Not broken, but less effective than before.
For older devices (iPhone X and earlier), SHSH saving still works fine in 3uTools v9.
For iPhone XS and newer, you’re better off using:
3uTools remains great for flashing stock IPSWs and fixing recovery loops. But for SHSH? The era of one-click blob saving is ending.
Have you beaten the “Error unable to request SHSH” on 3uTools 9?
Drop your iOS version and device model in the comments – I’ll update the guide with working combos.
Stay signed,
The Jailbreak Desk
The "Unable to request SHSH" error in 3uTools, which typically occurs at the 9% mark during a flash, is often caused by a mismatch between the software and Apple's signing servers. Error Report & Solutions
Software Version Mismatch: This is the most common cause. 3uTools released specific updates (like V2.16) to address this error.
Fix: Click Check Update in the bottom right corner of 3uTools or download the latest version from the official 3u website.
iOS Signing Status: Apple stops "signing" older iOS versions after a new release. If you are trying to install an unsigned firmware, the SHSH request will fail.
Fix: Verify the signing status of your IPSW file. You may only be able to flash the latest available version.
Server Connectivity: Network issues or temporary Apple server downtime can block SHSH requests. Fix: Check your internet connection or try again later.
Flashing Mode Choice: Some users have reported that the "Easy Flash" mode triggers this bug, while the iTunes Flash option within 3uTools works successfully.
Driver Errors: Corrupted drivers can prevent proper communication between the device and the tool. error unable to request shsh 3utools 9 updated
Fix: Go to Toolbox > iTunes Utility > Repair Driver in 3uTools before trying again.
If these software fixes don't work and the process fails later (around 19-20%), it may indicate a hardware issue with the device's NAND (storage chip). How to Fix 3uTools 9% ERROR Unable to request SHSH Latest
Troubleshooting 3uTools: Fixing the "Unable to Request SHSH" Error at 9%
If you have ever tried to flash your iPhone or iPad only to have the progress bar freeze at exactly 9% with the message "Unable to request SHSH," you are not alone. This frustrating error essentially means 3uTools cannot get the "digital signature" it needs from Apple's servers to authorize the firmware installation. What is an SHSH Blob?
Think of an SHSH blob as a "golden ticket" for your device. Whenever you restore or update an iOS device, 3uTools (or iTunes) must contact Apple’s TSS (Tatsu Signing Server) to request a unique signature for that specific device and firmware version. If the server says "no," 3uTools cannot proceed, and the process fails at the start—typically at that 9% mark. Top Solutions to Fix the 9% Error 1. Update 3uTools (Most Successful Fix)
The most common reason for this error is using an outdated version of 3uTools that can no longer communicate correctly with Apple's updated security protocols.
Action: Click "Check Update" at the bottom right of the 3uTools interface or download the latest version directly from the Official 3uTools Website.
Why it works: Developers frequently release patches (like version V2.16 and beyond) specifically to address SHSH request failures. 2. Check Apple's Signing Status
Apple only "signs" certain iOS versions (usually the latest ones). If you are trying to "Easy Flash" a version of iOS that Apple has stopped signing, 3uTools will be unable to request SHSH because the server simply won't provide it.
Action: Verify if the firmware you are trying to install is still "Signed." Signed versions are usually highlighted in green within the 3uTools firmware list. 3. Swap Your Connection Hardware
Sometimes the request fails because of a "handshake" issue between your PC and the iPhone. Action:
Switch from a USB-C to USB-C cable to a USB-C to USB-A (classic USB) cable. Not broken, but less effective than before
Try a different USB port on your computer, preferably one directly on the motherboard (the back of a desktop) rather than a front port or hub. 4. Switch Flash Modes
Some users have found success by moving away from the "Easy Flash" tab.
Action: Try using the "iTunes Flash" option within 3uTools instead of "Easy Flash". This uses a different method to communicate with the device and can sometimes bypass the 9% hang-up. 5. Verify Network and Drivers
A firewall or an unstable internet connection can block the request to Apple’s servers.
Action: Ensure your internet is stable and that Apple Device Drivers are correctly installed. You can reinstall these via the "Toolbox" tab in 3uTools if they seem corrupted. How to Fix 3uTools 9% ERROR Unable to request SHSH Latest
"Unable to request SHSH" error in 3uTools—frequently occurring at the
during a flash—generally indicates a failure to communicate with Apple's servers or an attempt to install a firmware version that is no longer being "signed" by Apple. Core Fixes for 3uTools 9% SHSH Error To resolve this issue, follow these steps in order: Update 3uTools
: This is the most common resolution. Older versions often lose compatibility with updated Apple server protocols. Ensure you are running the latest version from the 3uTools Official Site Switch to "iTunes Flash" Mode : Some users find that using the iTunes Flash
utility within 3uTools, rather than the "Easy Flash" mode, bypasses bugs in the software's native flashing engine. Verify Firmware Signing Status
: Apple stops signing older iOS versions shortly after new ones are released. If you are trying to downgrade to an unsigned version, the SHSH request will always fail. You can check the current signing status on sites like Check Network Stability
: An unstable internet connection or a firewall blocking Apple's verification servers ( ://apple.com ) can cause this request to time out. DFU Mode Transition : If the error persists, try putting the device into
manually before starting the flash, as this can sometimes force a cleaner connection to the server for the SHSH ticket. Advanced Troubleshooting 3uTools remains great for flashing stock IPSWs and
If standard updates don't work, consider these alternative methods: Manual SHSH Injection
: For legacy devices or specific downgrade attempts, some users visit to copy their device's
and verify if any saved SHSH blobs are available for the target firmware. Try iMazing or iTunes : If 3uTools continues to fail, use the official iTunes or third-party alternatives like to rule out software-specific bugs. Are you currently attempting to to the newest iOS or to an older version?
Before fixing the issue, it is important to understand what SHSH blobs are. They are digital signatures provided by Apple to authorize the installation of a specific iOS version. Apple stops signing older versions usually within a few weeks of a new release.
The error "Unable to request SHSH" means 3uTools attempted to contact Apple's TSS server to request a signature, but the request failed.
Follow these steps in order until the issue is resolved.
Legacy versions of 3uTools used multiple sources for SHSH (Cydia, TSS servers, local caches). However, 3uTools 9 updated its security protocols and server-checking methods. While this improves accuracy, it also enforces Apple’s signing window more strictly than previous versions. Consequently, users who used to "trick" the system now see the error immediately.
You cannot request SHSH for an iOS version Apple stopped signing.
👉 Use sites like IPSW.me or The iPhone Wiki to verify if the target iOS version is still signed.
If it’s unsigned → No tool can get SHSH. Period.
Don’t wait until you need to restore. Set a reminder:
If you’re on iPhone X or older (A11 chip):
These tools handle the request protocol more cleanly than 3uTools v9.
| Symptom | User Message |
|---------|---------------|
| Flash fails immediately | "Error: Unable to request SHSH" |
| SHSH save operation fails | "Get SHSH failed" |
| Downgrade attempt blocked | "Firmware not signed" or above error |
| 3uTools freezes at “Requesting SHSH…” | Then times out |