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How to Fix an iPhone or iPad That Won’t Restore or Update

Fix a failed iPhone or iPad update or restore by checking the computer connection first, trying Update before Restore, and using recovery mode only when needed.

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If your iPhone or iPad will not update or restore, start by fixing the computer connection, then try Update before Restore whenever that option appears. Update is intended to reinstall the software while keeping personal data; Restore erases the device. Use recovery mode only when the symptoms call for it, and check the exact error code before assuming a cause.

Start with the computer and USB connection

A failed update or restore can be caused by the connection or the computer, not just the iPhone or iPad. Before entering recovery mode, work through these checks:

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  1. Update macOS on a Mac. On a Windows PC, update the Apple Devices app or iTunes, whichever you use to manage the device.
  2. Connect the iPhone or iPad directly to a USB port on the computer. Do not connect through a keyboard or USB hub.
  3. Unlock the device and tap Trust if it asks whether to trust the computer.
  4. If the problem continues, try another USB port and a known-good cable. Apple recommends trying another Apple USB cable for a continuing connection alert; cable connectors vary, so check that a replacement is compatible with your device. See Apple’s connection troubleshooting steps and Apple’s error-code guidance.
  5. Restart both the computer and the device. Check whether security software is blocking the connection. If available, try another computer on a different network.

Choose Update before Restore when possible

If Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes offers Update and Restore, try Update first when you want to preserve data. Apple says Update reinstalls the software while keeping personal data. If it fails or does not resolve the issue, follow the recovery-mode guidance below.

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Choice What it does Data consequence When to consider it
Update Reinstalls the software Keeps personal data, according to Apple’s error guidance Try this first when the computer offers it and you want to avoid erasing the device
Restore Reinstalls iOS Erases all data Consider it when an update attempt does not solve the problem and Apple’s recovery steps indicate Restore

When recovery mode is appropriate

Recovery mode may be needed if the device shows a Connect to computer screen, the computer does not recognize it or says it is in recovery mode, the Apple logo has remained on screen for a long time without a progress bar, or Recovery Assistant has repeatedly failed to start. Apple’s recovery-mode guide covers iPhone and iPod touch button sequences. For an iPad, use Apple’s iPad-specific recovery instructions; do not apply the iPhone button sequence to an iPad.

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Before starting, update the computer and connect the device by USB. Open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on a Windows PC, and keep the device connected while you enter recovery mode.

Enter recovery mode on an iPhone

Use the sequence for your iPhone model. In each case, keep holding until the Connect to computer screen appears:

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  • iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later): Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button.
  • iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together.
  • iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation): Press and hold the Home button and the Side or Top button together.

Restore only after understanding the data loss

Restore erases the device. Apple’s wording is explicit: “Restore reinstalls iOS and erases all your data.” Before choosing it, consider whether you have a backup you can use to set up the device afterward. If you proceed, select Restore in the computer’s recovery prompt and follow the on-screen steps.

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If the software download takes more than 15 minutes, Apple says the device may leave the Connect to computer screen. Let the download finish, then reconnect or re-enter recovery mode and repeat the selection steps. After Restore completes, set up the iPhone or iPad, using an available backup if you have one.

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What to do about errors 9, 4005, 4013, and 4014

Apple says errors 9, 4005, 4013, and 4014 may appear if the device disconnects during an update or the computer loses its connection during a restore. Follow this order:

  1. Update macOS or Apple Devices/iTunes, then force-restart the device using the method for its model.
  2. Reconnect it directly to the computer and choose Update first if that choice appears.
  3. If the error returns, check again for computer updates, try another USB cable and port, then try another computer.
  4. If the errors persist, contact Apple Support.

Apple’s steps for these four codes are in its error-specific guide.

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For other error codes, follow the matching Apple guidance

Do not assume every code points to the same problem. Apple’s iOS and iPadOS update and restore error guide groups issues that can involve software compatibility, Apple server connectivity, USB cables or ports, the computer, hardware, or modified or outdated software. Examples include:

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  • Error 10: Apple associates some cases with software compatibility.
  • Error 1671: Apple says to wait for the software download to finish.
  • Error 4037: Unlock the device.
  • Error 1015 or “required resource can’t be found”: Apple notes these can involve unauthorized software modifications or attempted downgrading.

Check the exact code and displayed message against Apple’s entry rather than treating an example as a diagnosis.

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When to get service

Contact Apple or an authorized service provider if recovery mode cannot update or restore the device, or if a broken or stuck button prevents you from entering recovery mode. Apple identifies both as cases where service may be necessary.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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