Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

0 points

iPhone 3Gs iOS 5 update Error (-1)

I tried to update my iPhones 3Gs since from 12/10/2011.

Once I update it I receive error (-1).

I read Apple's suggestions to solve the errors even though my error code is not in the list.

Update my Mac, remove all security software, Create new admin a/c, connect direct to modem, ... wait more than 1 night ... try on Mac Lion, Windows 7, Windows XP, different ISP.

Now is one week already.

Endless trying give me same result error (-1).

Anyone can suggest me how to solve it?

Or must I want the iOS 5.1?

Now I only can see iTunes <- USB logo on my phone.

Posted on Oct 20, 2011 11:20 AM

35 replies

May 18, 2012 7:39 AM in response to zepepk

I had the same problem as all above -- upgrading iPhone 3gs to 5.1, the thing locked up and I got error code (-1).

I upgraded my Mac's software and tried to "restore" the phone nine times. Each time, it came back with error code -1. I am clearly insane, for I kept repeating this process with the same result. But it was a rainy day and i had nothing better to do.

I then used the "top" button to shut down the iPhone completely, let it sit for five minutes, then restarted ... and went through the "restore" process again. This time, I got error code -9. Shut the thing down completely once more, restarted and went to "restore" ..Then -- kaboom -- it suddenly worked! Not only did it upgrade the iPhone to the new system software, I had no loss of data despite the "restore."

Everything is now working as it did before. Don't know if this will help others ... but it worked for me!

TommyIKL

Level 1

0 points

May 24, 2012 6:26 PM in response to zepepk

HOW TO FIX ERROR (-1)

DOWNLOAD IPSW 5.1.1

REDSNOW 0.9.11B4

CREAT A CUSTOM FIRMWARE USING REDSNOW

http://www.beijingiphonerepair.com/tag/build-custom-firmware-ios-5-1-1-for-iphon e-4-or-3gs-with-redsn0w-0-9-11b4-to-preserve-baseband/

THEN iREB YOUR PHONE BEFORE RESTORING THAT FIRMWARE USING iTUNES TO NOT GET ERROR 1600

http://www.iphonestuffs4u.com/iphone-error-1600/

RESTORE YOUR DEVICE AND IT WILL WORK FINE AND U WILL NOT GET THE (-1) ERROR ANYMORE

IT WORKED FOR ME AND NOW I VE THE PHONE WORKING BUT NOT ACTIVATED AS I SHOULD JAILBROKE IT AND UNLOCK IT BUT I WONT DO THIS STEP NOW WAITING FOR UNTETHERED JAILBREAK..

alysuk

Level 1

0 points

Aug 13, 2012 7:40 AM in response to zepepk

I had the same problem - getting error -1 when I tried to update my 3GS to iOS 5.1. My phone was left in limbo with apple symbol on the screen, wouldn't turn off, restart etc.

Turning off my MacBook's Firewall and trying again did the trick!

milomoo

Level 1

10 points

Aug 16, 2012 6:08 AM in response to alysuk

Thanks for this information. I plan to try this!

liranics

Level 1

0 points

Sep 23, 2012 7:29 PM in response to Timroperco

Timroperco wrote:

I had the same problem as all above -- upgrading iPhone 3gs to 5.1, the thing locked up and I got error code (-1).

I upgraded my Mac's software and tried to "restore" the phone nine times. Each time, it came back with error code -1. I am clearly insane, for I kept repeating this process with the same result. But it was a rainy day and i had nothing better to do.

I then used the "top" button to shut down the iPhone completely, let it sit for five minutes, then restarted ... and went through the "restore" process again. This time, I got error code -9. Shut the thing down completely once more, restarted and went to "restore" ..Then -- kaboom -- it suddenly worked! Not only did it upgrade the iPhone to the new system software, I had no loss of data despite the "restore."

Everything is now working as it did before. Don't know if this will help others ... but it worked for me!

this answer solve the problem fo me . but i make it in some different..

all the time whene i restore ios6 to my iphone 3Gs it's look all run perfect like done but pop up windows with error code -1, after read this answer i plug off the connector in middle restore progress and i see error code 9

i shutdown the phone with up button and after thet make all restore again ..and boooM . work perfect

iPhone 3Gs iOS 5 update Error (-1)