[7 Ways] Fix iTunes Error 4013 When Restoring/Updating

Do you know what is error 4013 and how to fix it on your iPhone/iPad? If this error causes you significant inconvenience, please read the passage, and we will guide you through a detailed tutorial.

By @Kathy Last Updated November 1, 2024
 

Can error 4013 be fixed?

Hey, there I recently ran into issues with my iPhone 13. Now my phone is off and I want to put it into the restore mode. But every time I connected to my computer and iTunes, it gives me the error code 4013. So it’s not recognizing my device. Is there anything about how to fix iTunes error 4013?

- Scenario from MacRumors

When iPhone/iPad restores/updates through iTunes, you might encounter an error message on your computer screen: “The iPhone/iPad could not be updated. An unknown error occurred (4013).” Then the process is interrupted, but what is iTunes error 4013, and why it occurs?

what is error 4013 on iPhone/iPad?

Error 4013 is an iOS system issue. It occurs when the restore or update procedure gets interrupted, often due to factors such as the iPhone being disconnected from the computer, USB cable or port issues, or disruptions in the connection.

It's worth noting that if your iTunes is outdated or incompatible with your iPhone's current iOS version, error 4013 is likely to occur as well. Besides, full iPhone/iPad storage may also result in an iTunes error.

How to fix error 4013 on iTunes when restoring/updating

When this iTunes unknown error occurred, you might feel so annoyed. Though it sounds so troublesome, take it easy! This article will give you 7 ways to tackle the issue. If they don’t act positively, the powerful software - FoneTool can be your great assistant.

Before the process, make sure that your iPhone/iPad has enough power. And you can browse the article to get how to fix iTunes error 4013.

Method 1. Check your cables and connections

Firstly, try to check your USB cable, if it’s caused by the device connection, consider using an alternative cable that you're certain functions properly, and assess whether this step rectifies the situation. 

An additional factor might be a dirty charging port. So it's advisable to inspect and clean your iPhone's charging port. If still doesn’t work, it’s better to change to another computer to check this solution.

Method 2. Restart the iPhone/iPad

To proceed with Apple error code 4013, the subsequent measure involves restarting your iPhone/iPad. The specific steps for executing this action will vary depending on the type of device you possess.

On iPhone 8 Plus/8/X or later: Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Afterward, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

On iPhone 7 Plus or 7: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo becomes visible on the screen.

On iPhone 6 or earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button. Maintain the pressure on both buttons until the Apple logo materializes on the screen.

Restart iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then swiftly press and release the Volume Down button. Afterward, hold down the Power button until the Apple logo appears.

Restart iPad with the Home button: Press and sustain the Power and Home buttons simultaneously. Release both buttons once the Apple logo shows up.

Method 3. Reset network settings

When restarting your device has no effect, try to reset network settings on iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings app > General > Reset > Choose Reset Network Settings.

Note:✎...
Performing this procedure will result in the removal of all network settings, including your stored Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN setups. But it doesn’t erase any data on your device.

Method 4. Reset all settings

On the other hand, resetting all settings can be powerful as well: Open Settings app on your iPhone/iPad > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Method 5. Update iTunes

You can also try to update the software to make an iTunes 4013 error fix: Launch iTunes > Select the Help option located in the menu bar > Click on the Check for Updates feature. If there is an update available, iTunes will proceed to update accordingly.

Method 6. Clear up your storage

Occasionally, an error could arise due to a lack of sufficient storage on your iPhone or iPad. To verify this, you can take the following steps: Navigate to Settings > General > Storage. If the available space is inadequate, consider freeing up space by removing unnecessary files.

In cases where a significant number of files need to be deleted, you might find assistance through FoneTool, a professional iPhone/iPad data management software. With this powerful app, you can erase your private data including photos, music, videos, podcasts and more in a few clicks.

Before the process, it’s recommended to backup your iPad/iPhone to PC with the FoneTool. Now you can download it and learn how to delete data on iPhone /iPad easily.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Establish a connection between your device and your computer using a USB cable > You may need to tap Trust to let your computer access iPhone/iPad data.

Step 2. Launch FoneTool > Toolbox > Data Eraser > Click Erase private data and tap on Get Started.

Step 3. Check each icon to choose the data > If need, check Enable Deep Erase Technology to ensure complete data erasure > Click Start Erase.

Besides, if there are too many similar photos on your device, you can also go to Toolbox > Photo Deduplication to find and remove duplicate photos on iPhone/iPad.

After the device storage clears, you can try to update or restore the iPhone/iPad again. If all these ways make no impression on fixing the issue, then you need to reset your iPhone to factory settings. Now let’s continue reading to get how to fix iTunes error 4013 with FoneTool.

Method 7. Factory reset iPhone with FoneTool to fix

Except for erasing private data, FoneTool can help you delete all data on your device. With its wide compatibility, you can manage all models of iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch data on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP efficiently.

In addition, its transfer and backup feature is extremely useful. You can not only transfer data from iPhone to iPhone/iPad/PC but also use iPhone as USB drive without iTunes.

Now you can back up your iPhone/iPad data first using FoneTool without data loss.

Backup iPhone/iPad to PC

Step 1. Turn on FoneTool > Connect your iPhone/iPad to the PC > If asks, you need to tap Trust on your device.

Step 2. Choose Phone Backup on the main interface > Go to Full Backup and click Get Started.

Step 3. Check Enable Backup encryption according to your needs. If it is enabled, the private data such as Fitness records, Health, and Keychain can be encrypted > Select a storage path to save the backup > Click Start Backup to start the task.

Tips: You can change the storage path to backup iPhone to flash drive or thumb drive.

Now you can factory reset iPad/iPhone to fix the issue.

Reset iPhone to factory settings to fix

Step 1. Select Toolbox, then click Data Eraser.    

Step 2. Tap on Erase all data and choose Get Started.

Step 3. View and check the guidance on the screen > Tap Erase Data button to confirm the choice.

After the data erases, you can choose Backup History to restore your iPhone/iPad backup.

Conclusion

From this detailed message, wish you can know how to fix iTunes error 4013 clearly. When the issue happens, checking your USB connection, restarting your device, resetting network or all system settings and updating your iTunes all can be effective.

If can’t, FoneTool can be an ideal app for you to clear up your device storage, or factory reset iPad/iPhone. And with this user-friendly tool, you can easily manage your iPhone/iPad data in a few clicks.