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Struggling with iPhone Error 4014? Try These 8 Quick Fixes Now!

Apr 15, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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Error 4014 is one of the many annoying hitches you can experience while restoring or upgrading your iPhone. However, the problem can be fixed! Generally, it happens due to hardware issues, malfunctioning USB ports, or certain software issues that prevent normal iTunes operation.

There are, however, a few simple solutions, like checking the USB cable for damage or updating iTunes, to resolve this issue for good.

In this guide, we will walk you through 8 methods to bring your iPhone back to life.

Don’t let Error 4014 give you trouble; follow these fixes now and restore your device easily!

Part 1. What is Error 4014?

When attempting to restore or update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you might come across Error 4041 from iTunes. This normally happens when iTunes fails to perform the update necessary due to a faulty connection between the computer and the device.

The error message typically appears as follows:

"The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4014)."

Part 2. Why Does iTunes Error 4014 Appear?

Error 4014 can occur due to several reasons. Below is a list containing some of the most common ones:

1. Faulty or Incompatible USB Cable

Using a non-original or damaged USB cable can come in the way of data transfer. Also, third-party cables that are not MFi-certified may fail to create stable communication between iTunes and your device.

2. Defective USB Port or Loose Connection

If the USB port on your iPhone or PC is damaged or dirty, it can lead to unstable connections.

3. Outdated or Corrupt iTunes Software

Another reason could be running an old or buggy version of iTunes that may be incompatible with newer iOS versions.

4. Insufficient Storage on the iPhone

If your iPhone has low storage, iTunes may struggle to install the new update or restore the device.

5. Software Glitches or Corrupted iOS Files

A partially downloaded or corrupt iOS update file can also cause Error 4014. Moreover, if your iPhone’s system files are damaged, they prevent a successful restore.

6. Hardware Problems (Logic Board or Battery Issues)

If the internal components of your iPhone, such as the logic board, are broken,iTunes will be unable to perform a restore. Other hardware malfunctions like battery or power source faults might cause sudden interruptions in the connection, interrupting the task and causing Error 4014.

7. Internet Connection Issues

Another possible reason for Error 4014 is any kind of disruption in the download process of an iOS, such as a slow and unstable connection on the internet.

Part 3. How Do I Fix iPhone Error 4014?

Now that you know the reason behind getting Error 4014, let us have a look at some quick fixes:

Method 1: Check Internet Connection

A slow or unsteady internet connection can disrupt the iOS update or restore process and result in Error 4014. We therefore advise that you check your internet connection before trying any other quick fix.

Step 1 Go to "Settings > Wi-Fi" or "Settings > Mobile Service" on your iPhone and make sure there is a connection.

check internet connection

Step 2 On your computer, navigate to the "Internet Access" option in the taskbar and see if the Wi-Fi is turned on.

check internect connection on pc

If your internet connection is present but seems unstable, you can try the next quick fix.

Method 2: Restart Wi-Fi Router

Restarting your Wi-Fi router is a great way to refresh the connection if your internet is unstable or having issues.

Here are the steps on how to do it:

Step 1 Turn off your Wi-Fi router for 30 seconds and turn it back on.

Step 2 After the internet is stable, attempt to restore using iTunes again.

restart wifi router

Method 3: Check USB Cable and Port

Plugging in a non-original or broken USB cable may lead to data transfer disruptions.

Step 1 Inspect your USB cable for breaks or damage.

Step 2 Clean the USB port of your device and PC.

Step 3 As a precaution, use an original Apple cable or MFi-certified replacement.

Step 4 If the problem is still there, use an alternate cable or USB port.

check usb cable

Method 4: Reset Network Settings

Corrupt network settings may interfere with iTunes. Therefore, you can reset them using the steps below:

Step 1 On your iPhone, go to “Settings > General.”

go to iphone settings

Step 2 Scroll down to "Transfer or Reset iPhone” and tap on “Reset.”

transfer or reset phone

Step 3 Now tap "Reset Network Settings" and enter your passcode to confirm the selection.

reset netwerk settings

Method 5: Reboot Device

If the previous methods don’t work, try restarting your iPhone. This can help clear out temporary glitches.

Here’s how to reboot your iPhone:

Step 1 Press the volume up button once.

Step 2 Press the volume down button once.

Step 3 Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

reboot iphone using side buttons

Method 6: Update iTunes

If your iTunes is outdated, it might not function properly and end up with Error 4014. To resolve this issue, just update iTunes to the newest version.

To do so:

Step 1 Start iTunes. On the menu bar, click "Help."

Step 2 Click "Check for Updates" to see if a newer version is available and update iTunes.

update itunes

Method 7: Fix Error 4014 via DFU Mode

If nothing else seems to work, you can always try restoring your iPhone using DFU Mode to fix Error 4014.

Let’s have a look at how it’s done:

Step 1 First, connect your iPhone to your computer with a lightning cable, and make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed.

Step 2 Put your iPhone into DFU Mode:

  • Press and release the volume up button.
  • Press and release the volume down button.
  • Press and hold the power button until your device enters DFU Mode.

Step 3 Once your iPhone has successfully entered DFU Mode, a pop-up will appear asking whether you want to "Restore" or "Update" your iPhone.

restore or update your iphone

Step 4 Click on “Restore” to restore your iPhone in DFU Mode.

This will restore your iPhone to its working condition; however, it will also erase all data and settings from your device in the process.

Method 8: Use a Professional System Repair Tool

All the methods mentioned above may or may not fix the iPhone Error 4014; therefore, if you’re still facing the issue, it is time to let the professionals handle it!

We are talking about Dr. Fone - System Repair (iOS).

Dr. Fone iOS System Repair is an app that has been specifically made to repair iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches without jailbreaking or deleting their data.

Dr. Fone can fix over 150 different problems with iOS devices. This includes issues like being stuck on the Apple logo, iPhone boot loops, black screens, and error messages such as Error 4014 during updates.

You can downgrade your iPhone to an older, stable version of iOS using Dr. Fone if you have a problem with the latest update. It will also help upgrade you to the newest version of iOS without jailbreaking your device.

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Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Repair iOS System Errors Without Data Loss.

  • Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
  • Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
  • Upgrade and Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
  • Work for all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, running on all iOS versions.
Available on: Windows Mac
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How to Use Dr. Fone to Fix iPhone Error 4014

Here is how you can easily fix Error 4014 using Dr. Fone - System Repair (iOS):

Step 1 Download and install Dr. Fone on your computer, then connect your iPhone with a lightning cable.

Step 2 Open Dr. Fone and select the "System Repair" option from the main menu.

select system repair from the interface

Step 3 Next, Dr. Fone will ask you whether you wish to repair your Android or iOS device. Select the “iPhone” option.

select iphone repair

Step 4 On the next window, select “4013 Error Repair” to fix iPhone Error 4014.

select the 4013 error repair option

Step 5 Follow the steps on-screen to put your device in Recovery Mode.

put your device in recovery mode

Step 6 Dr.Fone will give you the option to download firmware specific to your iPhone. Click on “Download” to install the firmware on your iPhone.

download firmware specific to your iphone

Step 7 This will start downloading the firmware on your iPhone. The process may take several minutes; therefore, don’t unplug your device.

Step 8 Once the firmware has downloaded successfully, click on “Repair Now” to fix Error 4014.

click repair now to fix iphone issue

Step 9 This will start the repair process. Once completed, your iPhone will restart and be up and running again.

ios repair complete

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Conclusion

It is quite overwhelming when you update your iPhone and end up facing the iPhone Error 4014. However, there’s no need to get stressed! Here is a complete guide of 8 very simple and easy ways to fix this error and make your device work again.

But if you ask us, we recommend going for Dr. Fone - System Repair (iOS) to sort out this issue for good!

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3,988,505 people have downloaded it

FAQs

The technical error 4014 on iTunes appears due to USB connectivity issues, iTunes problems, corrupted iOS system files, or some hardware problems. All these shortcomings block the communication between iTunes and the iPhone during updating or restoring.
You can fix the error without losing your data by trying a few simple solutions:
  • Check your USB cable for any damage
  • Update iTunes
  • Reset your network settings
  • Use DFU Mode. Just make sure to select "Update" instead of "Restore."
Yes! Error 4014 can occur due to damaged or non-MFI-certified USB cables that might interfere with data transfer. Use a genuine Apple cable or an MFI-certified alternative.
It can be, especially if your iPhone has a damaged logic board, faulty battery, or internal component failure. If software fixes don’t work, consult Apple Support for hardware inspection.
DFU mode is one of the best ways to fix iPhone Error 4014, but it will delete all content, so back up the phone first.

James Davis

staff Editor

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