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How to fix iTunes error 9

I have an iPad that's stuck on the Apple logo. I tried restoring it in DFU, recovery mode, and cooked-up custom firmware, all with the same result. The screen just keeps turning on and off on the Apple logo, and can't seem to get past it. The phone just keeps throwing error 9. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. The only other thing left to do is to change the ic. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

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Error 9 is described here as the device losing its connection. Have you tried using a different connector?

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tried 2 different usb cables 2 different computers even changed the usb dock connector at first it gave error 1611 tried restore again started coming up with error 9 again. could it be a faulty dock connector flex?

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I can definately say its not the dock connector flex tried 2 brand new 1's still error 9. Am guessing it might be the ic's even tried a brand new battery still same. anyone have any ideas will be appreciated thank you

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I just went through this with my iPad. Tried a dozen times on 3 different machines but the error(9) persisted. Took it to an Apple store. They had the same result. Said it was a hardware issue. They said the the update 'revealed a hardware issue'. BULLSHIT. THE IPAD WORKED FINE BEFORE RUNNING THE UPDATE.

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Do not click ok or more information when u get the error, just wait for few minutes

The ipad wil continue to restore by itself.

Mine got restored, try it.

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The iPad in my experience is very picky about what cables it will restore with. Error 9 is almost always related to the cable, NOT the dock connector/flex cable. Use the official Apple cable if you still have it, or borrow one from a friend.

If that doesn't work, it might also have something to do with the IPSW you are trying to restore with. Try using a different IPSW or using Redsn0w to boot Pwned DFU mode and restore it like that. Error 9 can be related to the RAM disk kernel rejecting the ASR because it is not signed properly, thus breaking the connection with the device and causing error 9.

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I have used 3 different official cables still keeps throwing !@#$ error 9 gonna try changing port on logic board itself. thanks for the help anyway

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This is insane. My mother has a IPad 2 and this same thing happened when I connected to my MacBook Pro to put a book on CD onto her IPad for listening. Same thing Error 9 over and over. Spent 2 hours at Apple today for them to tell me how it's a hardware issue and when I say the IPad worked just brilliantly before the update they tried telling me that updates sometimes expose hardware issues that were always there...so they tried to talk my mom into purchasing a brand new (new version) IPad telling her that if she buys the cheaper refurbished of the IPad 2 it will only work for another year before another update crashes it. How can they get away with this?????? FRUSTRATED. FYI, my mother is elderly and knows limited English, so this was the only form of technology she was getting comfortable with...

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My iPhone6 , when i update version 8.3 to 9.2.1 ti error 9 too.

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see solution from Barry below. Works perfectly. Should be labeled as the "chosen solution".

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Mine was due to using 3rd Party cable. I use the lighting cable that comes with my iphone6 at it work like charm. Thanks for the tips

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I have an IPad 2 WiFi that worked perfectly until I tried to update from iOS 6 to iOS 9. Took the iPad to Apple Store in Reno and they were unable to update it also. They got same error code 9 as I, and I was told the update exposed hardware issues. They said maybe the unit had been exposed to moisture. They were unwilling to accept any responsibility for the issue but willing to sell me another refurbished 4 year old unit for $450.

Update (01/09/2016)

2nd post on same subject. I have now spent several weeks researching the error code 9 issue resulting from trying to update a device at iOS 4.3 level to iOS 9 level. Here is the results of my research.

There are hundreds of incidents reported on the Internet with this same problem. The root cause is Apple Computer has come up with a way to cause early obsolescence of perfectly functional products. They have taken advantage of their customers who have not updated the iOS in their products in a timely manner. It is not possible to perform a direct update from iOS 4 to iOS 9. A device must be progressively updated through iOS levels of 5, 6, 7, and 8 before updating to 9. The error code 9 problem started in October 2015 when Apple removed their signatures from all down level firmware. The signature is required to verify and validate a proper update. This action on Apples part effectively burnt the bridge for updating units at or below iOS 7. The firmware still exists, but is now unsigned rendering it unusable. Any device that has a down level iOS that requires progressive updating, though the hardware works perfectly is now rendered useless. Pretty clever on Apples part.

All Apple support centers must be aware of this issue and have apparently been scripted to respond in the same manner. I have read several Internet forums where customers were told the same lies, such as the update manifested a hardware issue due to faulty hardware. I personally experienced this same tale of lies when I visited the Apple Store in Reno.

Attempting to update an Apple device from iOS 4, 5, 6, to iOS 9 results in leaving the device in an incomplete restore condition. The indication of this is error code 9 and a picture on the screen of a USB connector showing a cable plugged into iTunes. The update does not change any data on the Apple device but the incomplete restore does not allow the device to operate.

The solution to restoring proper operation is to down load a freeware program "Reiboot.exe" and running it. This program has the ability of accessing the Apple device and performing a proper restore. This fixes the Apple improper restore and returns the device to full operation. It does not allow updating to higher iOS levels, only Apple would have that capability. Unfortunately the Apple device is stuck at what ever iOS down level it is at. The device will work but eventually the apps will no longer work as they are continually updated as Apple updates its iOS.

I have several iPads that are iPad 2 wifi's. Those that I updated as iOS levels changed work at iOS 9.2 today. Those that my grand kids have, which I did not have access to until November 2015 are at iOS 4.3.5. They are the same exact model but cannot be updated as a result of Apple unsigning their down level iOS levels.

This should be considered a criminal and shameful act on Apples part. I plan to present this issue to 7 on your side, an investigative tv news program in the San Francisco Bay Area if Apple does not step up and reinstate their upgrade path. This could also be the basis of a major class action suit against Apple, particularly in light of their scripted lies they are telling their customers regarding the error code 9 issue.

Barry

CEO of Silicon Valley company

Update (2-27-2016)

Error code 9 when updating iPad or IPhone from IOS 4.3.5 to IOS 9 is now fixed.

Here is the solution to now update down level apple products to the latest version IOS. This “tool” will allow you to update your iPad currently running IOS version 4.3.5 directly to IOS 9.2 or 9.3. This tool bypasses the bridge Apple blew out when they un-signed their down level operating systems in October 2015. By un-signing their down level operating systems, they effectively obsoleted any non-updated products by making it no longer possible to update.

Thanks to 3deviser who pointed me to a Chinese website at www.i4.com. 3deviser wrote enough information for me to find the website and the tool. I used google translator at the web site to see some English. Here is what you do:

Go to http://www.i4.cn/ The webpage will come up in Chinese. Look for V6.11 on the home screen. Click on it to download .exe to your system. Down load http://www.i4.cn/ iPad2 A1396 iPad2,2 9.3beta2 1.45GB iPad2,2_9.3_13E519d_Restore.ipsw

Install and Start the program tool V6.11. Plug your IPad into USB port of your computer. Start ITunes if it didn’t start automatically. When you do the ITunes update, it will fail. In a few moments, the V6.11 program will connect to the IPad and automatically load the IOS 9.2 or 9.3beta update. I have done this to two different IPads and worked fine. One was at 4.3.5 and the other at 5.1.

Hope this update is the answer to your prayers regarding bringing your IPad back to life and to current level IOS.

Regards, Barry

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There is obviously a problem here as documented by the large number of users who have experienced the same problem. A class action lawsuit might bring relief to these unfortunate users and take the Apple arrogance down a notch. An appropriate settlement might be $1000 to $5000 per user.

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County me in...

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You are 100% correct! Its not a hardware issue and legally if Apple knows the IOS cant be upgraded should be explained as much. This is criminal to tell customers its a hardware issue knowing you cant upgrade from IOS 4 tethered. This I see as the criminal part of misleading instead of saying we cut off the firmware signature authentication and you cant upgrade. People truly belief its a faulty unit not to consider putting the unit in a recovery loop rendering the unit a brick unless you get out of recovery.

That also is an issue if they support 9.2 for Ipad2's regardless of version you have. We still should have the right to upgrade. I have 4 ipads and 2 are IOS 4.3.3. the other 9.2. My small kids were using so I never upgraded, yes that's on me but to just cut us off and now the apps don't work as they keep upgrading is a shame.

I believe Apple should fix or compensate period. Very nice detailed message Barry!

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I live in Greece, but !&&*, I have the same problem and I feel so frustrated about the "hardware problem" lies. If anything is about to go down, I'll do whatever I can from here!

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Thank you very much Barry for this excellent analysis, I had read quite a few articles concerning this issue but yours really sums up the problem in a very complete way. I read that it would be worth a try to upgrade from 4.3 to beta 9.3 and if necessary then downgrade to 9.2 afterwards. Anyone tried this ?

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1.http://www.i4.cn/ download V6.11

2.OPEN i4

3.download 9.3beta2

4.steup

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Worked like charm,

thank you dear

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Excellent, thank you for the advice!! IOS updated from 4.3.5 to 9.3 beta successfully. So it was a sw problem after all, no matter Apple care said it is hw..

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Worked perfectly in DFU mode. Thank you so much.

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Good morning to all of you, I'm Italian but because 'I've also had the same problem, I read with great interest your foum and I would kindly ask if the procedure indicated that one of you may also be valid for Ipad 3, Pending of your kind reply I will greet. Gabriella

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@markv checking in. I've tried the above, but now get error 27. Reiboot rescued me again. So I'm happy for those who figured it out, but I still can't update. There are lots of awesome people in this post!

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I experienced the samme error (9) - and the only thing I had to do, was to use another USB port on my MacBook.. Exact same USB cable (original from Apple), but used the port on the right hand side instead of the left - and it solved my problem.

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Right. Another one of Apple's idiosyncracies. Worked for me too after 4 days of trying every thing! PLEASE do not use any 'freeware' links others have provided, even if the comments look encouraging, they're all probably paid or the same person. All the software that claims to do this is just scamware.

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It had the exact same error (9), so I plugged a different USB port on my laptop and it works now. Exact same USB cable (original from Apple), but used the port on the right instead of left - and it solved my problem.

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1.http://www.i4.cn/ download V6.11

2.OPEN i4

You can also see this site about cyber laws and legal uses of iTunes : https://bit.ly/30hi2mw

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