What does this error mean?

Error code

Restore error 9

The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (9).

One of these messages might appear if your device disconnects during the update or if your computer loses its connection with the device during restore:

Error code

Restore error 4005

The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4005).

One of these messages might appear if your device disconnects during the update or if your computer loses its connection with the device during restore:

Error code

Restore error 4013

The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013).

One of these messages might appear if your device disconnects during the update or if your computer loses its connection with the device during restore:

Error code

Restore error 4014

The iPhone [device name] could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4014).

One of these messages might appear if your device disconnects during the update or if your computer loses its connection with the device during restore:

Alert

"Unable to Check for Update" or "Unable to Download"

Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update.

If you try to update your device, you might see one of these alerts:

Alert

Charging accessory "isn't supported or certified"

These alerts can appear for a few reasons:

Alert

Liquid detected in the charging port

Charging not available

If you see one of these alerts, your iPhone has detected liquid in the Lightning or USB-C connector or on the cable or accessory. To protect your iPhone and the accessory, charging and accessory connection are unavailable until the connector, cable ends, and the accessory are dry.

Alert

"Face ID has been disabled"

A problem was detected with the TrueDepth Camera. Face ID has been disabled.

Using diagnostics available in iOS 14.6 or later, Apple has detected an issue with your TrueDepth camera that might cause it to not function as expected. The TrueDepth camera contains lasers, which might be disabled for safety reasons if the device malfunctions or is damaged.

Alert

"This is a country-specific charger"

Unable to charge. This is a country-specific charger. It is incompatible with this Apple Watch.

If you use a WPT-compliant charger purchased in China or Indonesia with an incompatible Apple Watch, you receive a message:

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Red lightning bolt on Apple Watch

If a red lightning bolt appears on your Apple Watch screen, it means your watch doesn't have enough battery power to turn on. When you connect your watch to its charging cable, the red lightning bolt changes to a red lightning bolt inside a ring.

Alert

Mac says a software update is required to connect to iPhone or iPad

Older software on your Mac needs to be updated to support newer software on your iPhone, iPad, or iOS device.

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Warning symbol on Apple TV

If an issue occurs during a software update on your Apple TV, unplug your Apple TV, then plug it back in and try the software update again.

Error code

Apple TV restore error 1603 or 1611

Restore Error 1603 or 1611

If your Apple TV doesn’t appear in iTunes or in the Apple Devices app, or if you see Restore Error 1603 or 1611, make sure that you use a USB-C or Micro-USB cable that supports data transfer.

Screen

"Connect to computer" screen on iPhone

Connect to computer

In these situations, you might need to use recovery mode to restore your device:

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Flashing question mark at Mac startup

If your screen shows a flashing question mark, circle with a line through it, or anything else, your Mac is turned on but isn't starting up:

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Circle with a line through it at Mac startup

If your screen shows a flashing question mark, circle with a line through it, or anything else, your Mac is turned on but isn't starting up:

Symbol

Globe with a warning symbol at Mac startup

A globe with a warning symbol (exclamation point) means that your Mac tried to start up from macOS Recovery over the internet, but couldn't.

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Lock icon at Mac startup

If your Mac is using a firmware password, the lock icon appears when you try to start up from another disk or volume, such as an external drive or macOS Recovery.

Screen

Activation Lock or system lock PIN at Mac startup

If your previously owned Mac shows an Activation Lock window that asks for someone else's Apple Account, the previous owner may need to remove Activation Lock for you.

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Image of a mouse or keyboard at Mac startup

If you see a line drawing of the underside of a Magic Mouse or backside of a Magic Keyboard, with a small arrow next to the power switch in the drawing, your Mac can’t detect your built-in or external mouse, trackpad, or keyboard.

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Thunderbolt, USB or FireWire symbol on a Mac

A large Thunderbolt, USB, or FireWire symbol against a dark background means that your Mac is in target disk mode.

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Display icon with warning symbol on Studio Display

A large display icon with a warning symbol against a dark background on your Apple Studio Display means that your Studio Display is in recovery mode.

Alert

"Wi-Fi Recommendations" in the Wi-Fi menu

Wi-Fi Recommendations

Wi-Fi Recommendations. Click Wi-Fi in Control Center or the menu bar and check for a menu item named Wi-Fi Recommendations. If you see it, your Mac has detected an issue and has recommendations. Choose Wi-Fi Recommendations to learn more.

Alert

Not enough iCloud storage to back up

If an alert says that there's not enough iCloud storage

Alert

Last iCloud backup couldn't be completed

If a message says that your last backup couldn't be completed

Alert

"Currently being restored" — iCloud Backup grayed out

This [device] is currently being restored and will automatically back up when it is done.

Check if a restore is still in progress. Open the Settings app, tap your name, tap iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup. If your device is still being restored, you see “This [device] is currently being restored and will automatically back up when it is done.” You can create a new backup after your device finishes restoring.

Alert

iMessage or FaceTime activation errors

Waiting for activation

To use either iMessage or FaceTime, you need to activate them on your iPhone. If you see an error message when you try to activate, follow these steps.

Alert

iMessage or FaceTime "blocked due to reported spam"

An error occurred while activating iMessage or FaceTime

If you also did not receive an email after completing a request to activate at apple.co/IMFT-mac, your account is likely blocked from iMessage and FaceTime and a request to remove the block was not approved.

Alert

Apple Account "disabled for security reasons"

This Apple Account has been disabled for security reasons

If you see one of the following messages, your Apple Account locked automatically to protect your security and you can’t sign in and use any Apple services:

Alert

Apple Account "locked" or "not active"

This Apple Account is locked and can’t be used

If you see a message that says your Apple Account is locked or not active, you might be able to request access to your account by tapping Request Access right from the alert.

Alert

"Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled"

Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled

If you see a message that says “Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled,” you might be able to request reactivation by tapping Continue right from the alert.

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"SOS" or "SOS only" in the status bar

SOS

If you see "SOS" or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device isn't connected to your cellular network, but you can still make emergency calls through other carrier networks. This feature is available in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

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"No Service" or "Searching" in the status bar

No Service

If you see "No Service" or "Searching" in the status bar on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), your device isn't connected to a cellular network.

Alert

"Charging On Hold"

Charging On Hold. Charging will resume when [device] returns to normal temperature

If the Lock Screen shows the message "Charging On Hold. Charging will resume when [device] returns to normal temperature," the device is temporarily too hot or too cold to charge.

Alert

"Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down"

Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down.

If your device exceeds a certain temperature threshold, it will present a temperature warning screen similar to this:

Alert

"Restore Paused" while restoring from iCloud

Restore Paused. Restoring from iCloud will resume when this [device] cools down.

If your device exceeds a certain temperature threshold while restoring from an iCloud backup, your restore might pause temporarily.

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Red iPhone icon on Apple Watch

When your devices aren't connected, the red iPhone icon or the red X icon appears in Control Center. When your Apple Watch connects again, the green iPhone icon appears.

Alert

An error occurred while updating or installing macOS

The message might say that an error occurred while downloading, preparing, or installing, or that the software is damaged, could not be verified, failed to personalize, or needs to be reinstalled. The cause of such messages can vary, and sometimes they're only temporary. Try these solutions.

Alert

"Billing problem with a previous purchase" or "verification required"

billing problem with a previous purchase

If you see a message that says 'billing problem with a previous purchase' or 'verification required,' you have an unpaid balance. Apple couldn't charge your payment method for a previous purchase. Until you pay your balance, you might be unable to: