Fix iPhone Restore Error 4013

The Problem: You are trying to update or restore your iPhone using iTunes/Finder, and it stops with an alert saying "The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013)."

The Short Answer: This is almost always a hardware connectivity issue. The communication between your iPhone and computer is being interrupted.

Method 1: Change the Cable (Crucial)

Don't ignore this step. Error 4013 is notoriously sensitive to bad cables.

• Use an original Apple Lightning/USB-C cable.
• Try a different USB port on your computer.
• Do not use a USB hub; plug directly into the computer.

Method 2: Force Restart While Connected

Sometimes you need to force the phone to accept the connection.

1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. For iPhone 8 and later: Press Release Volume Up, Press Release Volume Down, Hold Side Button.
3. Keep holding even when you see the Apple Logo.
4. Release when you see the Recovery Mode screen (a laptop icon).
5. When asked, choose Update (not Restore) to try and save your data.

Method 3: Try a Different Computer

If it still fails, the USB drivers on your current PC might be the issue. Trying a different computer often solves Error 4013 instantly.