Error code
iOS 21
IOS21
System Error Code· A POSIX/system errno returned when a system call fails.
What it means
Device in recovery mode and restore process failed — the restore was interrupted while the device was in recovery mode..
How to fix it
- Do not disconnect the device.
- Put the device back into recovery mode and retry the restore.
- Ensure the computer does not sleep during the restore.
- Try on a different computer if repeated failures occur.
Not affiliated with iOS. Answer summarized from the manufacturer's manual linked above; consult that source for the authoritative procedure.
More iOS codes
- 1015Cannot restore to a downgraded firmware version — iTunes detected an attempt to install an older iOS than what Apple currently signs.
- 1110USB configuration or device state error during restore.
- 1394Component or IPSW validation error — iTunes encountered an error validating part of the firmware bundle.
- 14Communication error during restore — the device connection was lost and the IPSW could not be fully written.
- 1600Device not in correct recovery or DFU mode for a custom restore.
- 1601USB driver or host-side communication failure during a recovery-mode restore.
- 1602Connection interrupted at the start of a recovery-mode restore — iTunes could not complete the initial handshake.
- 1604Unknown error during recovery-mode restore — device communication failed partway through.
- 1671Software update is downloading — this code is shown while the device is in the middle of downloading its update.
- 17Device could not be restored to the selected iOS version — the firmware is no longer being signed by Apple.
- 2001USB communication error during restore — the host-side USB chipset returned an unexpected error.
- 2009Device disconnected during restore — same as 4013 family but reported as a USB timeout by the host.