Error 4013HighiPhone can’t restore or update
What this error means
Error 4013 usually appears when an iPhone disconnects or fails during an update or restore in Finder, iTunes, or Quickfix AI. It often points to a communication problem between the iPhone and the computer, cable, or USB port, rather than a problem with your data alone.
You may see this during a software update, device restore, or when the iPhone restarts partway through the process.
Common causes
- 1Unstable connection between the iPhone and the computer
- 2A damaged or unofficial charging cable
- 3Outdated iOS, macOS, or Windows software on the computer
- 4Low storage space on the iPhone during the update or restore
- 5A temporary hardware issue with the iPhone, cable, or USB port
How to fix it
- Disconnect the iPhone, then restart both the iPhone and the computer before trying the update or restore again.
- Use an original or certified Apple cable, and plug it directly into a different USB port on the computer. Avoid USB hubs, docks, and extension cables.
- Make sure the iPhone has enough battery and, if possible, charge it for at least 30 minutes before retrying the process.
- Check for updates on the computer and install any available updates for macOS, Windows, Finder, or iTunes, then try again.
- If the iPhone has very little free space, remove some unused apps, photos, or files first, then repeat the update or restore.
- If the problem continues, put the iPhone into recovery mode and try the update again before choosing restore. If restore is the only option, back up anything you can first, because restoring can erase the device.
- If error 4013 still appears after trying a different cable and computer, contact Apple or Quickfix support, because the iPhone may need hardware service.
Recommended fixes
Force restart your iPhone
A force restart safely reboots a frozen iPhone without erasing data.
- Press and quickly release Volume Up.
- Press and quickly release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
(iPhone 7: hold Volume Down + Side together. iPhone 6s or earlier: hold Home + Side together.)
Charge your iPhone for 30 minutes
- Connect your iPhone to a wall charger with a known-good cable.
- Wait at least 30 minutes — a deeply drained battery can take a while to show the charging screen.
- If the charging screen never appears, try a different cable, adapter, and outlet.
Update iOS
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Install any available update.
- Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power during the update.
Update or restore in recovery mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer using Finder (macOS) or the Apple Devices app / iTunes (Windows).
- Force restart the iPhone, but keep holding the Side button until the recovery-mode (cable-to-computer) screen appears.
- Choose Update first to reinstall iOS without erasing data. Use Restore only as a last resort — it erases the device.
Contact Quickfix support
If the issue persists after trying these steps, reach out so we can help.
Visit the contact page and include your scan report code.
When to seek help
Seek professional help if error 4013 keeps coming back after you try a different cable, port, and computer, or if the iPhone will not finish starting up at all. You should also get help sooner if the device has been dropped, exposed to liquid, or becomes unusually hot during the update or restore. Those signs can point to a hardware problem that basic troubleshooting will not fix.
Need more help?
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