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 105
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".
I don’t understand what should doing after Waited the command?
Worked like a charm
Tim O
I did all the steps, but after it said "downloading High Sierra, etc etc etc" it stood there for more than 2-3 Hours.
Please help.
I get a [-bash-3.2# when I open Terminal. What is that?
Completed all the above steps and nothing works, but i didn't complete one on deleting file bc i never got the message that step suggested
what i did and it finally worked
1. did the terminal thing which you can find by searching it in the right search bar (did it about 5 times)
2. clicked on the internet symbol and clicked the WIFI name about 3 times
3. checked back on the update and it finally let me through to the terms and conditions page!
probably just luck but maybe just try it out just in case. It might work you never know.
Good luck everyone!
Adjusting time did not work for me. I've been working with Apple support for 4 weeks. He is now suggesting I back up my Mac and we wipe it clean and reinstall the OS.
After entering the terminal command, it asks for password...?
When I try an reinstall mac os x from their site it says This item is temporarily unavailable, try later. every time I try...?
tried ntpdate and date fix one, neither worked.. 'operation not permitted'.. Any other thoughts please?
Thanks for your help.
It’s work very well when updating the time.
???
the time fix didn't work for me. any other ideas?
Perfect - solved my issue immediately - thank you!
Thank you, that worked perfectly
Terminal is rude, say o such command, no such interface.
WiFi works as I am able to get Safari through.
This text is with another machine, though, one I upgraded yesterday.
Russian hackers Making Apple Great Again?
can also run date command from the terminal if the ntupdate command not working....
ie date 022220182018
this is february 2 2018(24hr clock time) and 2018 (year)
Works for me!! Back to the game with meu mac
Thanks
I get this when I type in Terminal
Can't adjust the time of day: Operation not permitted
Please help..
I get this when I type in terminal
Can't adjust the time of day: Operation not permitted
help!