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
i cant correct the problem trying to Fix: The Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted – Mac OS Sierra
Mine now says no server suitable for synchronization found
James on thur 13 feb 2020 8.27am ct
thank you so much you solved my issue
same issue - typing sudo ntpdate -u time.apple.com ib terminal did nothing - after i type it and hit return it asks for a password - do i need one? Where do I find what it is
I have been trying to install from el capital to mohave to catalina with no luck just the same stupid error, Tried the terminal command, cleaning disk, restart, changing the clock in settings, everything to no avail. The only thing I think I may be doing wrong is that I am connecting to my phone's internet access via blue tooth and sharing wifi as I do not have a fixed wifi connection at home via broadband. Could this be the issue?
My MacBook pro is from this year, stuck in Mojave, and those terminal commands return "command not found". This thing will not reinstall the OS. It will not update.
I am currently experiencing this issue. I have added the sudo command in the terminal and it is still happening.
I have the correct date but still getting recovery server error. There is no wifi on/ off option in top right corner. On an old 2009 iMac
Thank so much! You’re post resolved my issue.
I can't launch Terminal. Is it Command-spacebar when your mac isn't turning on? This gets me a blinking question mark in a grey box.
I get ntpdate not found
am still experiencing this issue, i've been trying since morning. i did everything i could find on google but i still get the same error message
It's probably not the problem you're having but I wasn't connecting to the internet even though I entered my password and it was accepted. While on the phone with Apple tech support, it was suggested that I probably wasn't connected to the internet. I saw that the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu bar was grayed out, selected it, entered my password there and voilà, I was able to reach the recovery server and easily install Mac OS X 10.14.5.
Sorry but I still cannot get rid of the error, I am connected via Ethernet and Wifi and ran the Sudo command several times... I have tried deleting and formatting my HD but the error still happens.
any other ideas
This worked perfectly the first time
THANK YOU!!! This worked for me!
I'm still not having any luck after trying the steps mentioned. Still it reads: The recovery server could not be contacted.
Please help!
Hi, I have tried this a few times now, without success. I am trying to reinstall from Recovery Mode. And always still get the same message. Any more ideas how to crack this? Thanks
thank you this help solve my problem. first I was receiving an issue but it was due to not being connected to my Wifi. thank you for the help.
you are such a savior!