Computer programs have database for errors. This database is usually comprised of error codes, error messages or descriptions. The error code will serve as primary key or special set alphanumeric (numbers and letters) code that identifies a type of error. If something goes wrong when using a certain program/app on your computer, the program will scan the database for the right error code that describes the occurring issue and then pops up a pertinent error message or warning. From that pop-up message, you will see highlights a brief detail about the error/warning along with a code. And that’s what iTunes do whenever it encounters problems. This is basically how computer programs communicate with end-users.
One of the common iTunes errors is the error code 9, which occurs when trying to restore an iPhone or iPad. When this error appears, it means that iTunes is unable to restore your iPhone or iPad due to some reasons. And that is the problem that you need to solve. Highlighted below are some suggested workarounds that are used to deal with iTunes error 9 on an iPhone XS Max. Read on to learn more.
How to troubleshoot iPhone XS Max with iTunes error 9
Before troubleshooting, check and ensure that the date, time, and time zone are properly configured on your computer. If not, then you need to make necessary changes. Also be sure to log in using an administrator account instead of a Guest account. Doing so will grant you full system access.
First solution: Force restart your iPhone
Erratic apps and corrupted services on the phone are among the possible triggers so they must be considered among the first factors to rule out. The simplest and quickest way to clear out bad apps that might have caused conflicts when restoring iPhone through iTunes would be a force restart. Before doing so, disconnect your iPhone from the computer then proceed with these steps:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Then, press and hold the Power button on the side of the phone and then release when the phone boots up completely.
Wait until the phone reboots. Then plug it back into the computer’s USB port and retry restoring through iTunes.
Second solution: Reboot your computer
Computer systems also encounter random errors and app glitches. And like smartphones, minor system glitches on the computer are also remedied by a system restart. That being said, restart your computer using the standard routine or via shortcut keys and controls.
- For Windows computers, the standard restart is carried out through the Start button from the bottom toolbar then click Restart from the given options. Menu options may vary depending on the Windows version.
- If you’re using a Mac, then you can restart it by clicking on the Apple logo on the toolbar then select the option to Restart.
Alternatively, you can use the special controls and hotkeys to shutdown and restore your computer.
Third solution: Reconnect your iPhone and update through iTunes
Quit all running apps on your iPhone and programs on your computer. Also unplug any other USB devices from the computer’s USB port. Then start again by plugging your iPhone into your computer using the Apple-supplied Lightning cable to USB port. While it’s connected, force restart with these steps:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Then quick press and release the Volume Down button.
- Next, press and hold the Side/Power button and continue to hold as it restarts. Don’t release the Side/Power button when the Apple logo appears as you need to put the device in a recovery state.
- Release the Side/Power button when you see the Connect to iTunes message on the screen.
- Go to iTunes then you should see a message saying that your connected iOS device is in recovery mode.
- When prompted to Update or Restore in iTunes, select the option to Update instead of Restore. Doing so will command iTunes to reinstall iOS and keep your personal data instead of restoring and wiping information.
Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions and wait for iTunes to finish downloading and installing the latest firmware version for your iPhone.
Fourth solution: Put your iPhone in DFU mode
The deepest type of system restore done on an iPhone with a totally broken or corrupted iOS is a DFU mode restore. It allows your iOS device to communicate with iTunes even when the boot loader isn’t active. If you wish to give it a shot, then here’s how to put your iPhone XR on DFU mode and carry out a system restore through iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using the Apple-supplied Lightning cable or USB cable.
- While your iPhone is connected, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Then press and hold the Side/Power button until the screen becomes black.
- As soon as your iPhone screen turns black, press and hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side/Power button.
- After 5 seconds, let go of the Side/Power button but keep holding down the Volume Down button until your iPhone shows up in iTunes.
- Release the Volume Down button as soon as it appears in iTunes.
Your iPhone should now be running in a DFU mode state. At this point, you can use iTunes commands and options to restore your iPhone XR.
To exit DFU mode, just force restart your iPhone XR and then disconnect it from the computer.
Other options
Use third-party iOS recovery tools or alternatives to iTunes. If none of that works and you still couldn’t get your iPhone XS Max to restore in iTunes, then you can try using other iOS recovery and restore tools online. There are actually a lot of other good options for you to choose from. All you have to do is search for a credible, effective and compatible software for your computer and iOS device. Among the best alternatives to iTunes that you can use to restore your iPhone XR would include but not limited to PhoneRescue, Dr. Fone, and Tenorshare ReiBoot to name some. You can download and install the compatible version of these tools to your computer and once it’s all set up, connect your iPhone to the computer and run the software like you do with iTunes. Each of these tools comes with a user-friendly interface so anyone should be able navigate through the menu options and use the system easily.
Contact Microsoft or Apple Support to ask more help in performing more advanced procedures to troubleshoot complex errors on your Windows or Mac computer that might have halted iTunes from restoring your iPhone XR.
I hope that this how-to post has helped you one way or another. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post to your friends or people who may also have similar problems. Thanks for reading!
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