Mac Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted

What does “recovery server could not be contacted” mean on Mac

When you see this message, it means your computer hasn’t been able to contact Apple’s servers. As a result, you can’t use your device in the same way that you normally would. The issue can arise from multiple scenarios, such as server problems or challenges on your side.

A note from our experts: 

 

Often, you’ll need to source the problem yourself when you encounter this error. If you have little to no technical knowledge, doing so can be time-consuming and frustrating. Thankfully, you can find various experts to help you solve this issue.

 

MacKeeper’s Premium Services team specializes in helping people like you fix their MacBooks and other Apple products. With years of experience, our friendly staff are available 24/7 to quickly identify the root of your problems.

 

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Premium Services:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Open the app. On the left-hand side, select Premium Services at the top.
3. Explain the problems with your computer in the chat. Our team will then get back to you swiftly to assist.

How to fix: Mac recovery server could not be contacted

Each time you encounter this issue, you can fix it in multiple ways. Most of the time, you’ll need to check various settings on your Mac:

1. Check Mac network connection.
2. Sync time and date.
3. Check Apple server status.
4. Use Terminal.
5. Install macOS from App Store.
6. Erase your Mac.
7. Create USB bootable installer.

1. Check Mac network connection

Checking if your Mac’s internet connection is the first place to start. Without it, you can’t connect to any servers, including your Recovery Server. Try reconnecting your Wi-Fi, restarting your router, or testing another network.

First, try reconnecting to your main Wi-Fi network:

1. Go to the Wi-Fi logo in your Mac toolbar at the top.
2. Choose the network you want to connect to.
3. Enter the passcode if needed.

This step works if your connection has dropped. If you’re connected, you can try disconnecting first and then reconnecting using the steps above.

If that doesn’t work, restart your router:

1. Unplug your Wi-Fi router.
2. Turn the power button off.
3. Wait around 30 seconds before plugging your router back in.
4. Switch the power button on again.
5. Once the lights are green, try reconnecting to the network on your Mac.

Try another network if all else fails:

1. Go to the Wi-Fi logo in the top toolbar.
2. Choose the new network you’d like to connect to.
3. Enter your passcode if prompted.

2. Sync time and date

Desync often causes SSL errors during macOS recovery. Syncing your time and date can sometimes tell Apple that your computer is in the right place, allowing you to use the server like normal. This tip can also work if a Mac software update is not working. You can sync time and date via System Settings or the Terminal app.

Here’s how to sync your time and date with Apple’s servers via System Settings:

1. Go to the Apple menu in the top left-hand corner and select System Settings.
2. Select General > Date & Time.
3. Choose Set time and date automatically. Make sure you choose Apple (time.apple.com) as the source.

Follow these tips to sync the time and date via Terminal:

1. Open the Terminal app.
2. Enter the following command: timedatectl and hit the Enter key.

3. Check Apple Server status

Checking the Apple System Status page can help you verify if recovery servers are temporarily not working. In these situations, you can’t do anything other than wait for them to be fixed.

To check Apple’s server status, go to the Apple System Status website.

Important: 

 

If you’re trying to install software on your Mac and an error occurred while preparing the installation, checking the server status might also help you get to the root of the problem.

4. Use Terminal

Terminal is more time-consuming than some of the potential fixes for this problem, but it’s worth trying if nothing has worked so far.

Follow these instructions to use Terminal on your Mac to solve this issue:

1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Enter: softwareupdate -l and tap your computer’s Enter key.
3. Type softwareupdate --install ‘[insert macOS version here]’.
4. Download the software on your computer. Then, try contacting your Mac Recovery Server again.

5. Install macOS from App Store

Like when Mac Recovery Mode is not working, you can try installing macOS from the App Store when you can’t contact the Recovery Server.

Follow these steps to download macOS via the App Store:

1. Open the App Store on your computer.
2. Search for the version of macOS you wish to download in the search bar.
3. When the edition of macOS appears, select View.
4. In the next window, click on Get.

6. Erase your Mac

I only recommend erasing your computer if all else fails. Doing so will delete everything, and even with iCloud, the process to reinstall your apps, files, and folders can be time-consuming. Nonetheless, it might be your only option.

Here are the instructions you need to erase your Mac:

1. Back up your Mac. If you aren’t sure how to do this, you can learn how to back up files on Mac.
2. When you’re ready to delete everything, go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the process.
5. Once your computer has been erased, follow the instructions after your device restarts to bring everything back.

7. Create USB bootable installer

Creating a bootable USB installer requires some technical knowledge, but it can be useful if you can’t use your Mac’s Recovery Server.

Here’s how to make a bootable installer:

1. Connect your preferred USB drive.
2. Open the Terminal app.
3. Type:
   • sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [macos version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[yourdrivename]
4. Hit the Enter key.

8. Change macOS update URL

Changing the update URL in Terminal might solve this problem, and it’s particularly useful with enterprise or older systems.

Here’s how to change your macOS update URL:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type your normal update URL in the app.
3. Modify the URL however you want.

When to contact Apple Support if you can't reach Mac recovery server

While you can try fixing this issue on your own, you may have to give up and contact customer support at some point. I recommend doing this when you’ve either tried everything on this list or completed the steps until you feel comfortable; for example, you may not want to restore your Mac or create a bootable server.

Besides contacting Apple Support, you can always get in touch with MacKeeper’s Premium Services. The team is available around the clock, meaning you have complete access whenever you need it. To contact the team, download the MacKeeper app and start a chat.

Plenty of ways to fix issues with the Mac Recovery Server

While it’s frustrating when you can't use your Mac Recovery Server, it isn’t the end of the world. You have plenty of ways to fix this, and many of them don’t require too much technical support. More often than not, you’ll have the issue solved before long.

However, you may sometimes need to contact customer support. When you have to do this, it’s worth reaching out to MacKeeper’s Premium Services. The team is experienced with old and new MacBooks, and you can reach out to them whenever you need assistance.