Question
"I am trying to restore my iPhone but mid-way through the process an error message pops up saying "There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone An Unknown error occurred (9006). Make sure that your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, or try again." I have tried multiple times but I keep getting the same error message. Everything I try is not working. Can anyone help?"

If you are having trouble downloading the software (including iOS 16) for your iPhone via iTunes, you should find this article quite helpful. We have outlined a few solutions that may help with the problem. Try again after each one and we hope you can overcome this error.

5 Tips to Fix Problem of Downloading the Software for iPhone

1 Uninstall Third-Party Security Software

It is likely that the third-party security software on your computer could be messing with the whole process by preventing iTunes or your device from connecting with the Apple Servers. This is especially true if you are using a Windows computer. Uninstall or disable the security software and then try again.

Uninstall Third-Party Security Software


2 Check that Your Firewall Is not Blocking Apple

It is also absolutely possible that your firewall is blocking Apple servers from communicating with your computer. If you have firewall, check that albert.apple.com or phobos.apple.com is not blocked. While you are at it check that your internet settings are not blocking Apple and verify that ports 80 and 443 are allowed on your network.

Check that Your Firewall Is not Blocking Apple


3 Discard the .ipsw File and Download Again

Discarding the .ipsw file and attempting to download it again may fix the issue. To delete the file follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Go to the Finder on your Mac and hold down the Option key on the keyboard.

Step 2: Select the "Go" menu and then click on "Library" which is often invisible unless you hold down the Option Key.

Step 3: Find the iTunes folder and look for iPad Software Updates, iPhone Software Updates and iPod Software Updates.

Step 4: Find the filename that ends with "Restore.ipsw" and delete it.

Discard the .ipsw File and Download again

Now attempt the download again and see if it works.


4 Connect To A Different Network

Since this is usually a network related issue, simply connecting the computer to a different network may fix the problem. You may also want to try restoring the device using a different computer if you have more than one.

 Connect to a Different Network

If none of the above solutions work, contact Apple support for more options.


5 Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Sometimes third-party software can alter the default packet size in Windows by adding a TcpWindowSize entry in your registry. Resetting the Internet protocol can help. You can do this automatically on the Microsoft websites by downloading the troubleshooting solution. The help article HERE, also details how you can do it manually.

6 Bonus: Fix iOS System for Better iPhone's Experience

When you encounter "Problem downloading iPhone software" error on iPhone, repairing the iOS system is a wise step to ensure that the device can return to its previous normal state. iMyFone Fixppo is a professional iOS system repair tool, which can help you fix various iOS problems, including this error. Here are the steps to fix your iOS system using iMyFone Fixppo:

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Step 1 – Download and install iMyFone Fixppo on your computer, launch the program and connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.

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Step 2 – Click the "Start Repair" button and choose "Standard Mode".

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Step 3 – Enter Recovery Mode or DFU Mode.

Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your iPhone into DFU or Recovery mode.

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Step 4 – Confirm your device details and download the appropriate firmware packa/bge suggested by Fixppo.

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Step 5 – Once the firmware is downloaded, click on "Start Standard Rapair" to initiate the system repair process.

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Step 6 – After the repair is complete, your iPhone will restart. Check if the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Not Working is resolved.

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After the repair is completed, your iPhone will restart and the iOS system will be restored to normal state. You can check if your issue is resolved.

By using iMyFone Fixppo to repair your iOS system, you can increase your success rate in resolving the " downloading iPhone software" error and ensure your device is back to normal.