Error 4013 is often caused by a hardware problem, but may be down to software on the Mac or PC side. Try updating, force-restarting, replacing the cable, and cleaning your charging port. Trying the restore process on another computer may help, as can a visit to Apple or certain DIY repairs.

iPhone error 4013 can ruin your whole day by preventing you from restoring your device. The cause could be down to a range of problems, from the device itself to your charging cable, computer, or a software fault.

What Is iPhone Error 4013?

Error 4013 may affect the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, rearing its head as a pop-up error whenever you try to restore your device using a Mac or Windows PC. You’ll see a message like:

The iPhone 'name' could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013).

This particular error code refers to a generic hardware fault, but others like 9, 4005, and 4014 may present in the same way. Though the issue may be related to a hardware problem, there are a few simple things you can try before getting your hands dirty or paying for a repair.

Update macOS or iTunes

The first thing you should try when you see the iPhone error 4013 is to update macOS (ideally to the latest version of the latest release) or iTunes if you’re using Windows. You can install outstanding software updates in macOS Ventura or later under System Settings > General > Software Update. On earlier versions, this option will appear under System Preferences > Software Update instead.

If macOS Software Update notifies you that a new release of macOS is available (typified by a new major version number, i.e. “macOS 13.0”) then consider applying the update if you don’t have good reason to avoid doing so. On Windows you can update iTunes by opening the app and clicking Help > Check for Updates.

Force Restart Your iPhone or iPad

The next step in fixing error 3014 is to force restart your iPhone or iPad (or even iPod touch). The instructions for doing this will differ depending on which device you own. On an iPhone 8 or later (including the iPhone X) or an iPad model without a home button: press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button (iPhone) or “top” button (iPad) until it restarts.

On an iPhone 7 or seventh-generation iPod touch, press and hold the volume up and side button until you see the Apple logo, which indicates the device is restarting. On older iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch models with a Home button (that aren’t mentioned above), press and hold both the Home and side (or top) button until you see the Apple logo.