Don’t panic if you see the 4013 Apple code saying “The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013)”.
It is one of the most common errors Apple users often encounter when using iTunes, and can be solved easily if you follow the steps below in this article.
Likewise, the following methods can be used to fix iPhone error 9, iPhone error 4005, and iPhone error 4014.
- Part 1. What is iPhone Error 4013
- Part 2. How to Fix Error 4013 on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
- Part 3. Top 3 FAQs about Error 4013
What is iPhone Error 4013
iPhone restore error 4013 is in essence a connection error.
Precisely speaking, error 4013 should be called iTunes error 4013. Not only can it strike iPhone but also iPad and iPod touch.
This error occurs when iTunes fails to access Apple servers to download iOS update firmware for updating or restoring your iPhone.
And the possible reasons for Apple error 4013 are:
- Your iTunes version or computer operating system is out of date.
- Your device disconnects from the computer during the updating or restoring process.
- Unknown software bugs.
- Faulty USB port or cable.
How to Fix Error 4013 on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
Following the steps in order will help your device get rid of error 4013.
Step 1. Make sure you have the latest iTunes installed. (For Mac users, make sure you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.)
To upgrade iTunes on Windows: Open iTunes, choose Help > Check for Updates. Or you can directly download the latest version of iTunes from the official website.
To upgrade iTunes on Mac: Go to App Store > Updates. (iTunes is replaced by Finder on macOS Catalina or later)
To upgrade macOS: Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update.
Step 2. Force restart your device.
For iPhone error 4013:
iPhone 8 or later:
Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the column down button. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
Simultaneously press and hold the side button and the volume down button until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 6s or earlier:
Simultaneously press and hold the side button and the Home button until you see the Apple logo.
For iPad error 4013:
iPad models without a Home button:
Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button until the device restarts.
iPad models with a Home button:
Press and hold both the top button and the Home button until you see the Apple logo.
For iPod error 4013:
iPod touch (7 generation):
Simultaneously press and hold the top button and the volume down button until you see the Apple logo.
iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier:
Simultaneously press and hold both the top button and the Home button until you see the Apple logo.
Step 3. Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable.
Make sure the USB port and cable are in good condition.
Step 4. Choose the Update option in the prompted window.
As the above picture shows, Update will keep all your data safe, while Restore will erase all your data and you’ll later need to set up your device from a backup.
iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode After Update?
If your iPhone fails to start up normally and gets stuck in recovery mode, you should reconnect your iPhone to the computer and proceed with the Restore option this time.
Still See the 4013 Error Code?
If you still see the iPhone could not be restored error 4013 when updating, below are more actions you can take:
- Update your computer to the latest version.
- Use another USB cable.
- Try the above steps on another computer.
- Contact Apple Support.
Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions about iPhone Error 4013
1. What to do if iPhone can’t restore?
Most of the time, iPhone can’t restore is due to outdated iTunes version and disconnection between your iPhone and iTunes/Finder.
So to fix the iPhone can’t restore problem, you should first make sure to install the latest version of iTunes and then keep your iPhone connected and recognized by the computer all the time during the restoring process.
2. How to fix error 4013 on iPhone X?
Step 1. Upgrade the iTunes on your computer to the latest version. If you are using Mac, you can just upgrade the macOS to the latest version.
Step 2. Force restart your iPhone X: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the column down button. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Step 3. Connect your iPhone X to the computer with a USB cable.
Step 4. Update or restore your iPhone X again following the instructions.
3. How do I get my iPhone 11 out of recovery mode?
To get your iPhone 11 out of recovery mode after updating, you can simply press and hold the side button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen disappears.
But in case that doesn’t work for you, you can also connect your iPhone to iTunes and then choose the Restore option in the prompted window.
Conclusion
To conclude, iPhone error 4013 occurs when your iPhone can’t update or restore.
To avoid this happening, you should keep your iTunes or macOS up-to-date and do not disconnect your iPhone from the computer until the update or restore finishes.
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