The alert “The iPhone could not be restored. The device cannot be found” usually means the computer lost communication with the iPhone, or could not finish sending the restore command. It is not, by itself, proof that the phone is lost, that Find My is unavailable, or that one particular component has failed.
Protect your data first: update the computer, replace the cable and USB path, restart both devices, then use recovery-mode Update before considering Restore. Apple describes Update as reinstalling iOS while retaining personal data; Restore erases the iPhone.
Before you choose Restore
If the iPhone contains irreplaceable data and you do not have a backup, stop before selecting Restore and consider professional service. A successful restore is designed to erase the device. Entering recovery mode alone does not necessarily erase anything; the data consequence comes from the action you select.
| Option | Data effect | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Update | Apple describes it as retaining personal data | First troubleshooting attempt when iOS will not start |
| Restore | Erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS | Update failed, or erasure is intentional |
| DFU restore | Normally erases the iPhone | Advanced recovery after ordinary recovery mode, preferably with professional guidance |
After an erase, you can set up the phone from an iCloud or computer backup if one exists.
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Use the right Apple software for your computer
- Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later: use Finder.
- Windows: use the Apple Devices app where available; use iTunes on PCs that do not use Apple Devices.
- Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier: use iTunes.
Apple’s current instructions cover Finder, Apple Devices and iTunes rather than treating iTunes as the universal modern solution. See Apple’s recovery-mode instructions.
Fix the connection before attempting another restore
1. Update the computer
- Install available macOS updates, or update Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows.
- Restart if the installer requests it.
- After an operating-system restart, check once more for additional updates.
Out-of-date device software can prevent the restore process from completing. Apple’s troubleshooting guidance is at support.apple.com/en-us/108308.
2. Replace the cable and USB path
- Use the cable supplied with the iPhone, if available, or another Apple-certified cable.
- Connect directly to the computer, not through a keyboard, dock or USB hub.
- Try a different USB port.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices.
- Try another computer if possible.
A cable may charge an iPhone while still failing during sustained data communication. Inspect the iPhone port for lint, corrosion, bent contacts or looseness, but do not insert metal objects or force debris out.
3. Check security and network conditions
Third-party antivirus, firewall, VPN, endpoint-management or USB-monitoring software can interfere with some restore errors, particularly error 9. If you understand the security consequences, temporarily pause or configure the software for the test, then re-enable it immediately. Do not permanently remove antivirus software or edit system files as a routine fix.
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The computer also needs to download current iOS software and reach Apple’s servers. A restrictive corporate or school network may block that process; testing on a trusted personal network or another computer can separate a network policy problem from an iPhone fault.
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Restart the computer and force-restart the iPhone
A force restart does not erase the iPhone. Use the button combination for the model:
iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation)
Press and hold the Home button and Side (or Top) button together until the Apple logo appears.
If the phone starts normally afterward, back it up immediately before attempting another update or restore.
Use recovery mode and choose Update first
Recovery mode is different from an ordinary restart. Connect the iPhone to the computer, open Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes, and follow the model-specific sequence below until the Connect to Computer screen appears.
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iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Connect to Computer screen appears.
iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and Volume Down together until the Connect to Computer screen appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation)
Press and hold Home and the Side (or Top) button together until the Connect to Computer screen appears.
When the computer offers Update and Restore, select Update first when preserving data matters. Apple’s complete procedure is at support.apple.com/en-us/118106.
If the download takes more than 15 minutes
The iPhone can leave the Connect to Computer screen while the software download continues. Let the download finish, then repeat the recovery-mode button sequence and try again. Do not assume that leaving recovery mode means the phone has failed permanently.
Use Restore only when erasure is acceptable
Choose Restore if Update fails and you have accepted the loss of local data, or if you are deliberately preparing the phone for sale or transfer. Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device; it is not a data-preserving repair.
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A restore also does not necessarily remove Activation Lock. If Find My was enabled, setup may still require the Apple Account credentials of the previous owner. Restore failure is a communication or installation problem; Activation Lock is an ownership-security state after erasure.
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Record the complete alert, including any number in parentheses. Codes are clues, not proof of a particular failed component.
| Code or symptom | What can responsibly be concluded | Next direction |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Apple associates it with failed restore communication and checking security software and connections. | Update the computer, retry, and check security software and the USB path. |
| 4005 | Communication failed during update or restore. | Force-restart, update computer software, and change cable, port or computer. |
| 4013 | The device connection may have been lost during the process; the code alone does not identify a component. | Check software, cable, port, computer and possible hardware. |
| 4014 | Uses a similar connection and restore troubleshooting path. | Repeat the connection and software checks. |
| No numeric code | “Device cannot be found” is insufficient for a precise diagnosis. | Treat it as a communication failure first and test the complete connection path. |
Apple groups errors 9, 4005, 4013 and 4014 around updating software, checking the USB connection and retrying on another setup: support.apple.com/en-us/102561.
Should you use DFU mode?
DFU is a deeper, less forgiving mode than recovery mode. A DFU restore normally erases the iPhone, button timing varies by model, and it is not guaranteed to repair a physical communication fault. Apple’s documented consumer path is recovery mode. If the phone disconnects in recovery mode on multiple known-good computers, DFU is unlikely to fix a damaged port, battery, storage component or logic board. Avoid loosely remembered button instructions; use Apple’s verified recovery procedure or seek service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When repeated attempts point to hardware
Hardware becomes more likely when the iPhone disconnects at nearly the same stage every time, fails with multiple known-good cables, ports and computers, cannot remain in recovery mode, or has liquid exposure, impact damage or a loose/intermittent port. A repair provider may find a port, battery, storage, display assembly or logic-board problem, but this alert does not identify which part has failed.
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Use a controlled escalation rather than endless restores:
- Quit and reopen Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes.
- Restart the computer.
- Force-restart the iPhone.
- Try another certified cable and a direct USB port.
- Try another computer and, where appropriate, another trusted network.
- Retry recovery-mode Update.
- Use recovery-mode Restore only if erasure is acceptable.
- Record any numeric code.
- Stop and contact Apple or an authorized service provider if the failure persists.
Apple directs users to contact Apple when specified restore errors continue despite these checks: support.apple.com/en-us/102561. Repair or replacement pricing depends on model, damage, coverage and location, and data that was never backed up cannot be guaranteed.
What not to assume
- The message does not mean Find My cannot locate the phone.
- Error 4013 does not automatically prove motherboard, NAND, battery or port failure.
- A certified cable removes a common variable but cannot repair damaged hardware.
- Third-party “one-click” repair tools are not Apple-approved or guaranteed to preserve data.
- Random IPSW files, downgrades and permanent antivirus removal are not standard fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will entering recovery mode erase my iPhone?
Entering recovery mode does not itself erase the phone. Choosing Restore does; choose Update first when preserving data matters.
Does restoring remove Activation Lock?
No. Erasing iOS does not necessarily remove Activation Lock; setup can still require the Apple Account linked through Find My.
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Is error 4013 always a hardware failure?
No. Apple’s first steps include current computer software, a different certified cable, another USB port or computer, and a force restart. Persistent failure after those checks makes service appropriate.
Should I buy third-party iOS repair software?
Treat it as optional and unproven. Exhaust Apple’s free Update and connection workflow first, and do not assume a vendor tool will preserve data or fix physical damage.
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