iPad could not be restored unknown error 4013

Question

iPad could not be restored unknown error 4013

I have an iPad that won't restore. It is a 7th generation iPad that is a year or two old. iTunes says that it can't be updated and it must be restored to factory settings. When I try this I get:

"This iPad 'iPad' could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (4013)"

I was on a chat with Apple support and they had me go through the same restore process with the same result.

I have ensured that I have the latest version of iTunes. I have tried different lightning cables and different PCs, with the same result. I have plugged the iPad in overnight using the original Apple charger and cable.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Note that I can't go to an Apple store as the stores here (in Toronto, Canada) are closed due to Covid.

Posted on Jan 30, 2021 9:04 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 31, 2021 11:58 AM in response to waynefromtoronto

6th Gen iPad owner. I sent in our original one for a battery replacement last November. I’m pretty sure they sent me a refurbished one and not my original one. Worked ok for a couple months. Then, Had the error code 4013.

Tried multiple update/restore on my own and over the phone. Took to my local Apple store and the genius couldn’t fix it either. She suggested there was a hardware issue that couldn’t be fixed. It was out of warranty, so I was out of luck. No trade in value. Had to buy a new iPad. If anyone figures out if this is fixable I’ll keep watching since I still have the iPaperweight still.

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Answer 2

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,636 points

Jan 30, 2021 9:52 AM in response to waynefromtoronto

If you tried all of those steps, then you need to contact Apple Support. This is from the document I provided you.

If you continue to see error 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 when you try to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, contact us. Use that link.

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,636 points

Jan 30, 2021 9:15 AM in response to waynefromtoronto

Not sure what processes you were told, but this support document addresses that error. If you see error 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 when you restore your iOS device - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Jan 31, 2021 12:04 PM in response to mr1ncredi6le

Thanks, I went through another chat with Apple support. We decided that I would send it in for repair. But the repair cost was C$384. IMO it makes no sense to pay that much to repair it when I can buy a new iPad with 32GB (which I think is the same as this one) for C$429+tax. Even if they sent me a refurb it isn't worth it.

Note C$=Canadian dollar which is ~ 1.27 US dollars

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