How To Fix itunes download unknown error 9006?

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There was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006). Are you getting this message while trying to update or restore your iPhone, iPod, or iPad? This is a common error with Apple that a lot of users are seeing. 

If you are here, that means that the issue hasn’t resolved and you need help restoring or updating your Apple product.

We have a few methods that may work for you. We suggest method 2: make sure you’re computer is updated. This is a very common solution that is the most effective. However, we have 7 methods total that you can try if method 2 is unsuccessful. 

What is Unknown Error 9006: Problem Downloading the Software?

There was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006) pops up when your device cannot update or restore due to various issues.

This is a very common issue that thousands of Apple users have experienced. Luckily, it’s a pretty simple fix. 

What Causes It?

Apple has stated that the unknown error 9006 is caused by your device not being able to connect to Apple’s servers. This could mean that there is an issue with your network connection or the servers are too busy to handle the request at the time. Additionally, it could be caused by the IPSW file not being able to be downloaded. 

Whatever the reason may be, we have multiple methods for fixing the error that says there was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006): 

Check your internet connection
Make sure your computer is updated
Uninstall third-party security programs
Delete the .ipsw file
Check the Firewall
Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
Use iTunes repair tool

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection

There’s a slight chance that your internet connection is to blame. We know that if you’re reading this, so you must be connected to the internet, right? Did you check to make sure you were using WiFi? Maybe one of your devices doesn’t have a good connection or you ran out of data on your iPhone?

We highly recommend that you ensure you are connected to a good WiFi service or reliable data connection. Just do into your settings and navigate to your network. Make sure you’re properly connected and try again.

Method 2: Make Sure Your Computer is Updated

If you have an Apple device then you most likely have iTunes installed on your computer. You should first make sure that iTunes is up-to-date with the latest software. Here’sHeres how to do it: 

PC Instructions

In your search bar on your PC, type Apple Software Updater
Open the program
Let it search for updates
Choose whatever needs to be updated
Click on Install

Mac Instructions

Click on the Apple icon to open the menu
Click System Preferences
Choose Software Update
Select Update Now

Method 3: Uninstall Third-Party Security Programs

Sometimes, your third-party security program could be the culprit. The Antivirus could be blocking certain programs from accessing the internet, including your Apple product.

This could be a possible cause for there was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006). This is why you should either disable or uninstall your Antivirus program temporarily. Here’s how to do it: 

Windows

Click on the Windows icon
Open Settings
Navigate to Apps
Locate your security program
Click on Uninstall

Mac

Open the Finder
Choose Application
Locate your Security app
Click on Uninstall

You will need to reinstall the program once you are done troubleshooting your Apple device. 

Method 4: Delete the .ipsw File

This temporary file/space is what your Apple device relies on to download and install the software it needs. If it has been corrupted along the way, this is why you are experiencing there was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006). You should try to delete the file and re-download what you were trying to download. You can do that by performing these steps: 

  • Navigate to Finder
    Select Go and head over to Library
    Look for the iTunes folder
    Click on iPhone Software Updates
    Locate the file that ends in Restore.ipsw
    Delete it
    Try to download your software again for Windows, you can simply go into your library and enter C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates in the search bar.

    Method 5: Check the Firewall

    One issue could be that your computer’s Firewall is blocking the servers from transmitting information to your computer. If you have your Firewall activated, make sure that phobos.apple.com isn’t blocked. You should also ensure that your network settings aren’t blocking Apple. Verify that both port 80 and 443 are allowed. Here’s how to access your Firewall: 

    Windows

    Click on the Windows icon
    Select Control Panel
    Click System and Security
    Click Windows Firewall

    Mac

    Select System Preferences from the Apple menu
    Find Security or Security & Privacy
    Click Firewall
    Click on the lock in the lower-left corner of the pane
    Enter your administrator username and password

    Method 6: Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

    If an internet connection issue is stopping you from updating or restoring your Apple device, you can reset the internet protocol to see if it solves your issues: 

    Windows

  • Click Win+R together
    Type CMD into the bar
    Right-click on command prompt
    Run as administratorWhen Command Prompt opens, type netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
    Hit Enter
    Restart the computer

  • Mac

    Click on the Apple Icon
    Select System Preferences
    Open Network
    Click on the Internet connection with the Connected status
    Open the TCP/IP tab
    Click on Renew DHCP Lease
    Click on OK
    Restart your Mac

    Method 7: Use iTunes Repair Tool

    If all of the above methods have failed, consider using the iTunes repair tool. AnyFix is a new issue fixer for iTunes. You can do this by installing the program and launching it on your PC or Mac. 

  • Click on iTunes repair and choose iTunes Installation/Download/Update Error mode and click on Fix Now. It will analyze your system and ask you to fix it and give permission for the program to do its thing. 

    Our Final Words

    We hope that our methods have worked as well for you as it has for other users. Apple is known for its many bugs and errors. Luckily, most of them can be fixed without having to contact Apple Customer Support.