What is error 9006
Error 9006 is very similar to other iPhone issues (2015, 1110, 3194) we have discussed in previous troubleshooting articles so far. It appears when trying to update or restore an IOS device using the iTunes service. This is the message users receive while facing the error – ”There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone ”iPhone”. An unknown error occurred (9006)”. It, therefore, stops users from successfully reaching the desired action, be it an update or reset from scratch. Error 9006 was examined to occur due to various reasons. Some of them are Connection issues, Outdated software, System bug, Third-party incompatibilities, and other causes as well. Below, we dedicated separate steps to all of these reasons that should potentially resolve the issue. Make sure you try each of the written methods to not miss a working solution.
Download repair tool
Sometimes resolving the errors is out of our control and possibilities. This is where third-party tools can make a great impact on aiding the users. If you are facing error 9006 or similar issues, but fail to benefit from any of the manual steps below, try using Tenorshare ReiBoot – a great recovery tool designed for resolving errors like that. Get to know how one can use it to address the errors and restore a device successfully:
- Download and install ReiBoot for either Mac or Windows.
- Once done, open the app and plug your device into the computer.
- The program should recognize your device and offer a couple of options.
- Choose Standard if you simply want to update your device or Deep repair if you want to fully restore it.
- Then, download the firmware found by the app for your smartphone by clicking Download.
- Once the process is finished, click Repair now to start resolving the problems.
- Wait until the app finishes its repair and restores your device. It will take about 15 minutes to end.
Standard is meant to search for basic issues and bugs to address them without wiping out your data.
Deep repair will reset your device to factory settings and delete the entire data stored on it.
1. Check your Internet connection
Sometimes the reason for 9006 appearance lies in bad or totally restricted Internet connection. Although this is less likely to be the actual case, we still recommend you make sure you have a stable and working network operation. Try to search for something in Safari and check if everything is working okay. As an additional solution, you can also try to connect to another network (say in a cafe) and overcome the issue. If you checked your Internet connection and everything works without problems, go further into other solutions below.
2. Make sure Date & Time are set Automatically
Sometimes there is a wrong Date or Time set on your smartphone leading to miscommunication with Apple servers. Simply enabling Date & Time to update automatically may resolve the problem. Thus, follow these steps below to verify the issue and turn the automatic mode, if necessary:
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Then, toggle the switcher next to Set Automatically. Even if it was already enabled, try to turn it off and put it back on again.
Now check if the same error code in iTunes appears.
3. Ensure your iTunes and macOS are up-to-date
Many software-related problems are addressed simply by downloading fresh updates. If you are stopped by the 9006 error while updating or restoring a device in iTunes, we advise you to check if there is any later version of iTunes and macOS that can be installed. You can do it using these steps:
To install updates for macOS:
- Go to Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and choose System Preferences.
- Then, click Software update and choose Update Now to install the latest update available for your current version.
- If you don’t see this button, this means your system is already up-to-date.
Usually, other apps like iTunes get updated along with installing the latest macOS version. Even so, it is still worth checking yourself.
To install updates for iTunes:
- Open App Store from the dock on your screen.
- Move to Updates on top of the window or left pane and search for iTunes from the list.
- If there are any updates available, you will be able to click on Install to get them.
Otherwise, your iTunes service is up-to-date.
4. Disable TCP/IP filtering, firewall, or security software
Since error 9006 is related to Internet problems, it is worth checking that no third-party security software blocks access to it. Some anti-malware programs may lead to certain incompatibilities stopping proper communication with official Apple services in some cases. Thus, let’s check it by doing the following:
- Try to disable your third-party antivirus or other security software.
- Restart the router plus computer and reconnect to your wireless network again.
- If you are using a wireless Internet connection, try to connect an Ethernet cable directly to your computer (if there is one available). This should also help you resolve the problem.
- You can also find another network and try to use it instead.
If this does not help or there is simply no third-party software you can disable, maybe the problem is with your Internet connection.
5. Update your device using .ipsw files
.IPSW are files storing installed updates on IOS devices. In cases iTunes refuses to update the device itself, users can get over this issue by manually downloading a problematic update in the form of a .ipsw file. Go to this page, choose your device, and download the latest and signed .IPSW file for it. After this, you should no longer have any necessity to update your device via iTunes since it will be already updated.
6. Check your USB cable
When restoring or updating a device through iTunes, there is a chance the connection cable is damaged or badly connected. Try to look over its physical appearance for visible damage and replug it again. Make sure you plug the cable into native PC or Mac USB ports. Avoid using USB hubs and other external devices. If the problem persists, try using a different cable compatible with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. The same problem could be with your USB port on Mac or PC itself, so make sure you check it as well. If the cable and USB port seem fine but you continue being struck by the error, read our final recommendation below.
7. Try using another computer
If you did not manage to sort things out using the methods above, try to borrow a Mac from your friend or other family members to update/restore the problematic device. This method is worth trying because you never know what is the problem with the Mac itself. It is also possible your USB port is damaged as mentioned above, which you are unable to see without sufficient experience. Therefore, give it a shot using the Mac of somebody else.
Summary
We have error 9006 has now been resolved. If there is anything else deteriorating your smartphone, PC, or Mac experience, search up the problem you face on our website. We have a range of constantly updating articles dedicated to solving various issues including errors, malware, and other types of unwanted problems.
