an outdated version of iTunes.
- Failure in verifying the firmware being installed.
- Conflicts with other software on the computer.
Possible Symptoms and Prompts
If you are unsure whether you are encountering the iPhone/iPad Error 9 issue, you can refer to the following common symptoms and prompts:
- Syncing timeout during iTunes sync.
- Unknown error pop-up during syncing.
- Error codes like 9 or 2001-2011 during updates/restorations.
- Your iOS device is not operating at its full capacity and requires more power.
- Your device's performance improves with higher-rated USB ports (e.g., 2.0 to 3.0).
Now that you have a clear understanding of the trigger reasons, symptoms, and prompts of iTunes Error 9, let's now focus on finding effective solutions to resolve the issue.
🔥Quickest Way to Fix iPhone or iPad Could not be Restored
Passvers iOS System Recovery is an expert that specializes in all kinds of iOS/iTunes issues like the iPhone/iPad Error 9. It offers 3 modes including Free Quick Fix, Standard Mode, and Advanced Mode which allow you to go fast for free or go deeper for a high success rate. If your iPhone/iPad could not be restored via iTunes, this software will be an intuitive practice to try out.
Key Features of Passvers iOS System Recovery:
- Swift: Resolve the iPhone/iPad Error 9 issue in minutes even without a password.
- Intuitive: Easy-to-follow instructions for a straightforward operation.
- Data-preserving: Repair your device without the risk of data loss.
- High Success Rate: Successfully fix any iPhone/iPad/iTunes errors with ease.
- Extensive Compatibility: Support from former to latest iPhone 15/iPad Pro/Air/mini.
💡 Note:
Using Advanced Mode may result in data loss, so it's important to back up your data beforehand.
1. Fix iPhone/iPad Error 9 with Passvers iOS System Recovery
You don't need any technique or expertise, just follow the instructions to restore iPhone/iPad without iTunes and avoid the iTunes Restore Error 9 issue.
Step 1. Download and install Passvers iOS System Recovery on your desktop. Then, launch the program and click on "Start".
Step 2. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone/iPad, which is experiencing iTunes Error 9, to your computer.
If Passvers iOS System Recovery detects your device automatically, simply click on the "Free Quick Fix" option displayed in the middle of the screen to begin the repair process. However, if your device is not detected automatically, select the "Standard Mode" (or if needed, the "Advanced Mode") and click "Confirm" to initiate the repair.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter Recovery Mode on your iPhone/iPad.
Step 4. In this step, it will automatically identify your iPhone/iPad and offer the appropriate firmware package for your device. If the automatic detection fails, you can manually choose the firmware package that matches your iOS model. Once you have made the selection, click "Next" to begin downloading the firmware.
Step 5. After the download, the repair process will start automatically fixing the iPhone/iPad Error 9 problem. Please wait patiently for a few minutes. Once the repair is completed, the issue of your device's "could not be restored error 9" should be resolved.
Hardware Solutions for iPad/iPhone Error 9
If you consider the error probably comes from hardware issues, this part will tell you the solutions. Hardware issues primarily revolve around USB connections, including cables, ports, computers, and the iPhone/iPad itself. When the USB connection is disabled or loose, it can trigger iTunes Error 9 when attempting to restore or update iOS on your iPhone/iPad. You can try the following methods:
2. Check and Change Cable or USB Ports
If you're using an unqualified USB cable or a stained cable, this is highly likely to lead to the iPad/iPhone Error 9 issue. Therefore, you should make sure you're using an included USB cable or a qualified one to connect your iOS device to the computer. Moreover, see whether both ends or the ports are covered by dust or stains. If yes, please clean up the cable and the port in the first place. Then, establish a fresh connection again.
3. Restore iPhone/iPad with Another Computer
If your computer's processor has glitches, it may fail to restore your iPhone/iPad and thus prompt the iTunes Restore Error 9 code. This could caused by either hardware or software issues. Otherwise, the binary code in your registry may be altered somehow. Therefore, the easiest practice is to use another computer to perform an upgrade instead.
4. Reboot iOS device to Fix iTunes Error 9
Rebooting your iOS device can help resolve temporary software glitches and refresh system processes, which may also help in resolving iPad/iPhone Error 9. The method for rebooting your device may vary depending on the model. You can refer to the information below to correctly reboot your device:
| Model | Instructions |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 | Quickly press and release the Volume Up button and then the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple Logo. |
| iPhone 7 Series | Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button until you see the Apple Logo. |
| iPhone 6, iPhone SE(1st generation) and former | Press and hold the Top/Side button and the Home button until you see the Apple Logo. |
| Model | Instructions |
|---|---|
| iPads with a Home button | Quickly press and release the Volume button located near the top button. Then, press and release the Volume button located farthest from the top button. Finally, hold the Top button until the iPad restarts. |
| iPads without a Home button | Quickly press and release the Volume Up button and then the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple Logo. |
💡Note:
Please perform the corresponding reboot operation based on your device's specific model. If you are unsure about your device model, you can refer to identify your iPhone model or identify your iPad model for more information.
Software Solutions for iPhone/iTunes Error 9
In general, the professional tool we introduced in the second part, Passvers iOS System Recovery, can efficiently and quickly resolve the majority of software problems related to iTunes Error 9. But if you prefer to do troubleshooting manually, you can also follow the instructions below.
5. Reset the Network Settings
Sometimes, incorrect network configurations can lead to iPad/iPhone Error 9 on iTunes. You can follow the steps below to check and reconfigure your network:
Step 1. Open the Settings page on your iPhone/iPad and click "General".
Step 2. Scroll down the page and click "Transfer or Reset iPhone".
Step 3. Click "Reset" at the bottom of the page.
Step 4. Click "Reset Network Settings" to begin resetting your network.
6. Check for Installed Apps Update
Outdated apps can sometimes interfere with iPhone/iPad updates or restores, leading to the iTunes Restore Error 9. To address this issue, please follow the steps below to update your apps:
Step 1. Open the App Store of your iPhone/iPad and click "Profile"(or your icon) in the top right corner.
Step 2. Scroll down to find all available application updates and proceed with installing the new updates.
7. Update iTunes to the Apple Devices App
One possible reason is that your iTunes version is far from latest so that you can try to update it to try to solve the error.
Now there is a piece of news for you: Apple has introduced 3 new apps for Windows users that can replace iTunes functions, including Apple TV, Apple Music App and Apple Devices. Among them, the Apple Devices app works as iTunes. Therefore, you can directly download the 3 apps to help you restore, back up, and update your iOS devices. Pay attention that whichever you want to use, you have to download all the 3 apps to activate each of them.
But of course, iTunes is now still available on Windows, so you can choose to use iTunes as usual. Then Follow the steps below to update iTunes:
Step 1. Open iTunes on your computer.
Step 2. This step slightly differs for PC and Mac users:
- For Windows users: click the "Help" menu at the top of the iTunes window.
- For Mac users: click the "iTunes" menu at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the latest version of iTunes.
💡 Note:
Beginning with macOS Catalina (10.15), Apple no longer supports the iTunes app, so you won't find iTunes on your Mac anymore. That means if you're dealing with iTunes Error 9 on Mac, things will become more difficult. One practical option is to use a professional third-party tool like Passvers iOS System Recovery which can help you resolve the issue effectively.
8. Check Security/ Anti-virus / Firewall Settings on Computer
It is also worth checking your security software, anti-virus, and firewall settings when you are encountering iTunes Error 9 because these settings can sometimes interfere with the iTunes restore process. The 3 steps below can help you to check and adjust the settings on your computer:
Step 1. Open your Antivirus software and navigate to its Settings. Look for an option to disable or turn it off temporarily.
Step 2. Disable the Firewall by following these steps:
For Windows users:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click "System and Security" > "Windows Firewall".
- On the left side, click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off".
- Select "Turn off Windows Firewall(not recommend)" in both the "Private network settings" and "Public network settings" sections.
For Mac users:
- Open the System Settings or System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Click "Network" > "Firewall".
- Turn off the Firewall.
Step 3. Check whether the iPhone/iPad Error 9 has been resolved or not.
By performing these steps, you can temporarily disable your Antivirus software and Firewall to eliminate possible interference that may cause iTunes Error 9. After verifying, you can turn them on again.
9. Fix iTunes Error 9 with System Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode is also a common method to fix the "iPhone/iPad could not be restored" error 9. We will now provide you with detailed steps. However, please note that using recovery mode may result in data loss. Therefore, if necessary, please ensure that you have backed up your data before proceeding with the repair.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer (Windows or Mac) using a USB cable. Then, open the latest version of iTunes (for Windows and macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) on your computer.
Step 2. Put your iPhone/iPad into Recovery Mode.
Step 3. After your computer successfully detects your device, you should see options for either "Restore" or "Update". Click "Update", and your computer will attempt to reinstall the software.
Step 4. Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone/iPad will restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device again.
💡 Note:
If you get stuck on Apple Logo while fixing iTunes Error 9 with Recovery Mode, you may need help to solve the white Apple logo screen of death problem.
Conclusion
Depending on hardware or software causes, there are different ways to fix iPad/iPhone Error 9 on iTunes. You may try first to change a USB cable, use another computer, or hard reboot your device to exclude possible hardware issues. If you want to quickly solve iOS/iTunes issues, Passvers iOS System Recovery offers a free fix to troubleshoot iTunes Error 9 for free without data loss. Now, why not give it a shot and you'll see.