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M-RES Author

Level 1

3 points

iPhone 5S stopping at updating firmware during software restore in iTunes. Phone now stuck on 'connect to iTunes' screen.

I have an iPhone 5S which I'm having a look at for my boss. He tried running a software update on it and it crapped out during a firmware update from what I can gather. It's left the phone just displaying 'connect to iTunes' icons on the display and when connecting to the Mac the only option is to 'Restore iPhone'. No other info available about the phone in iTunes, not even serial number. He was running a version of iOS 8 (not sure which iteration) and I'm guessing he was trying to update to latest release when the original failure occurred.

Is there any way, say through Terminal, to find the device and reformat it so that I can perform a complete reinstall through iTunes again. I've tried downloading the software updater again and I'm getting the same problem: update seems to run fine at first, it extracts the software, verifies it, installs, verifies the installation then begins a firmware update at which point it errors saying 'The iPhone "iPhone" could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1).'

Apple's page detailing 'more information' is next to useless and fails to give you any further information detailing what an error (1) actually is. The nearest they get is hinting at it being network related. I know it's not a network issue as the same occurs across different networks I've tried it on. The hosts file is fine, the router is fine, there's no security or antivirus software getting in the way, I've even tried port forwarding for all of Apple's services and it makes no difference. Just to make sure it wasn't an OSX related issue I've tried on a WinPC and the same error pops up, so it's all pointing to a problem with the phone itself.

Prior to the software update I'm told it was all running fine, so the process of updating seems to have borked something (probably in the firmware). I'm just looking for a workaround at a low level to bypass the useless GUI approach and maybe look for a command line solution. The phone wasn't jailbroken so there'll be no SSH availability unfortunately. Can the device's volume be accessed through Terminal?

Posted on Feb 23, 2015 7:21 AM

25 replies

Sep 27, 2015 10:26 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Would you believe I had encountered similar experience except my serial number was still visible. AND THIS WORKED! My install usually gets to about 60% and then comes across an error... fingers crossed it works this time though!!!

Sep 27, 2015 10:28 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Nope this error popped up at about 60% of the way again ... The Iphone 'iphone' could not be restored an unknown error occurred (-1) any ideas? or any helpful threads you know of?

Sep 28, 2015 2:53 AM in response to nikkyrogers

nikkyrogers wrote:

Nope this error popped up at about 60% of the way again ... The Iphone 'iphone' could not be restored an unknown error occurred (-1) any ideas? or any helpful threads you know of?

That is not the same problem that this thread is about. See: Get help with iOS update and restore errors - Apple Support

Nov 1, 2015 9:47 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

It seems I have same problem as most posters here - my iphone falls over during updating of firmware, but is quite happy to load software and verify it. Eventual reason codes vary but commonly seem to be -50 from the searches I've carried out, but there are others. The Apple link by Lawrence unfortunately does not deal with the issue these posters refer to.

Tried all remedies on this link, unfortunately to no avail. Tried other cables, computers, with/without sim, looked for dirt/fluff and spoken direct to Apple but eventually booked a date with Genius for next weekend.

Is there a way back to getting my home screen to display? All I can get now is the itunes plug in screen, the home/off button thing just recycles back to that too. Can I get it out of Recovery Mode or whatever this is called? Also, if this is an internal fault that stops the firmware from receiving info, is it terminal for the phone?

Thanks

cac2548

Level 1

0 points

Nov 5, 2015 2:55 PM in response to eyephone5c

eyephone5c and nikkyrogers,

Any luck with this? Im having the same issue where my phone stops at the firmware part of the restore. Have tried everything. Spent 4 hours on the phone with a senior tech support advisor yesterday and another 2 hours today with a senior tech support advisor to no avail. The closest apple store is an hour away and I work full time during the week so it will be hard to get there. Have yall found anything out about the issue?

Thanks,

Chase

Nov 6, 2015 11:51 AM in response to cac2548

fraid not - have appntm with Genius Saturday eve. I'll post back how I get on

Nov 8, 2015 10:04 AM in response to eyephone5c

Had my appointment with Apple Genius last night - Not successful though. They took it away and returned 10 mins later with option to purchase a new one, no repair option. I asked if they could at least get it out of the update mode (or recovery mode call it what you will) but alas not. He did suggest it could go to an outside repairer who may be able crack into it - but Apple can't.

So, my immaculate little phone is off to Ebay land where I guess it will get stripped for spares or will be repaired by someone with a little less interest in me buying a new phone.........

Jan 5, 2017 2:48 AM in response to M-RES

I have exactly the same problem. 😢😢

Jan 29, 2017 10:40 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

hello.. so none of these ideas helped me. I am still getting error " softward update not available??? sooooo frustrated!!

Jan 29, 2017 11:28 PM in response to M-RES

You have to force it into recoverymode and then you have 15 min to restore.

iPhone 5S stopping at updating firmware during software restore in iTunes. Phone now stuck on 'connect to iTunes' screen.