Fix iPhone Error 4013: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Quick Fix
iPhone error 4013 means the restore or update failed due to a connection issue. To fix it: Try a different USB cable (use Apple original), try a different USB port directly on your computer (not a hub), and update iTunes/Finder to the latest version. Also restart both your iPhone and computer before trying again.
What Is iPhone Error 4013?
Error 4013 appears when restoring or updating your iPhone through iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). The error message says “The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013).” This means the connection between your iPhone and computer was interrupted during the restore process.
Common causes include faulty USB cables, problematic USB ports, outdated iTunes/macOS, security software interference, or hardware issues with the iPhone. Let’s go through all the solutions.
Method 1: Use a Different USB Cable
Faulty or non-certified cables are the most common cause of error 4013.
- Disconnect your current cable
- Use an Apple original Lightning cable
- Or use an MFi-certified third-party cable
- Avoid long cables (under 1 meter is best)
- Check the cable for damage or fraying
- Try the restore again
Cheap, uncertified cables often cause communication errors during restore.
Method 2: Try a Different USB Port
USB port issues can interrupt the restore process.
- Disconnect your iPhone
- Plug directly into your computer’s USB port
- Avoid USB hubs, keyboards, or monitors
- Try a USB 2.0 port if USB 3.0 fails (or vice versa)
- Try ports on the back of desktop computers
- Attempt the restore again
Method 3: Restart Everything
A fresh start can clear temporary glitches.
Restart your computer:
- Close iTunes/Finder
- Restart your computer completely
- Wait for it to fully boot
Force restart your iPhone:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold Side button until Apple logo appears
- iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down + Side button together until Apple logo
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Side button until Apple logo
Then reconnect and try restoring.
Method 4: Update iTunes or macOS
Outdated software can cause restore errors.
On Windows:
- Open iTunes
- Click Help > Check for Updates
- Install any available updates
- Restart iTunes
On Mac:
- Click Apple menu > System Settings
- Click General > Software Update
- Install any available macOS updates
- Restart your Mac
Method 5: Disable Security Software
Antivirus and firewall can interfere with iTunes communication.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus
- Disable any third-party firewall
- On Windows, try disabling Windows Defender temporarily
- Attempt the restore
- Re-enable security software after
Method 6: Try DFU Mode Restore
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode allows deeper restore.
Enter DFU mode (iPhone 8 or later):
- Connect iPhone to computer
- Open iTunes/Finder
- Press and release Volume Up
- Press and release Volume Down
- Hold the Side button for 10 seconds
- While holding Side, also hold Volume Down for 5 seconds
- Release Side button but keep holding Volume Down for 10 seconds
- Screen should stay black (if Apple logo appears, start over)
- iTunes/Finder will detect a device in recovery mode
- Click Restore
Method 7: Try a Different Computer
Computer-specific issues can cause error 4013.
- Try using a different computer (Mac or Windows)
- Make sure iTunes/Finder is updated on that computer
- Use a known-good USB cable
- Attempt the restore
If it works on another computer, the issue is with your original computer’s USB, drivers, or software.
Method 8: Check for Hardware Issues
Error 4013 can indicate iPhone hardware problems.
Signs of hardware issues:
- Error 4013 persists with multiple cables and computers
- iPhone has been dropped or water damaged
- Lightning port is damaged or dirty
- iPhone gets very hot during restore attempts
Clean the Lightning port:
- Use a wooden or plastic toothpick
- Gently remove any lint or debris
- Don’t use metal objects
- Use compressed air carefully
Method 9: Free Up Computer Resources
Insufficient resources can interrupt the restore process.
- Close all other applications
- Ensure at least 10GB free disk space
- Disable startup programs temporarily
- On Windows, end unnecessary background processes
- Try the restore with minimal programs running
Method 10: Reinstall iTunes (Windows)
Corrupted iTunes installation can cause errors.
- Uninstall iTunes and related Apple software:
- iTunes
- Apple Software Update
- Apple Mobile Device Support
- Bonjour
- Apple Application Support (32 and 64-bit)
- Restart your computer
- Download fresh iTunes from apple.com/itunes
- Install and try restoring
Method 11: Check USB Drivers (Windows)
Apple Mobile Device USB Driver issues cause restore failures.
- Connect your iPhone
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Find Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
- Right-click and select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically
- Restart and try restoring
If driver is missing:
- Reinstall iTunes completely
- Or download Apple Mobile Device Support separately
Method 12: Contact Apple Support
If error 4013 persists after all troubleshooting, you may need repair.
Before contacting Apple:
- Note your iPhone model and iOS version
- Document what you’ve tried
- Check warranty status at checkcoverage.apple.com
Support options:
- Apple Support app
- support.apple.com
- Visit an Apple Store (make Genius Bar appointment)
- Apple Authorized Service Provider
Related Error Codes
| Error | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4013 | Connection interrupted during restore |
| 4014 | Similar to 4013, connection issue |
| 4005 | Update/restore timeout |
| 9 | Device disconnected during update |
| 14 | USB or cable issue |
These errors have similar causes and solutions.
Preventing Error 4013
- Always use Apple or MFi-certified cables
- Connect directly to computer, not through hubs
- Keep iTunes/macOS updated
- Ensure stable power during restore
- Don’t interrupt the restore process
- Keep iPhone battery above 50%
FAQ
What does iPhone error 4013 mean?
Error 4013 means the connection between your iPhone and computer was interrupted during a restore or update. It’s typically caused by USB cable issues, problematic USB ports, outdated software, or occasionally hardware problems with the iPhone.
Will I lose my data with error 4013?
If you have a backup (iCloud or iTunes), your data is safe. The restore process erases the iPhone, but you can restore from backup afterward. If you don’t have a backup and can’t complete the restore, data recovery may be difficult.
Why does error 4013 keep happening?
Recurring error 4013 usually indicates a consistent problem: a faulty cable, bad USB port, or hardware issue with the iPhone. Try different cables and computers. If it fails on multiple setups, the iPhone may need hardware repair.
Can error 4013 be fixed without a computer?
No, error 4013 specifically occurs during iTunes/Finder restore, which requires a computer. You can try over-the-air updates (Settings > General > Software Update) if your iPhone is functional, but a restore requires connection to a computer.
Does error 4013 mean my iPhone is broken?
Not necessarily. Most cases are caused by cable or software issues, not hardware failure. However, if 4013 persists after trying multiple cables, computers, and DFU mode, there may be a hardware issue requiring repair.
Is error 4013 covered under warranty?
If it’s caused by a manufacturing defect (hardware failure), yes. If it’s caused by physical damage, water damage, or user error, it may not be covered. Apple will diagnose the issue to determine warranty eligibility.
