How to fix the issue of being unable to contact the recovery server in macOS Sonoma/Ventura

If you see the error message "Unable to contact the recovery server" on your MacBook, don't worry. This article will explain what this error means, the possible causes, and provide practical solutions to fix the "Unable to contact the recovery server" issue.

Please provide the English content you would like translated, and I will do my best to translate it into Chinese.

The "Unable to contact recovery server" issue can occur when you update or install macOS on your MacBook Pro or Air.

As far as I know, this issue affects multiple versions of macOS, including macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier. Given that the problem persists, we can speculate that it might also occur in the recently released macOS Sonoma.

The error message "Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted" typically refers to an issue where the system is unable to connect to a recovery server or recovery service during a data recovery or system backup operation. This can be caused by several factors: 1. **Network Issues**: The recovery server might not be accessible due to a problem with your device's network connection to the server. Check your network settings and ensure that your device has a proper internet connection. 2. **Server Unavailability**: The recovery server might temporarily be down for maintenance, updates, or due to an outage. Try again after some time to see if the issue resolves itself. 3. **Configuration Errors**: If you have manually configured the recovery server address, there could be an error. Verify the server's IP address or domain name to ensure it's accurate. 4. **Firewall or Security Settings**: Your firewall or security software might be blocking communication with the recovery server. Inspect your firewall settings and make sure relevant applications or ports are allowed to communicate. 5. **Service Not Running**: On the server side, the service responsible for recovery might not be running. Contact the server administrator to confirm if the recovery service is functioning correctly. 6. **Software Issues**: The recovery tool you're using might have bugs or compatibility issues. Try updating to the latest version or use a different, reliable recovery tool. 7. **Authorization Problems**: If specific permissions or subscriptions are required to access the recovery server, ensure that you have been properly authorized or subscribed. When encountering this error, first check for basic network and configuration issues, then take appropriate actions based on the specific circumstances. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to technical support for professional assistance.

If your Mac shows “Unable to contact recovery server,” it means that your Mac couldn't connect to an Apple server. You might see this message if:

• Update, install, or reinstall macOS
• Start your Mac in Recovery Mode
• Use Mac Internet Recovery Mode

This happens because all of these actions require contact with an Apple recovery server to download or update macOS from the recovery partition on your Mac. So, if your Mac can't connect to the Apple servers, you'll see an error message that says “Can't contact the recovery server.”

How to resolve issues with unable to contact the recovery server?

To help with this, we have a video that you can use as a reference to resolve the inability to contact the recovery server issue on your Mac.

• 00:15 - Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on
• 00:41 - Check the date and time
• 00:52 - How to update the date on a Mac

If you encounter this error, don't worry – we've got you covered with eight practical solutions to fix it. Read on to find the one that suits you best!

Fix 1: Check your Mac's network connection

This is the easiest solution to fix the issue of the restore server being unreachable, as the problem can sometimes be due to network connectivity issues that prevent your Mac from connecting to Apple's servers. Hence, you need to check your network status and ensure that it's both active and stable.

Solution 2: Check Apple Server Status

Sometimes, the issue isn't with you, but with an temporary outage on Apple's end that you can check on Apple's System Status website.

FIX 3: Sync Date and Time

Connecting to an Apple server requires that your data and time are synchronized. For example, when macOS Sonoma fails to install, you might see an error message that says, "Unable to contact the recovery server." If this happens, try these steps:

Step 1: Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings or System Preferences in macOS Monterey or earlier.

Step 2: Click on “General” > “Date and Time.”

Step 3: Turn on the options for “Set Automatically” and “Use Location to Set Time Zone.”

Solution 4: Erase your Mac

The error "Can't contact the recovery server" can be resolved by erasing all content and settings on your Mac and reinstalling macOS. However, this will delete all data from your Mac. Make sure to back up important data before erasing your Mac.

Please follow these steps:

Step 1. Boot your Mac into Disk Utility.

Step 2: Click “View > Show All Devices.”

Step 3: Select the first disk, which should be named something like “Apple SSD,” and click Erase to proceed.

Step 4. Name the disk, choose a file system format (such as APFS vs Mac OS Extended), and set the Scheme to GUID Partition Map as prompted.

Click "Erase"

Click “Erase” again, then wait for the process to finish. Exit Disk Utility, and then reinstall macOS.

You can restore from a Time Machine backup after erasing your Mac and fixing the error that the recovery server couldn't be contacted.

If you unfortunately don't have a backup or the backup is lost, you can opt for an effective and trustworthy data recovery tool to get your data back. For instance, Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a professional data recovery tool that can restore lost or deleted data in just a few simple steps, regardless of the situation that led to data loss.

It can restore permanently deleted files from Mac trash. With Mac data recovery software, you can restore lost data after wiping the disk with just a few clicks:

Step 1: Scan the Fusion Drive for Lost Data

Select the Fusion Drive volume where you lost your data and files. Click on the “Search for lost files” button. If you're not sure which volume is your Fusion Drive, click on the “Search from Disk” link to check the volume name.

Note: Before data recovery, it's better to click “Disk Backup” from the left sidebar and create a backup for your Fusion drive to prevent further data loss. After backing up the Fusion drive, the software can recover data from the Fusion disk backup and use it again.

Step 2: Search for the Lost Files after Scanning

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac immediately scans your Fusion Drive partition and displays the scan results. You can filter files by file type and path.

Step 3: Recover files from the Fusion Drive

From the scan results, select the files you want to preview. Then, click the “Recover” button to get them back.

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Fix 5: Install from the App Store

If you encounter an "Unable to contact the recovery server" error while updating macOS, you can perform the installation through the App Store. It's worth noting that an unsuccessful initial attempt might leave behind residual installer files, which need to be removed before you proceed with installing the latest macOS version from the App Store.

Step 1: If you have the installer downloaded, find it in your Applications folder. If not, skip to Step 3.

Step 2: Right-click the downloaded installer and choose “Move to Trash.” Or you can press the Move to Trash shortcut on Mac, which is “Command + Delete.”

Move the file to the Recycle Bin.

Step 3. Go to the App Store and install the macOS version.

Apple announced the latest version of macOS, macOS Sonoma, at WWDC 2023. If you're having trouble installing macOS Sonoma, refer to the following article for solutions.

That is not to say that governments should stop making and enforcing rules aimed at protecting consumers, ensuring fair competition, and preventing fraud and corruption.

Can't Install macOS Sonoma? 10 Ways to Fix It (2023)

This article explores the possible reasons for not being able to install macOS Sonoma and provides solutions. Read More >>

Warning: Fix 6. Use Terminal Commands

This method might not work for everyone, but if you're comfortable with the Terminal, it's quite straightforward. You can see the steps here:

Step 1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder.

Step 2: Type softwareupdate -l and press “Return.”

Step 3: Run the command softwareupdate --install 'label', replacing 'label' with the specific name of the update, such as softwareupdate --install 'macOS Sonoma'.

Fix 7: Create a USB Boot Installer

Before creating the USB bootable installer, you should format the USB flash drive as FAT32, or another file system, on your Mac. Then, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the macOS version you want to install on a bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Create a bootable USB installer.

Step 3: Use the USB installer to install that version of macOS.

Please provide the English content you want translated, and I'll translate it into Chinese for you as soon as possible.

How to Create a macOS Sonoma Bootable USB Installer [Create macOS 14 Installer]

This guide will walk you through creating a macOS Sonoma bootable USB installer step by step. Read More >>

8. Install Internet Recovery [Intel Macs only]

If your Mac is an Intel-based Mac, you can install the latest version of macOS that's compatible with your Mac. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn off your Mac, press the power button, and immediately hold down “Option + Command + R.”

Step 2: Release the keys when you see the Apple logo.

Step three: Click “Reinstall macOS,” and then follow the onscreen instructions. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection.

Conclusions

The "Unable to Contact Recovery Server" error on a Mac occurs when your Mac is unable to connect to Apple's servers. In this situation, you should first check your internet connection and the status of Apple's servers, ensuring that your time and date settings match those of the Apple servers.

If the issue persists, try these effective methods and find the solution that works for you. Be cautious with your data throughout this process. If you accidentally lose or delete any files, you can quickly recover lost and deleted data with Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 'Server Unreachable' Issues"

Here are some questions people often ask when searching for “Can't contact the recovery server on Mac”:

Why can't my Mac contact the recovery server?

There are several reasons why you might see the "Unable to Contact Recovery Server" error on your Mac, such as an unconnected or unstable network, Apple servers being down for maintenance, or a mismatched time setting.

What if I can't connect to the recovery server?

Solving the "Server Not Found" Error with 8 Practical Methods:

• Solution 1: Check Your Mac's Internet Connection
• Solution 2: Verify Apple Server Status
• Solution 3: Sync Date and Time
• Solution 4: Erase Your Mac
• Solution 5: Install from the App Store
• Solution 6: Use Terminal Commands
• Solution 7: Create a USB Boot Installer
• Solution 8: Install in Internet Recovery [For Intel-based Macs Only]

How to reinstall macOS Mojave if the server can't be contacted?

Follow these steps to reinstall macOS Mojave:

Step 1. If you've downloaded the installer, you can find it in your Applications folder. If not, skip to Step 3.

Step 2: Control-click (or right-click) the installer package and choose Move to Trash. Or press Command-Delete.

Step 3. Go to the App Store and install the macOS version.