If you're seeing error 4013, 4014, or 4005 while trying to restore or update your iPhone through iTunes or Finder, your device lost communication with your computer during the process. These are the most commonly reported iPhone restore errors.

These errors don't always mean hardware damage. In many cases, a cable swap or DFU restore fixes it completely.

What's actually happening

During a restore or update, iTunes sends a large firmware file to your iPhone. If the USB connection drops — even for a split second — the process fails and you get one of these errors.

Common causes

Damaged or non-Apple USB cable
Loose USB port on iPhone
Faulty USB port on computer
NAND storage failure (iPhone 7)
Audio IC failure (iPhone 7/7+)

Usually NOT the cause

Bad battery
Cracked screen
Water damage (unless severe)
iOS version
Apple ID issues

How to fix it

1

Try a different cable and port

Use an Apple-certified USB-C or Lightning cable. Plug directly into the computer — not through a hub.

This alone fixes the error about 40% of the time.

2

Update iTunes and your computer

Make sure macOS or Windows is fully updated.

3

DFU restore

Put your iPhone into DFU mode and attempt a full restore.

Connect to computer with USB
Volume Up (quick) → Volume Down (quick) → hold Side button
Keep holding until screen goes black
Hold Side button + Volume Down for 5 seconds
Release Side button, keep Volume Down for 10 seconds
Black screen = DFU mode.

Apple logo = Recovery Mode. Start over.

4

Try a different computer

If persistent, try on a completely different machine.

About iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

On iPhone 7/7 Plus, error 4013 is often caused by a failing Audio IC chip — a known design flaw. Symptoms include grayed-out Voice Memos and speakerphone issues alongside the restore error.

If none of the above works, the issue is most likely physical hardware damage — a failing chip, corroded connector, or broken internal component. If you've tried everything above and the error keeps coming back, the problem is most likely physical — something broken inside the device that software can't fix. That's when it needs professional hands-on inspection.