Fix: The Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted – Mac OS Sierra
If you are trying to install Mac OS X (while in mac os recovery mode) onto a new volume on your Mac over your LAN network or Wi-Fi, you may receive an error.
The recovery server could not be contacted.
A solution provided by a user (Brano) on our site:
1. Launch Terminal and type:
ntpdate -u time.apple.com
Note: If you receive "operation not permitted" put sudo in front of the command.
sudo ntpdate -u time.apple.com
2. Proceed normally.
The problem is, SYSTEM DATE is wrong, and CERT validation is failing (https)
First, ensure your Mac is connected to a wired or wireless network. To connect wired network, plug an Ethernet cable in. To connect to a wireless network, go to the top right corner of the screen and choose the wireless icon and connect to a network.
If you are still experiencing the issue, it is very likely that the Apple servers are busy processing download requests for other users. You may also see your installation time rise significantly but come down suddenly over time.
If you are currently experiencing this issue, use the comment form below to let us now.
Comments
you are such a savior!
I did the terminal reset thing a bunch of times, and still no luck. I also did the hosts suggestion, and still getting the error message.
I needed to run the terminal command three or four times but it finally updated and it works a treat. Thanks!
Brano,
If I could kiss you I would!
After typing ntpdate -u time.apple.com,
It returned with teo messages, Can’t find host nor servername provided
And
No servers can be used, exiting
Nothing works for me from previous comments. Whetever I do I am always downloading a 19mb installer application with the same message "The recovery server could not be contacted".