How to fix iPhone restore errors 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014
Apple attributes these to the USB connection or a hardware issue: the device lost contact during the restore. Restoring a solid connection resolves most cases. Jump to your situation below or work through the methods in order.
By Neeraj Singh ~8 min Updated Jun 2026 87% found this helpful
Error message
The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013).
Summary
iPhone restore errors 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014 are attributed by Apple to a USB connection or hardware problem: the device lost contact with the computer during the firmware write, often mid-restore. The most reliable fixes are all about a solid connection: use the Apple-certified cable that came with the device, plug into a different USB port directly on the computer (not a hub or the keyboard), and try a different computer. Make sure iTunes, or macOS and Finder, is up to date, and check that security software is not interfering. A force restart (or DFU mode) followed by another attempt often pushes it through, and the computer needs enough free space to unpack the firmware. If it still fails after all that, it points to a genuine hardware fault needing service.
What this error means
These errors appear when the flow of data between the device and the computer is interrupted during the restore. Apple groups them as connection and hardware issues because a dropped USB link, a failing cable, or an underpowered port stops the firmware write partway.
Because the trigger is usually the physical link, the fixes target it: a known-good Apple cable, a direct port on the computer, and if needed a different machine. A force restart lets you retry cleanly. Only when all of that fails does it suggest an actual hardware fault.
Common causes
The device disconnected during the restore.
A faulty or non-certified USB cable.
A weak or faulty USB port (or a hub or keyboard port).
Outdated iTunes, macOS or Finder.
Security software interfering with the restore.
A genuine hardware fault on the device.
Expert insight
“Apple pins 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014 on the connection, and in practice that is exactly right, the device drops off the USB partway through the restore. So I go back to basics: the real Apple cable, straight into a port on the computer, never a hub or the keyboard, and if it still fails, a completely different computer. A force restart and another go often gets it through. It is only when none of that works that I start suspecting real hardware, and then it is a service job.”
Manager, Tech Support & Operations · 19+ years fixing Windows and system errors
✓ How to fix it
Method 1
Use the Apple cable and a direct port
1Use the Apple-certified cable that came with the device (or another certified one).
2Plug directly into a USB port on the computer, not a hub or the keyboard.
3Try a different port.
Method 2
Update and try another computer
1Make sure iTunes (Windows) or macOS and Finder is the latest version.
2If it still fails, try the restore on a different computer.
3This rules out the machine.
Method 3
Check security software
1Confirm firewall or antivirus is not interfering with the restore.
2Add iTunes or Finder as an exception, or test with them briefly paused.
3Re-enable protection afterwards.
Method 4
Force restart, then retry
1Force restart the device (the button sequence depends on the model), then try the restore again.
2A DFU-mode restore can push it through when a normal one fails.
3Keep the cable connected throughout.
Method 5
Free space on the computer
1Make sure the computer has ample free space (roughly 10 to 15 GB) to unpack the firmware.
2Clear space if it is low.
3Then retry.
Method 6
Check hardware if it persists
1If every step fails, a hardware fault on the device is likely.
2Contact Apple Support or an authorised service provider.
3They can diagnose the device.
Apple attributes 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014 to the USB connection or hardware. Use the Apple-certified cable straight into a port on the computer (not a hub or keyboard), try a different port and computer, update iTunes or Finder, and check security software. A force restart and enough free disk space help; persistent failure means hardware service.
Frequently asked questions
What do iPhone errors 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014 mean?
Apple attributes them to a USB connection or hardware problem. The device lost contact with the computer during the restore, interrupting the firmware write, so the restore failed.
How do I fix them?
Use the Apple-certified cable directly in a computer USB port (not a hub or keyboard), try a different port and computer, update iTunes or Finder, check security software, and force restart before retrying.
Why does the cable matter so much?
A faulty or non-certified cable, or an underpowered port such as one on a keyboard or hub, can drop the connection mid-restore. A known-good Apple cable in a direct port keeps the link stable.
Does a force restart help?
Often yes. Force restarting the device and retrying, or doing a DFU-mode restore, can push the firmware write through when a normal restore keeps failing at the same point.
Could it be a hardware fault?
Yes. If the cable, ports, computer and force restart all fail to resolve it, a genuine hardware fault on the device is likely, and Apple Support or an authorised service provider should check it.
Do I need free disk space?
Yes. The computer needs enough free space, around 10 to 15 GB, to download and unpack the firmware. A nearly full drive can contribute to these errors, so clear space first.
Still not working?
If a different computer and cable still hit the same code at the same point in the restore, the device's storage (NAND) may be failing; an authorised service provider can confirm, since that is not fixable by retrying. You can also submit your error to us for a tailored fix.
