Did your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max just fail during an update or restore with a computer? If so, you’re probably staring at “an unknown error occurred (14)” popup on your computer. To make matters worse, the chances are you also can’t boot into iOS.
But don’t worry. Working your way through the solution below just might save you a trip down to the Apple Store. Let’s get started.
What Causes Error 14?
The “an unknown error occurred (14)” popup (or simply error 14) occurs while updating or restoring an iPhone that’s close to running out of storage. But that’s not the only reason. A faulty USB cable, an outdated version of macOS or the Apple Devices app, or a corrupt IPSW (iPhone Software) file can all contribute.
Error 14 usually ends up forcing your iPhone 18 Pro Max into a boot loop. To fix the issue, you must enter Recovery Mode. You then have the option to perform another update or restore and get the device functioning correctly again.
Using Recovery Mode
Recovery Assistant helps resolve startup issues by downloading a software package. If Recovery Assistant appears, click Continue to start the recovery process. The recovery process requires a Wi-Fi connection.
As its name implies, Recovery Mode is a recovery environment that you can use to update or restore a malfunctioning iPhone. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. Press and release the Volume Up button. Press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button. Keep holding the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
In some instances, encountering error 14 forces your iPhone to boot into Recovery Mode. If you see a screen displaying an image of a computer and a USB cable, you don’t have to enter Recovery Mode manually. Simply connecting it to your Mac or PC should suffice.
Recovery Mode presents you with two different options. The first option (Update) lets you update your iPhone without losing your data. The second option (Restore) resets your device to factory settings. If you have a backup, you can restore your iPhone backup at a later time.
Change USB Port or Cable
The most likely reason for the error 14 on the iPhone 18 Pro Max is a frayed out or faulty cable. Try changing USB ports or use a different cord.
Disable Third-Party Security Software
Third-party security software can interfere with the Finder or the Apple Devices app and prevent the software from communicating with your iPhone. Try deactivating any security software applications on your PC or Mac and check if that helps.
Update iTunes or Finder
Update your Mac to the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
However, if you use a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you need to use Finder to interact with your iPhone. The only way to update Finder is by updating the Mac’s system software. To do that, open the Apple menu and go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Delete the IPSW File and Retry
iTunes and Finder download an IPSW file while updating or restoring your iPhone. It’s what contains the data needed to update or reinstall iOS.
However, a corrupt IPSW file can also result in error 14. Deleting it should force iTunes or Finder to re-download a fresh copy of the file the next time you update or restore the device.
How to Delete an IPSW File in macOS
Open Finder. Then, select Go > Go to Folder on the menu bar and run the following path:
~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software UpdatesControl-click the IPSW file within the directory and select Move to Trash.
How to Delete an IPSW File in Windows
Open File Explorer. Then, copy and paste the following path into the address bar and press Enter:
%appdata%\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software UpdatesRight-click the IPSW file inside the directory and select Delete.
Try DFU Mode
If you still keep coming across error 14, try putting your iPhone 18 Pro Max in DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode. That’s an advanced recovery environment that helps reinstall both the firmware and system software.
Still Coming Up With Error 14?
If DFU Mode fails to fix your iPhone as well (or if you find it too complicated to deal with), your only option is to take your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max to the nearest Apple Store.
