Receiving an error code (1109) in the middle of the restore on iPhone 11

Me too on a Intune supervised iPhone 14. I am using iTunes on a Windows 11 Pro laptop.

Connection with the apple servers is not smooth. I have to click many times "update" and "restore" until it gets the download started.

"There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone "devicename". The network connection was reset. Make sure you networking settings are correct and your network connection is active, or try again later."

I have been getting errors 2002 and 1109.

After the first failed restore attempt, the serial number is not displayed anymore (n/a).

Connecting the iPhone to the laptop or turning it on always displays the recovery mode screen on the iPhone with the support.apple.com/iphone/restore at the top, the laptop icon at the middle and the lighting cable with an arrow towards the laptop at the bottom.

iTunes was not responsive a few times I had to close it with task manager.

I repaired the app via Windows settings, installed apps. Did not seem to help.

After failed restore attempt 2, I uninstalled the app, restarted the laptop and installed it again from the Microsoft Store.

So far no changes in behaviour.

Thanks for this but unfortunately has not worked for me. I’ve tried hotspots on two iPhones and with and without a VPN enabled on each. I’ve also tried with and without the same VPN on the laptop itself. Same error in all cases.

I forgot to mention that, to ensure all connections go through the hotspot’s DNS, I completely disconnected the laptop from the network, restarted it, and only then connected it via USB to an Android phone. If it still doesn’t work, you could try using a SIM card from a different provider. Hope this helps.

This is a workaround and not a solution to this problem as not every iPhone user is going to have an Android device lying around to use as a hotspot. I’ll probably end up escalating this to Apple Engineering via our company account and hopefully get a better solution for us all.

I had exactly same issue with downgrade from 18.1 to 18.0.1, error code was shown 1109. For many times it got stocked DFU mode forever and can't update nor restore, until I tried to connect through my alternate android phone (suggested by Lacatusuuuu), somehow I was able to restore but not update, finally got out of this **** hole!!! Thank god!!!

Same issue with… For moments I thought this was my experience last weekend.

I’m incredibly disappointed with Apple Support. After a failed update to iOS 18.2.1 rendered my iPhone 15 Pro Max completely unusable, I spent 10 frustrating hours with support representatives who merely repeated basic troubleshooting steps I had already tried on my own. Alarmingly, one representative admitted unfamiliarity with Apple’s own procedures and was unable to recognize the "Apple Devices" app from the Microsoft Store—critical for addressing the issue.

Despite my efforts and patience, I was ultimately directed to visit a physical Apple Store, which only added to my frustration. Out of desperation, I turned to Google and discovered a third-party solution, Tenorshare ReiBoot. This software resolved the issue in just 15 minutes—something Apple Support couldn’t achieve after an entire day of back-and-forth.

While I appreciate the patience of the support staff, their lack of technical expertise and familiarity with Apple’s own tools is unacceptable. This experience has significantly diminished my trust in Apple’s support system.

Rating:

⭐ One star for patience.

❌ Zero stars for competence.

Wasted most of my day trying to update to iOS 18.3 this morning and it bricked my phone. It took me over 4 hours to get it recovered.  It’s still doing a restore of my backup. Only 19.2 GB to go. Thanks Apple 😤

I use AT&T and I have the same problem with error code 1109. I’ve also gotten error codes 75 and -18. I don’t get why I’m getting different error codes every time I try, are there multiple reasons for the problem or something, makes no sense.

I think my internet is blocking my access to the Apple servers so I’m gonna try mobile hotspot first and then try PIA.

luckily I’m doing this to an old phone of mine, not the one I use now, I’d be livid otherwise. Good luck to me and everyone else dealing with this.

Apple, you’re trying to hard to outdo Samsung and not trying hard enough to produce errorless software and effortless updates and restores. I have been an Apple user since day one of iPhones and I’ve actually contemplated switching bc Apple is really been dropping the ball. There are reasons people choose Apple over Samsung and the more Apple tries to be like Samsung the more people you’ll lose to Samsung for doing it poorly. Keep going and you’ll lose what sets you apart from Samsung. Focus on being a better Apple and not a generic Samsung

Can I just tell you that my disabled kid who went to his first gig last year and took a lot of videos thanks you from the heart. He was devastated there and you've actually saved his day big time. Thanks.

I 100% agree. 3uTools saved my iphone and all my data from being gone forever! (I just went on a trip so I'm glad my photos and content are safe). I can't thank you enough for posting this on this discussion thread. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! :) 😁😁

Thank you so much, 3utool enabled me to flash the iPhone 13 Pro passed the safety mode in was stuck in. I applied the software update I was trying to apply in the first place.

I am still trying to restore my device to what it was, we will see if the standard Apple Devices app works with my windows 11 laptop. If it doesn't work I will just restore my data from iCloud.

I gave hotspot from an android device, maybe that s the difference

Thank you, you saved me today!

Oh man! Thank you. I was about to pull my hair out.

you are a life saver!! had the exact same problem here and followed every step of your comment, and it finally worked!