In the past, a wired USB to Lightning connection was necessary for installing iPhone software updates, but it can still be useful in situations where Wi-Fi is unavailable or data is limited. If you encounter the “iPhone Unavailable” error, you may need to resort to the traditional method of connecting your iPhone via USB to restore it to factory settings.
While this process usually goes smoothly, there are times when you might encounter an error, such as the infamous error 4013. This error message is often vague, with little information on what caused it. However, by following some troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve error 4013 and similar errors like 4005 and 4014.
Understanding iPhone Error 4013
Error 4013 indicates a communication problem between your device and computer, often occurring during a restore. It signifies that iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions) failed to communicate with your device effectively, leading to the error.
Common causes of this error include unplugging the device during a restore, a faulty USB port or cable, driver issues, among others. By following the steps outlined below, you can address these common causes effectively.
Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
Sometimes, simply rebooting your devices can resolve many issues. Follow these steps to restart your specific device:
- Instructions for 2017 or later iPhone models, iPad models without a front Home button, and all Face ID-equipped iPhones.
- Instructions for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod Touch (7th generation).
- Instructions for iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (2016), earlier models, and iPod Touch (6th generation or earlier).
- Connect the device to your computer after restarting and attempt restoring or updating it again.
Install the latest version of iTunes
Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed if you’re using Windows or macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier. For macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, use the Finder app instead of iTunes for managing your devices.
Follow the provided steps to download and install the latest version of iTunes based on your operating system.
Editors’ Recommendations
