Ipad 3rd generation won't restore

My 3rd generation iPad gets stuck while my Macbook is preparing to restore it: I get an error message saying "The iPad could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (9.)" I've tried a dozen times. Is there any way to find out if it is repairable/ to repair it?

iPad, iOS 9

Posted on Apr 8, 2020 4:22 AM

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Posted on Apr 9, 2020 5:35 AM

Eparis wrote:

Yes to both - ok, thanks for this information.

Do you know if Apple re-uses any of the parts of old iPads? Or the best way to recycle them?


Slow down. Don't give up on that iPad yet.


Error 9 doesn't mean you give up. It means you try another cable as sometimes error 9 can indicate a faulty USB connection. Try a different USB port on the computer you're restoring from.


Are you restoring from a Mac or a Windows machine? Alternative methods for restoring exist for either platform.


9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 9, 2020 5:35 AM in response to Eparis

Eparis wrote:

Yes to both - ok, thanks for this information.

Do you know if Apple re-uses any of the parts of old iPads? Or the best way to recycle them?


Slow down. Don't give up on that iPad yet.


Error 9 doesn't mean you give up. It means you try another cable as sometimes error 9 can indicate a faulty USB connection. Try a different USB port on the computer you're restoring from.


Are you restoring from a Mac or a Windows machine? Alternative methods for restoring exist for either platform.


Apr 9, 2020 4:33 AM in response to MichelPM

Thank you! I should have mentioned that I did try all these steps.


I then called Apple who told me that it could be either a software or a hardware problem but that their technicians won't look at a "vintage" iPad (and if it's hardware that they don't have the parts anymore, if I understand correctly). They then mentioned that I try this forum to see if anyone might have some other suggestions.


I'd like to not have to throw it out, if this is in any way possible.



Apr 9, 2020 7:32 AM in response to MichelPM

Thank you!

to clarify - the yes and yes answer was to youth first question only.

I had not seen the 3rd party apps question until now— I didn’t have any 3rd party apps - it’s really too bad it does for who knows what reason. It was barely used (but used often enough to have been kept up to date ) and I really need it now for my kids’ online courses.

Might I ask you what iPad you’d recommend if buying a new one? I am probably going to get the latest version of the newest iPad but I’ve read that it might be phased out / not last as long as iPad Air.

Apr 9, 2020 11:54 AM in response to Eparis

If price is an issue and your children are still young, look at the baseline 2019, 10.2 inch screen iPad 7th gen.

The baseline 2019, 10.2 inch screen 7th gen iPads have a 1/2 inch larger retina screen, newer, more powerful and nearly 2-1/2 times faster 2.3 Ghz, A10 Fusion processors, AT LEAST, 3-4 times the internal RAM, with the 2019, 7th gen iPad having 3 GBs of internal RAM, iPadOS 13 support, with much better and improved multitasking features, Apple Pencil and Apple Smart keyboard cover support and have better audio speakers and better/improved built-in cameras.


Purchase the highest storage size you can afford, as internal iPad storage is NOT expandable.


https://www.apple.com/ipad-10.2



Best of Luck to You!

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Ipad 3rd generation won't restore

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