error 9

Hey jerseyjim2,

Sounds like you're receiving error 9 when attempting to update or restore your iPhone 12 Pro using iTunes on Windows. We'd be happy to help out.

The resource linked here in your post is going to be the most helpful one to assist you. Have you had a chance to go through all the steps there? Here it is again for further reference: If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

If the issue persists, we've got a resource that addresses error 9 more specifically here: If you see error 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 when you restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

"Try to update your device again

If your device disconnects during the update or restore, or if your computer couldn't tell your device to restore, you might see one of these messages: 

• The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (9).
• The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4005).
• The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013).
• The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4014).

Try these steps:

• Make sure that your Mac has the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
• Force your device to restart:
  • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
• Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. Locate your device on your computer.
• When you see the option to update or restore, click Update — not Restore — to reinstall the software and keep your personal data.

If you still need help, try these steps

If you can update your device but it starts up in recovery mode, follow the steps above again. On step 4, choose Restore instead of Update. After the restore completes, you need to set up your device from a backup.

If you still see an error during the update:

1. Check for updates to your Mac or PC. If you restart your computer for an update, check for updates again after you restart.
2. Try to restore your device using another USB cable.
3. Try to restore your device on another computer.

If you continue to see error 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 when you try to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, contact us."

We hope this information helps out.

Take care!

Hey there jerseyjim2.

Thanks for updating us. If your iPhone isn't restoring properly, we have a helpful resource we can share with you that contains additional steps you can try to sort this issue out. Please click here for details: If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support

Follow the steps listed under "Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again".

1.) Make sure that your Mac is up to date. If you're using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes. 

2.) On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. If iTunes is already open, close it, then open it again. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.

3.) Keep your device connected and wait until the recovery mode screen appears: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

4.) Locate your device on your computer. When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Update. Your computer will try to reinstall the software without erasing your data. Wait while your computer downloads the software for your device. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then repeat step 3

As for your Contacts, if you're syncing your contacts with iCloud, they can be easily restored to your device after the restore completes: Set up and use iCloud Contacts - Apple Support

If your syncing your Contacts with a third-party email account, they will sync back to your iPhone once you re-add that email account to your device: Manage and delete contacts on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.