How To Repair an iPhone 15 Pro Max Error 9 Caused Due To Aftermarket BackGlass

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How To Repair an iPhone 15 Pro Max Error 9 Caused Due To Aftermarket BackGlass
Device	iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
Affects part(s)	Logic Board, BackGlass/Wireless Charging Flex
Needs equipment	Opening Tools, Alcohol, Screwdrivers
Difficulty	◉◉◌◌ Medium
Type	Parts Replacement"Parts Replacement" is not in the list (Soldering, Teardown, Part replacement, Cleaning, Software, BGA, General) of allowed values for the "Repair Guide type" property.

Problem description

iPhone 15 Pro Max fails to restore in DFU/recovery mode, throwing Error 9 in iTunes/3UTools. This issue is typically not logic board–related but caused by a third-party or aftermarket wireless charging flex integrated into the replacement backglass assembly.

iPhone 15 Pro Error 9 in 3uTools -- (Figure 1)

Symptoms

• iTunes/3UTools restore halts mid-way and shows Error 9. (Figure 1)
• Device disconnects and reconnects repeatedly during restore.
• Phone may enter a boot loop or fail to enter recovery after multiple attempts.
• No visible logic board damage or water intrusion.
• Device restores successfully when the wireless charging flex is disconnected.

iPhone 15 Pro/Max Wireless Charging Flex Connector -- (Figure 2)

Solution

Use an OEM (original pull) backglass assembly or OEM wireless charging flex from a donor iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Aftermarket or low-quality flexes often cause data line interference with the USB-C communication path during restore, leading to Error 9.

iPhone 15 Pro/Max Wireless Charging Coil -- (Figure 3)

Diagnostic Steps

1. Visual Inspection
   • Confirm the backglass has been replaced previously.
   • Check the wireless charging flex — aftermarket ones usually have lighter/golden traces, thinner copper lines, or missing Apple QR/serial labels.
   • Inspect connector area for lifted pins or trapped adhesive.
2. Restore Attempt (with Flex Connected)
   • Connect to Mac/PC → attempt restore/update.
   • Error 9 appears consistently.
3. Isolation Test
   • Disconnect the wireless charging flex (back housing flex).
   • Attempt restore again.
   • If restore succeeds, the fault is confirmed in the backglass flex.
     

Repair Steps

1. Power off and disconnect battery.
2. Remove display assembly carefully.
3. Disconnect the back housing flex (wireless charging + NFC coil).
4. Attempt restore with flex disconnected — confirm success.
5. Replace with OEM wireless charging flex (from original pull).
6. Reassemble device, reconnect battery, test all wireless functions (charging, NFC, MagSafe).
7. Perform final restore or update to verify complete fix.