How to Fix iTunes There Was a Problem Downloading the Software

I get following message pop up “There was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006)”, when I am trying to restore my iPhone. I tried many times to deactivate my firewall and my anti-virus program, but it still not working when I tried again. What should I do to fix it? Please help.

Sometimes iPhone users would complain about iTunes “There was a problem downloading the software. An unknown error occurred (9006)” when updating or restoring their devices. Why did this problem happen? Apple explained that it is because your computer might not be able to connect Apple servers or your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. There could be a problem with your network connection or Apple’s server might be busy as well. To complete the software update process, iTunes requires the respective IPSW file related to your device. When it is not able to download this file, it displays the iTunes error 9006.

In this post, we have listed six solutions. Please try one by one and we hope you can overcome this iTunes error.

6 Ways to Fix iTunes There Was a Problem Downloading the Software

Solution 1. Uninstall Third-Party Security Software

It is likely that third-party security software would prevent iTunes from connecting Apple servers or iOS devices. If you have encountered iTunes there was a problem downloading the software, uninstall or disable the security software and then try again.

Solution 2. Make Sure 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 a firewall, check 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.

Solution 3. Discarding 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.

Now attempt the download again and see if it works.

Solution 4. Connect to A Different Network

Since iTunes There was a problem downloading the software 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.

Solution 5. Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

There may be third-party software that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting a TcpWindowSize entry into your registry. Your default packet size being set incorrectly can cause these errors. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet size modification for assistance or follow this article by Microsoft: How to reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

Solution 6. Use iTunes Repair Tool

If you have tried all the above methods, but it still does not work. Here we highly recommend an excellent tool to fix iTunes errors – AnyFix, a newly released iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/iTunes issues fixer. Follow the simple steps below to fix the iTunes error.

Step 1. Download and install AnyFix, launch it on your PC/Mac.

Step 2. Click “iTunes Repair” to enter to select a mode you need.

Step 3. Choose “iTunes Installation/Download/Update Error” mode > Click on the “Scan Now” button to continue, then the analyzing process will begin.

Step 4. When the analyzing process is finished, click the “Fix Now” button to continue > Click “OK” button to give AnyFix permission, then the repairing process will begin.

Step 5. When the repairing process is finished, the iTunes downloading issues repair is completed.

Bonus Tip: Alternative Option to Restore iOS Device

By trying all these steps below, you might have already solved your problem. As iTunes error is hard to avoid and once it appears it could be really a time-consuming process to recover. Here we recommend an alternative option for you to restore your iOS device – PhoneRescue for iOS.

With PhoneRescue for iOS, you could not only restore your iPhone safely and quickly but also restore backup items selectively. PhoneRescue for iOS could be a very useful tool for iOS users. It allows you to sift through your files and select only the ones you need, resulting in less time and storage space wasted in the recovery process.

The Bottom Line

PhoneRescue for iOS is developed to enable you to preview and select your wanted photos, messages, and more to recover from an iTunes backup – even it’s encrypted or damaged. With the help of PhoneRescue, you could restore your iTunes and iCloud backup to both device and computer with a few clicks. If you want to restore iPhone without data erasing and iTunes error, then simply give AnyFix a try!