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

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.

OH MY GOODNESS !!! VPN SOLVED MY PROBLEMS.

Bought iPhone 16, brand new. Opens it, it demands update, connects iPhone with cable to Win 11 PC, uses Apple Devices and then all hells brakes loose. Update does not work... after 12 hours of trying to solve the problem, still various issues.

I was 100% sure that there is nothing that can help me anymore. I used several cables, 6 different port, 2 different PCs, 6 different WLANs and Ethernets, did put all antivirus + firewalls down, changed DNS to 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 Reninstalled iTunes, iCloud, Apple Devices SEVERAL TIMES, repaired them, updated several drivers. NOTHING WORKED!!!

I was panicking. I read terms&conditions and was sure my 1000€ went down the drain, because Company that sold the iPhone said there is NO refunds because the phone is unusable.

AND THEN I BUMP INTO THIS TEXT and I try VPN, put that VPN on (FSecure, Total) and everything worked smoothly like babys bum.

I can't stress how thankful I am for this post the I bumped into !!!!

If you use Windows, DO NOT USE ANY PROGRAMS TO UPDATE ANY Apple devies. Never. If you have no other ways to update those devices BUY MAC to update them!!

Sorry for ranting but I am so relieved. Apple Support is calling me tomorrow. Certainly will not cancel the appointment. Will tell everyone there this VPN trick that helped me.

Happy days :D

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

Okay, so I had exactly the same problem, and solved it 20 minutes ago !

I was looking on this exact forum and I'm here to confirm : 3uTools saved me !

At first I didn't wanted to try it because it's not from Apple and I was scared to make the situation worst, but then I told myself that my phone was already bricked and I would lose nothing by trying it, and OMG it worked PERFECTLY !

That's super ironic for Apple, they're so scared of this kind of software and they are so closed that they doesn't want you to use them, and yet, these same software restored my phone, what Apple couldn't do with their own softwares (iTunes, Apple Devicies...)

Edit : I use Win11

Had the same issue (the device was stuck with Apple Logo and a partially completed loading bar beneath)when was upgrading:

• iPhone 15 Pro from iOS 8.0.1 to iOS 18.4.1
• from windows 11 PC from iTunes while connected with wire (USB C to USB C)
• while laptop being connected to WiFi

How I fixed it:

• Just restarted my Laptop > Disconnected my wifi
• Connected the laptop with personal hotspot from another mobile device (used iPhone 12 Mini)
• Diconnected the device from the Laptop
• Pressed and release Volume Up > then Pressed and released Volume Down > Long pressed the side button (right side button) for around 10-15 seconds
• The phone restarted with Wire Image
• Connected back to the Laptop > went thorugh restoring pop ups fron iTunes.

Hotspot didn't work, VPN didn't work, but changing my DNS servers did! This is how I did it on Windows 11:

1. goto View Network Connections
2. Right click your active network
3. Properties
4. Double click Internet Protocol Version 4
5. At the bottom, Use the following DNS server addresses:
6. Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
7. Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
8. Download Apple Devices from the Windows Store
9. Plug in your iPad, and restore!

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 FOUND THE SOLUTION.... USE QUICK FLASH ON 3uTools!!!!!

If you are using windows, i'm sorry that you have to use Windows 10. ( Don't use Windows 11 because it will not work).

Download "Apple Devices" from Microsoft Store.

It will show "Apple Recovery (iBoot) USB composite device" in bluetooth section.

Also make sure you changed the dns 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4.

Trust me it will work this time.

This happened to me just now. I was setting up an iPhone 16 Pro for work, not realising it had asked me for an old passcode when trying to set up my iCloud. I put in the code I had set in the initial stages of the iPhone set up. It then locked me out of the phone when trying to get back in despite using the code I had set up in the initial stages.

I then had to restore the phone to factory settings to get back in. The hurdle came when the Usb-c was not showing up in apple devices - the port driver had to be updated. Once that was updated, I could then see it when I followed the next steps:

• Hold the side button until you get the laptop and cable image
• Plugged the iPhone via usb-c to the computer
• Started the restore and update

Then I got the error 'unkown error (1109).130A.0000.

I tried the hotspot idea with my personal phone, didn't work.

I then tried turning off the what ever VPN settings I had, that didn't work.

I then dug out an old laptop of mine, downloaded the apple devices app onto that and it worked.

The problem I found to be was with Windows 11 24H2. You will need to use an older version of windows to restore via a cable if you are not using a Mac.

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

hope this helps

https://www.reddit.com/r/applehelp/comments/1gnja3a/ios_181_update_errors_1109_3194_network_timeout/

https://github.com/nooneknowspeter/iOS-issues

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!