How to fix iTunes error 9006?

Question

Issue: How to fix iTunes error 9006?

Hello, I need some help. I was trying to restore my iPhone, and during this, I received the following error: “iPhone Software Updating (processing file). There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone ''iPhone'' A unknown error occurred (9006). Make sure your network settings are correct, and your network connection is active, or try again.” Is there anything I could do to fix this, please?

Solved Answer

iTunes Error 9006 is an error message that might occur during the installation of apps or software from iTunes. This problem usually affects iPhone and iPad users. Despite this, macOS and Windows^[1] device users can come across this issue too.

The majority of users reported that the iTunes error 9006 appeared when they were upgrading to iOS 10^[2] or newer versions. However, this annoying message might show up on the screen when you download or update any other app. The full message says:

There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone “iPhone”. An unknown error occurred (9006).

Make sure your network settings are connected and your network connection is active, or try again later.

Indeed, sometimes it’s enough to try again after a couple of minutes and install necessary content. We have no doubts that you checked your internet connection and tried again several times in order to fix iTunes Error 9006. However, these simple methods do not always help the situation, and iPhone users are stuck without being able to use their devices as usual.

Ways to fix iTunes Error 9006

Apple devices are known for interconnection and syncing capabilities, hence users can restore files or apps from iCloud easily when resetting the phone, for example. While typically there are no issues with such operations, iTunes Error 9006 might be encountered suddenly and prevent performing the wanted actions.

As evident by the iTunes Error 9006 text that is provided when the issue occurs, the error is caused by the device's inability to contact the relevant iOS update servers. While in many cases, this can be caused by weak internet connection from the users' side, the limitations could be caused by overly aggressive antivirus or firewall software.

Luckily, there are several ways that can help you fix Error 9006 on iTunes. However, first of all, you should check your Internet connection and restart your device.

Method 1. Update iTunes

Sometimes problems with software updates or downloads occur when iTunes is outdated. Thus, access the program and check if there are any available updates:

• Quit iTunes.
• Launch App Store.
• Check for any iTunes-related updates and install them.

On Windows machines, perform the following actions:

• Open iTunes.
• In the top right corner, select Help > Check for Updates.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest updates.

Method 2. Update your operating system

While the iTunes Error 9006 issue most commonly affects mobile devices, the synced computer might create several version mismatches, hence resulting in an error. Update your macOS:

• From the dock, click on App Store.
• At the top-right corner click on Update all.
• Wait till Mac installs all the updates and reboot.

Method 3. Connect to a different WiFi

Another simple method suggests connecting to the different network. Even though Internet connection seems fine, trying other WiFis might help to get rid of the iTunes error and download necessary updates or apps.

Method 4. Turn off antivirus

Sometimes antivirus programs prevent from installing apps. Therefore, you can try temporarily disabling them to fix iTunes Error 9006:

1. Open your security program and find “Disable” or “Turn off” button.
2. Restart the device.
3. Launch iTunes and check if the problem was resolved.

Additionally, you should check if a firewall or other Internet security settings do not block communication to albert.apple.com or phobos.apple.com.

Method 5. Make sure time and date is correct

Time and date are typically syncing automatically. However, in some cases, the date and time setting might not be defaulted to being set automatically. Therefore, make sure your device is running the correct time and date:

• Click on Apple logo at the top on your Mac computer.
• Pick System Preferences and then select Date & Time.
• Tick the box at Set date and time automatically.

Method 6. Remove the .ipsw file

ISPW^[3] files belong to the Apple Device Software Update. If this file was corrupted or there’re other problems with it, it might trigger Error 9006 in iTunes. Thus, you should delete it and check if it was the source of the problem.

On macOS these you can find IPSW files in these directories:

• iPhone: ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
  iPad: ~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates
  iPod touch: ~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates

Windows OS users can fix iTunes Error 9006 by deleting .ipsw file from these locations:

• iPhone: C:\\Users\\[username]\\AppData\\Roaming\\Apple Computer\\iTunes\\iPhone Software Updates
  iPad: C:\\Users\\[username]\\AppData\\Roaming\\Apple Computer\\iTunes\\iPad Software Updates
  iPod touch: C:\\Users\\[username]\\AppData\\Roaming\\Apple Computer\\iTunes\\iPod Software Updates

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