Last verified: {{VERIFY: DD Month 2026}}
Error 4014 is a close relative of error 4013 — both indicate the connection to your device dropped during the restore’s firmware-writing stage. The same cable, port, and software fixes resolve it in most cases. Switching to a direct USB port with a certified cable clears this for the majority of users in under 10 minutes.
Before you start
- Back up first if the device is still accessible. Use Apple’s official backup guide.
- Turn off Find My before retrying.
- Use a genuine or MFi-certified cable plugged directly into the computer.
What error 4014 means
Like error 4013, this is a restore-interruption code — the connection between your iPhone and computer was lost while firmware was being written to the device. It’s not typically related to signing status or the firmware file itself.
What causes it
- A faulty or non-certified USB cable
- A USB hub, dock, or passthrough port causing an unstable connection
- Outdated Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes software
- Security software interrupting the connection mid-restore
- A hardware fault, in rarer persistent cases
Fix in order of likelihood
- Switch to a different cable and USB port directly on the computer, not through a hub.
- Restart both the device and the computer before retrying.
- Update your restore software to the latest version.
- Disable third-party security software temporarily and retry.
- Try a different computer to rule out a local hardware/software cause.
If it still doesn’t work
- Error 4014 keeps recurring across setups. See the fix for error 4013 as well — the underlying causes and remaining checks overlap closely.
- A different numbered error appears instead. Check the full restore error code index.
- Device won’t stay in recovery/DFU mode long enough to restore. Confirm the correct button sequence for your exact model.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between error 4013 and 4014?
Both are restore-interruption codes with essentially the same causes and fixes — a cable, port, or connection issue during firmware writing. There isn’t a meaningfully different root cause between the two numbers.
Does error 4014 mean data loss?
The error itself doesn’t cause additional data loss beyond what your chosen restore type (Update vs. Restore) already implies.
Can old iTunes cause error 4014?
Yes — an outdated iTunes, Finder, or Apple Devices version is a common contributor. Update to the latest version before troubleshooting further.
Does this happen on iPad too?
Yes — error 4014 and its fixes apply identically to iPad restores.
This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Apple Inc. All firmware download links resolve to Apple’s official servers — we do not host, mirror, or distribute firmware files.