Q: ipad 2 upgrade to iOS9 failed and destroyed my iPad

I downloaded the update as I usually do and now I have the same issue as all others. My screen however just shows the backlighting lit up nothing else. Hard reset doesn't do anything for me either just goes completely black to backlit. When I hook it up to iTunes it tells me it cant function because it is locked....BUT I CANT SEE THE SCREEN TO UNLOCK IT!

Hi all

In Summary the issue is as follows:

I have iPad2 16GB running on iOS 4.3.3 (8J2) (available free storage is 14 GB) wanted to update to iOS 9 using iTunes 12.3.2. over MacBook Pro.

When iTunes finishes extracting the software and waiting for iPad to respond, Im always prompted with the error message (The iPad cannot be updated An unknown  occurred "9"). and the iPad is stuck on the connect to iTunes screen. Note that:

a- My Mac is updated to the latest OS.

b- Im using the original apple USB connection to my iPad.

c- No other connections are connected to my Mac during the update.

I was able to unlock the "Connect to iTunes" screen and return to using my iPad with the original iOS by using a application called "ReiBoot".

But Im still unable to upgrade my iOS on the iPad.

I Have tried the following and still failed to upgrade:

a- Upgrade my iPad to iOS 8 by using iTunes 12.3.2

b- Upgrade my iPad to iOs 8 by using iTunes 10.6.3

May be it was not a big idea to miss upgrading  my iPad2 all this time, but still there should be a way to upgrade my iPad to the latest iOS so I can use available applications.

Kindly advise. Thank you

OK, so need some clarification about the last two statements:

I Have tried the following and still failed to upgrade:

a- Upgrade my iPad to iOS 8 by using iTunes 12.3.2

b- Upgrade my iPad to iOs 8 by using iTunes 10.6.3

How did you go about trying to upgrade your iOS to anything other than 9.2?

Is your device jailbroken?

Have you tried backing up your device to, say, iCloud, then erasing the device, updating the "clean" device, then restoring it from the backup after you have successfully upgraded?

Here is the Apple Support take on an error "9":

Check your security software

Errors: 2, 4, 6, 9, 1611, 9006.

Sometimes security software can stop your device from communicating with either the Apple update server or with your device.

Check your security software and settings to make sure that they aren't blocking a connection to the Apple servers.

If you still see the error message, check for USB connection issues.

Check your USB connections

Errors: 13, 14, 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1611, 1643-1650, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 4005, 4013, 4014. You might also see a message that includes "invalid response."

If the USB connection between your device and computer is interrupted, you might not be able to update or restore.

To narrow down the issue, try different equipment:

• Use the USB cable that came with your device, or a different Apple USB cable.
• Plug your cable into a different USB port directly on your computer. Don't plug it into your keyboard.
• Try a different computer.
• Solve other issues with the USB connection, then with your security software.

Cheers,

GB

Thank you GB for your followup on this issue.

Regarding your inquires kindly note the following:

1- How did you go about trying to upgrade your iOS to anything other than 9.2? Is your device jailbroken?

No my iPad is not jailbroken.  I have downloaded the iOS 8 from the internet and installed iTunes version "10.6.3" on a separate PC (Windows 7). Connected my iPad to the PC and after running iTunes I pressed the "Shift" upgrade option and selected the old iOS version.

2- Have you tried backing up your device to, say, iCloud, then erasing the device, updating the "clean" device, then restoring it from the backup after you have successfully upgraded?

Yes I have tried that also. My iPad is fully clean after erasing every thing from it and returning it to factory settings. Selecting upgrade or restore from iTunes gives you the same error message "error 9"

3-  Apple Support regarding error "9":

I have tried all the suggestions provided under Apple support for error 9 and still getting the same error, i.e.,:

a- Used my original USB Cable,

b- Used another PC to upgrade to iOS9 using the latest iTunes version.

c- Connected the USB Cable directly to my PC.

d- Stopped all the virus, firewalls and all other security software running on my PC.

Actually the error appears not when iTunes is checking Apple servers but when iTunes is waiting for the iPad to respond. At this moment the iPad screen will be showing the Apple logo with the update status bar (0% update) . Suddenly the iPad is automatically turned off and goes back to the screen "Connect to iTunes' this is when iTunes prompts you with the error message. (error 9).

Hope I have clarified my case. Thank you

I have the same problem and I'm really really frustrated.  I updated,  then i suddenly couldn't use it any more.  I know am locked on the itunes charge screen.  I have tried all the things suggested and held the home and power keys like suggested.  I did that several times.  What is going on?  I need this ipad working ASAP.    Any help apple? I really need some answers please

I have fine exactly the same as above and tried everything.  I've been onto apple support but they couldn't help over live chat?  This is not Good enough Apple

Hi

Turn ipad OFF

Connect lead to USB on your PC

Press & hold power button down DONT let go on iPad

Connect lead to ipad keep power button pressed down until PC sees ipad

Then wait for restore .

You may need to do this a few times before it works.

Cheers

Brian

Thanks for reply.

I have done this several times and my pc won't even recognise my ipad. I've tried different leads also. When I say several times i mean i spent 2hrs trying this and probably about 30+times?  I'm concerned add this is the ipad my daughter uses for her learning.  It has so many readers and learning apps on it.  She really needs it. 

I've tried this so now what?

OK, so Apple does not support downgrading the iOS, so by having done so, you have, essentially, jailbroken your device.

Again, the Error 9 implies that there is a problem with the USB connection. I would suggest that you try a good cleaning of the connectors for the USB by using a clean, soft toothbrush, or, as many have reported success with, a wooden toothpick.

Best of luck,

GB

So firstly the error code was 3014 not 9. I spoke to Apple support and flowed the notes on that error code.  I redid host files etc. Nothing works.  It said that error code then that it doesn't recognise my device.

What do you mean apple doesn't support down grade ? What have i down graded to or from?  I only did the update as per the prompt from Apple?

Sorry to sound confusing initially but this is what's happening.

Thanks

My reply was to Saydawe, not you. Sorry for the confusion

GB

In response to your issue, I did not see that you had indicated that you were receiving an error at all? If you are receiving a 3014 error, then it means that iTunes cannot communicate with Apple's Software Update Server.

Do you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer? What version of the iOS did you update to? What version of iTunes are you running on your computer?

Cheers,

GB

Thanks very much for the reply.

Yes i have the latest version of iTunes 12.3.2

And i was updating to ios9 i believe.

Yes apple support checked that and it was all up to date?

Thanks

Have you tried and carefully gone through all of the troubleshooting steps in this article:

iPhone, iPad, or iPod not recognized in iTunes for Windows - Apple Support

Best of luck,

GB

Hi all

I have an Ipad 2 on ios 4.3.5 and recently I tried to update directly to ios 9 using my itunes version 12.6 and this totally killed my ipad (a problem faced by most on this thread I believe). My ipad was then not responding and only showing Connect to Itunes symbol. I then decided to go to the Apple store and the Apple Genius told me that my ipad2 was too old and has a hardware issue that cannot be fixed. He then mentioned that for GBP 200, I can get a new Ipad 2 but then convinced me to instead spend GBP300+ to get the new ipad air 2. I told him I would think about it.

I then checked online and came across this post. I used the method mentioned by Djoeyl (page 7) and it worked!! So excited, thank you. Just to summarise, I basically uninstalled my itunes v.12.6 and installed itunes v.10.6.3 which I found online. (There were a few minor errors when trying to download 10.6.3 as you needed to delete your previous "itunes" folder in My Music etc. but just google online for these solutions, they are relatively easy fix).

Once on itunes 10.6.3, I then connected my ipad to the computer. A message appeared saying an ipad was detected and had to be restored, I continued and my ipad was suddenly restored to the old condition (back to ios 4.3.5) so for those of you still stuck on Connect to itunes symbol, I recommend you try this as it works!

Now I have a further question for those on ios 4.3.5 - how do you upgrade to ios 5 or later?

I have tried to download ipsw for ios 5 & ios 8 and trying to either (1) update (press shift+update) to select the ios 5 or ios 8 or (2) restore but both methods failed - keeps coming up with error 3002 or 3004. So now while I can still use this on ios 4.3.5, I cannot seem to update to any other ios. Please help.

If nothing works, I may go back to Apple store and get them to help me upgrade to at least ios 7 (also gloat about my success in reviving my ipad which the Apple Genius told me was "dead" initially)

Hi gail,

I have again gone over these instructions.  I have uninstalled and reinstalled itunes,  checked 3rd party,  changed leads and usb ports et . I spent the whole day today going over everything . No luck.

What now?  Help. ....

This seems crazy.  It was working fine a few days ago. I dont even have the Internet on the ipad so can't have viruses etc. It's inky ever been used with iTunes apps