Zone Desire
iPhone & iOS

How to Fix iPhone Error 4013 During Update or Restore

By Sophia Bennett · About Zone Desire

iPhone connected to a laptop during update and restore troubleshooting
Error 4013

Quick answer

iPhone error 4013 means the connection between the iPhone and the computer dropped during an update or restore. Update your Mac or iTunes for Windows, use a different Apple USB cable and port, force restart the iPhone and try the restore again.

What does “Error 4013” mean?

Apple lists 4013 with errors 9, 4005 and 4014: the device disconnected or stopped responding while being restored.

What causes it?

  • Faulty or third-party USB cable
  • USB hub or loose port
  • Outdated macOS or iTunes
  • Hardware problem on the iPhone

Steps to try

Stop when the issue is resolved.

  1. Update macOS, or update iTunes / the Apple Devices app on Windows.
  2. Connect directly to the computer (no USB hub) with an Apple or certified cable.
  3. Force restart the iPhone: press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold Side button.
  4. Put the iPhone in recovery mode and choose Update first, then Restore if needed.
  5. Try a different computer.
  6. If the error returns, contact Apple Support for a hardware check.

Need more support? Check the official help: Apple Support

FAQs

Will choosing Update erase my iPhone?

No. Update tries to reinstall iOS and keep your data. Restore erases it.

Is error 4013 always hardware?

No. Most cases are fixed with a new cable, port or computer.