stuck on 'restoring iphone software'

kept having problems with applications so i restored my iphone. usually a simple task, but this time around it won't get past the 'restoring iphone software' screen on itunes and the progress bar on the phone keeps getting stuck in the same spot (3/4 the way through). i let it sit for 20-30 minutes and it just stays there.

i did a hard reset three times and now i'm on my fourth time with the same problem.

any ideas?

running the most recent version of itunes (9.1.1), restarted computer, tried different usb ports.

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 2, 2010 7:26 PM

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Posted on Dec 30, 2010 12:21 AM

This problem are very common now a days and it seems no specific solutions.

But I resolve mine without the need of the following:

turn off anti virus software
another pc to sync
reinstall itunes
turn off firewall
running something to continue
pressing something...

This is my method:

Of course Itunes version should be compatible to the firmware that you would like to restore.

Run the diagnostic in the HELP menu of your itunes.

Finish it and see the report.

You will notice that there are plugins in your itunes.

Please delete or unistall this plugins or software.

The 3rd party hackers Wi-fi sync should be also uninstalled.

Then Run your Itunes by creating a new Library (pure clean) using SHIFT DOUBLE CLICK (windows itunes)..

do the restore and viola. 5 minutes is long enough.
27 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 30, 2010 12:21 AM in response to Robiano

This problem are very common now a days and it seems no specific solutions.

But I resolve mine without the need of the following:

turn off anti virus software
another pc to sync
reinstall itunes
turn off firewall
running something to continue
pressing something...

This is my method:

Of course Itunes version should be compatible to the firmware that you would like to restore.

Run the diagnostic in the HELP menu of your itunes.

Finish it and see the report.

You will notice that there are plugins in your itunes.

Please delete or unistall this plugins or software.

The 3rd party hackers Wi-fi sync should be also uninstalled.

Then Run your Itunes by creating a new Library (pure clean) using SHIFT DOUBLE CLICK (windows itunes)..

do the restore and viola. 5 minutes is long enough.

Mar 20, 2011 2:20 PM in response to fabioganga

_Thank you_ very much man, you saved me from throwing away my phone! I had the exact problem you described from the beginning, it was frustrating! All I had to do, was to uninstall the Wi-Fi Sync client I had on my Mac , restart and do a standard restore.

(For those who care: WiFi Sync is an app you download on the Cydia Store in order to sync your iPhone with your iTunes (PC or Mac) via WiFi. The WiFi Sync Client MUST be uninstalled from your computer in order to restore or upgrade your iPhone. If you don´t, your device will get stuck on restoring iphone firmware.)

Jun 3, 2010 2:41 PM in response to mcdoobie

could it be something on my macbook pro?


Yes. Software up to date? Itunes up to date? Any firewalls on your router? You might try uninstalling itunes & then reinstalling, follow the directions here as this must be done in a certain order:

1. Disconnect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod from the Mac.
2. In the Finder, locate iTunes in the Applications folder and drag it to the Trash.
3. Move the iTunes icon to the Trash.
4. Choose Go > Go to Folder.
5. Enter /System/Library/Extensions and click Go.
6. Locate the file AppleMobileDevice.kext and drag it to the Trash.
7. Choose Go > Go to Folder.
8. Enter /Library/Receipts/ and click Go.
9. Locate the file AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg and drag it to the Trash. If prompted, authenticate with the administrator password.
10. Restart the computer.
11. Choose Finder > Empty Trash and restart the computer.
12. Download and install the current version of iTunes.
13. Connect your device to the Mac again and open iTunes

Jun 2, 2010 8:23 PM in response to mcdoobie

Check this out

http://caffeineinduced.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/iphone-software-update-hangs-aft er-installing-att-wireless-card-this-reghack-may-fix-it/

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1275
"There may be third-party software installed that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting a TcpWindowSize entry into your Registry. If your default packet size is set incorrectly it can cause this error. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet size modification for assistance."

Sep 20, 2010 11:01 AM in response to mcdoobie

Here's an update for my case: the solution suggested by wjosten only works for me ONCE.... as soon as I try the second restore/update, I'm back to square 1.... same annoying problem!

Also, I NEVER seem to have in /Library/Receipts the AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg file, even after reinstalling Itunes 10.

What else could I try to resolve once and for all?

Any further help anyone can offer me will be appreciated greatly.

Sep 29, 2010 9:46 AM in response to mcdoobie

I have finally resolved this problem once and for all....

After researching and googling for a while, I have identified what was causing the problem in my case, it's the "Wi-fi sync" application that I used previously when my iPhone with 3.1.3 was jailbroken.

I have downloaded the uninstaller from the web site and.... bingo!

Problem solved, at last, once and for all.

I hope this helps.

Jul 4, 2014 11:46 PM in response to mcdoobie

this is for anyone who need it here is my solution translate to your leguaje this is in Spanish Bueno la barra de restauracion se me paraba a mitad de proceso despues de un jailbrake estube 3 dias mirando que pasaba en google pero todo el mundo decia algo diferente aclaro que estoy en windows 8.1 y tengo un Iphone 4s y en este momento 7/5/2014 a las 1:30 de la madrugada hora de colombia el ultimo ipsw es el 7.1.2 bueno realmente lo que me sirvio fue


1.desintalar todo lo de apple ya saben Itunes todo hasta bonjor

2.borra todos los registros de apple y las carpetas de apple que dicen apple computer (tienen que poder ver los archivos ocultos del sistema)

3. van a regedit y buscan esta llave “TcpWindowSize” esta es una idea tiene que buscarla no es facil recuerden que me demore 3 dias

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters

da bastante problemas

4. instalan el itunes la ultima version

5. bajen el ipsw que es el sistema operativo del iphone la ultima version que este en este momento que lo lees

6.ponen su iphone en modo DFU miren como hacerlo en youtube

7.cargen el ipsw miren en youtbe como se hace

8. y listo mucha suerte espero te sirva de algo y no gastes tanto tiempo como yo saludos desde colombia Ivan Byaneith

Dec 18, 2016 7:28 AM in response to mcdoobie

So, I did the calculations and, the download will take about a mere 33 minutes. the download is 2.32 gigabytes. 2000 divided by 60= 33.{33333333. I hope this is helpful. I know this is VERY outdated but I hope anyone stumbling upon this sees. at the top right corner, we have a little download button. like when you are running the software download on the screen for the ipad options. "ipad recovery mode" (iphone or ipad) then click the down arrow with the spinning circle around it. then you will see how far the download is. mine is currently 1.07 gigabytes downloaded. I hope I helped you. Thanks!

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stuck on 'restoring iphone software'

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