Are you trying to fix a stubborn issue on Mac? Reinstalling The Latest macOS Version is the best way to fix it. But doing this task can be fearful since many Mac users are going to Recovery server could not be contacted on Mac. So if you face the same issue, fuss not because it isn’t worth worrying about.
No matter you are installing the latest macOS or recovering your data, the Mac computer needs to communicate with Apple Server. And if there is any communication issue, you will receive an error message. So what to do when you receive such an error? We will show in this article.
Troubleshooting macOS installation Error
One of the most admirable features of the latest macOS is called Recovery Mode. This allows the users to fix the error. From there, you will receive Disk Utility First Aid, Access to Terminal, and at last, allowing you to reinstall the latest macOS.
However, to use this, it needs to be connected with Apple Server, and if this doesn’t happen, you will receive an error message “The recovery server could not be contacted.” This is what you are experiencing; follow the below-mentioned guide.
1. Check Internet Connection
Since the re-installation procedure requires a strong internet connection and will show an error message if your internet is unstable or slow. If your Mac computer is connected with an ethernet cable, firmly unplug it, hold for a few seconds, and reconnect it. And in case of Wi-Fi, follow the steps below.
From the Utilities Screen, click on Wi-Fi Icon from the top right corner of the screen. And ensure Wi-Fi is enabled. Then, try connecting to a stable network. If the connection is established, the installation procedure will begin. But if it isn’t stable, you need to Troubleshoot Wi-Fi On Mac.
2. Sync Time And Date On Mac
Another common reason the Recovery server could not be contacted on Mac is the unmatched date and time of Mac with Apple Server. The best solution to fix it is Resetting The Date And Time of the Mac.
- Open the Terminal and then follow the steps below.
- In the terminal, enter Date and then press the Return Button. This will show-up the current running date on Mac.
- If you find the wrong date and time, enter the command “date mmmddhhssyy” to configure the accurate date.
- Now exit the macOS and re-install the macOS Version.
Or
- In the recovery screen, click on Utilities from the menu bar.
- Select Terminal.
- Run following command in terminal
- For older versions than macOS Mojave: run the command, sudo ntp date -u<a href=” http://time.apple.com”> </a>time.apple.com
- For macOS Mojave and later: run the command Sudo sntp -sS time.apple.com.
- Press Return.
That’s It!
3. Check Apple’s Server
Check Apple’s Server! Yes, the outrage within the server can cause the issue. However, there is no entry for Recovery on the Status Page, but problems with different services might feature with recovery server. If that’s showing, let the issue get fixed on its own. As of now, the issue doesn’t persist on your side.
4. Use macOS Installer
Many user’s experienced the Recovery server could not be contacted on Mac when they were trying to install macOS update using update installer. But the best part is, after installation of macOS version completes, there was no error found. So follow the below-mentioned method and get full version of old macOS (macOS Catalina).
- Press Command + Space and enter Terminal in it.
- Click on Terminal from the results to open. And then make a command,
Note: To check the macOS version, go to Apple Logo > About This Mac, and you will receive the version there.
Enter the command softwareupdate –fetch-full-installer 13.1 as per the version of your macOS.
- After the downloading procedure finishes, run the installer to fix recovery server problem.
5. Re-Install macOS After Erasing Start-Up Disk
If the solution mentioned above doesn’t work for you, then it’s recommended to clear Macintosh HD and reinstall the latest macOS.
For Apple Silicon:-
- Shut down your Mac, after 10 seconds. Press and Hold the power button until you see the startup volume and Options on the screen.
- Select Options > Disk Utility.
- Select your macOS HD Volume and Erase the drive. This will erase the macOS installation and Data completely from Mac.
For Intel Mac:-
- Turn off the Mac computer and press the Command + R(Long Press Touch ID Button) to enter recovery mode.
- Click on Disk Utility from recovery mode and clear out Mac HD Volume. However, this will clear out the data stored in the Mac. So ensure you have a backup of it.
Once the erasing procedure is finished, try reinstalling macOS without “There Was A Problem Connecting To A Server Mac” Error.
Bottom Line
Every error on a Mac computer is resolvable, but only when you are equipped with a suitable array of troubleshooting steps. I hope so; the guide mentioned above helps you to get rid of Recovery server could not be contacted on Mac.
How Long Does Recovery Mode Take Mac?
Once your Mac computer is connected to Wi-Fi, it will begin downloading recovery system images from the Apple Server and start from there. Offering access to the recovery based on the type of internet your Mac is connected to may consume a minute or hours and more.
How Do I Get Out Of Recovery Mode Stuck?
Nothing more, but a simple restart can take out of the recovery mode. Select Apple Logo and choose Restart… that’s it!
How Do I Reinstall Mac In Recovery Mode?
macOS Recovery is a predefined recovery system for Mac computers. You can access the app to fix the storage issue, restore files from Time machines, and reinstall macOS in this mode. If you want to learn how to reinstall macOS, click on this link.
What Does It Mean When Your Mac Says The Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted?
When the Mac screen shows, “Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted,” it means the Mac failed to establish the connection with Apple Server. There are several culprits behind this error, Slow Internet Speed, Different Date And Time, Apple Server Down, etc. But it’s an easy fix. If you got up with the same error, read the article above.
