iPhone 4S bricked after 6.1 update - iTunes errors 21/1611
Yesterday my iPhone 4S asked me to install the iOS 6.1 update (via the Settings.app) "over the air". After downloading and preparing the update, the iPhone rebooted itself to start the update process.
Unfortunately, this is where it all went wrong. It seems like the iPhone update failed somewhere along this process. It is now stuck in "Recovery Mode", with the picture showing me to connect the phone to iTunes.
I have tried countless times restoring the phone via iTunes, on 4 different computers, and on Windows 7 and OS X.
Nothing works. The restore process fails during the "Preparing iPhone" phase.
Here's what happens every time:
- I can see the phone being restarted.
- The Apple logo shows up, and a little wheel in the bottom of the screen starts spinning
- As soon as (usually even before) the progress bar shows up on the phone, the device suddenly shuts down
- The iPhone reboots right back into recovery mode, asking me to connect to iTunes
I'm quite desperate at this point. I have followed all steps imaginable (including turning off Windows firewall and antivirus software), but even then the restore still won't complete. iTunes always gives me the same error: 1611.
When putting the phone into DFU manually, it gives me another error: 21.
Both seem to point to third-party security software interfering with the restore process.
However, having tried this on 4 different computers, I am 99% sure that this is not the issue. So far I've tried:
- HP Laptop - Windows 7
- Asus Desktop - Windows 7
- 2010 Macbook Pro 15" - OS X Mountain Lion + Windows 8 (Bootcamp)
- 2010 Macbook Pro 13" - OS X Mountain Lion
Also, I should mention that in Belgium there aren't any official Apple Stores where I can book an appointment at a Genius Bar. Is this 4S doomed? 😟
iPhone 4S, iOS 6.1