How to Fix the The recovery server can't be contacted Error on Mac?

Mac users often see the message How to fix the 'recovery server can't be contacted' error on Mac when they try to reinstall the system. This message can stop the setup and create stress. Many users worry that their files will be lost or that the system will be damaged.

Most of the time, this problem has simple causes. Slow internet, wrong date settings, or blocked connections can trigger the issue.

In some cases, the message Mac the recovery server could not be contacted appears during updates. In older systems, you may also see the line Macos OS High Sierra, the recovery server could not be contacted. When you know the reasons, it becomes easier to solve the problem.

Part 1: Why "The recovery server can't be contacted" Error Occurs on Mac?

Many users face the line Mac the recovery server can not be contacted when trying to install or recover the system. The causes are often simple and linked to system settings, network issues, or blocked connections. In some older models, the recovery message the recovery server could not be contacted High Sierra appears due to outdated system files.

Common Reasons

Unstable internet If the connection drops while the system tries to contact Apple servers, the process will fail. Slow Wi Fi can also trigger the message Mac the recovery server could not be contacted.

Wrong date or time If your Mac has the wrong date, the system cannot verify the server. This is a common cause in older machines running Macos OS High Sierra the recovery server could not be contacted.

Apple servers under load When servers are busy or down, your system cannot reach them. This can show up as how to fix the "the recovery server can't be contacted" error on Mac.

Firewall settings If the firewall blocks system tools, the server request fails, and the screen shows Mac the recovery server can not be contacted.

Antivirus blocks Some third-party tools block secure channels. This can stop your Mac from talking to the recovery server.

Outdated MacOS Very old system versions may not connect to new Apple servers. This often shows up as the recovery server could not be contacted, High Sierra.

Corrupt system files Damaged installation files can also stop the tool from reaching the recovery server.

Hardware issues Loose network cables or broken Wi Fi modules may also cause this error.

Part 2: How to Fix "The recovery server can't be contacted" Error on Mac?

This part explains clear methods to solve the issue. Each method is simple and can be done from home. These steps help remove problems, such as Mac the recovery server could not be contacted and keep your system ready for recovery.

Method 1: Check and stabilize your internet connection

A stable connection is important for installation and updates. The system cannot reach Apple servers if the network drops. This issue often leads to the line How to fix the "the recovery server can't be contacted" error on Mac appearing on the screen.

Good internet allows the system to load recovery files. It also prevents delays during updates. When the network is stable, the message Mac the recovery server can not be contacted is less likely to appear.

Steps

Step 1: Connect to a strong Wi Fi network or plug in an Ethernet cable.

Step 2: Try the MacOS recovery tool again.

Method 2: Verify and correct system date and time settings

Wrong date settings cause server checks to fail. This triggers the line Mac the recovery server could not be contacted during installation. Many old machines or long unused Macs lose date settings.

Fixing the date makes the system trust the server certificate. It also removes errors linked to time mismatch. This step is very common when users see the message Macos OS High Sierra the recovery server could not be contacted.

Steps

Step 1: Open Terminal in Recovery Mode and type the date command.

Step 2: Set the correct date and restart.

Method 3: Restart your Mac and try again

A simple restart can clear background issues. It refreshes the system and resets temporary settings. Many users see the message How to fix the "the recovery server can't be contacted" error on Mac disappear after a restart.

A restart closes apps that block the connection. It also resets network services. This helps reduce the chances of the system showing the line the recovery server could not be contacted High Sierra.

Steps

Step 1: Turn off your Mac fully.

Step 2: Start it again and begin recovery.

Method 4: Disable the firewall or antivirus temporarily

Firewalls or antivirus tools may block system connections. This leads to the message Mac the recovery server can not be contacted. Many third-party tools restrict access to Apple servers and cause this interruption.

Turning them off for a short time can help the system reach the server. Once recovery is done, you can turn them on again. This step helps remove repeated blocks that trigger How to fix the "the recovery server can't be contacted" error on Mac alerts.

Steps

Step 1: Turn off the firewall or antivirus from the settings menu.

Step 2: Try running MacOS recovery again.

Method 5: Boot into MacOS Recovery and retry installation

Booting directly into Recovery Mode gives access to clean system tools. It also works even when the system has minor file issues. This helps solve problems like Mac the recovery server could not be contacted.

Recovery Mode uses built-in tools that communicate directly with Apple servers. This lowers the risk of network blocks. It also works well when old systems show the message that the recovery server could not be contacted High Sierra.

Steps

Step 1: Press Command + R when your Mac starts.

Step 2: Retry the MacOS installation.

Method 6: Update MacOS to the latest version

Old versions of MacOS may fail server checks. This is common when users see Macos OS High Sierra the recovery server could not be contacted. Updating the system helps fix outdated files.

A new system version carries updated certificates. It also connects better to Apple servers. This reduces the chances of seeing the message Mac the recovery server can not be contacted again.

Steps

Step 1: Download the latest MacOS installer.

Step 2: Run the update and restart.

Part 3: Use Recoverit Data Recovery Tool if files are lost during recovery attempts

Recovery attempts may sometimes lead to lost files. Many users panic when their Mac fails to start and shows errors like How to fix "the recovery server can't be contacted" error on Mac. Losing work files, photos, or documents can feel overwhelming. Recoverit gives a safe way to get back your data with simple steps.

Recoverit works even when the system shows messages like Mac the recovery server could not be contacted. It can restore files from crashed systems, damaged drives, or failed installations. The tool is built to help users who face problems while trying to fix errors, such as when the recovery server could not be contacted in High Sierra.

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The tool is easy to use. It does not need advanced skills. Many users who face Macos OS High Sierra the recovery server could not be contacted, find that Recoverit becomes a safe backup when things go wrong. It scans lost files and restores them with a simple click.

Recovery Steps

Step 1: Install and open Recoverit on your Mac.

Step 2: Select the drive that lost files.

Step 3: Start the scan and recover the files you need.

Part 4: Pro Tips to Avoid "The recovery server can't be contacted" Error

It is better to prevent the problem than to fix it again and again. This error often appears due to small issues that can be avoided with simple habits. Many users who saw Mac the recovery server can not be contacted later discover these tips helpful.

Keep MacOS updated Updates remove bugs and improve server connections.

Check the date often Wrong time settings trigger errors like Macos OS High Sierra, the recovery server could not be contacted.

Use strong Wi Fi Weak signals often lead to recovery failures.

Avoid random antivirus tools Some tools block system services.

Restart the Mac once in a while A simple restart resets many services.

Do not fill the drive completely Low space affects recovery.

Keep cables tight Loose cables can cut the internet during recovery.

Avoid using old installation files Old files often show messages like the recovery server could not be contacted, High Sierra.

Conclusion

Fixing the recovery server issue is not difficult. With the right steps, your Mac can return to normal. Most solutions are simple and clear. They work well for most versions of MacOS. This includes older systems that often show Mac the recovery server could not be contacted.

If files go missing during the process, tools like Recoverit can help restore them safely. These steps make the recovery smoother and prevent larger problems. When you understand the causes, solving how to fix the "the recovery server can't be contacted" error on Mac becomes much easier.