The recovery server could not be contacted

I was trying to reset my MacBook Pro but continue to run into this message when trying to install macOS High Sierra.

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on May 29, 2023 03:19 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 20, 2024 06:19 PM

If the Apple company had used servers from *** then this issue might not have occurred. (😅 joke, I just work in this company and the level of servers and their protection is really high. Apple, do you need servers?)


🥸 However, in a more serious tone, the suggested solution is to use the command-option-shift-R combination at startup to initiate internet recovery, which will restore the macOS (I lo❤️‍🔥e this OS!) version that originally shipped with your Mac. Additionally, if you have access to a USB-C to ethernet adapter and can connect directly to your modem, you can avoid potential issues with WiFi during the setup process.



[Edited by Moderator] 


7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 20, 2024 06:19 PM in response to lilcowboy

If the Apple company had used servers from *** then this issue might not have occurred. (😅 joke, I just work in this company and the level of servers and their protection is really high. Apple, do you need servers?)


🥸 However, in a more serious tone, the suggested solution is to use the command-option-shift-R combination at startup to initiate internet recovery, which will restore the macOS (I lo❤️‍🔥e this OS!) version that originally shipped with your Mac. Additionally, if you have access to a USB-C to ethernet adapter and can connect directly to your modem, you can avoid potential issues with WiFi during the setup process.



[Edited by Moderator] 


Aug 31, 2023 06:29 AM in response to twanamirza

I have noticed the same issue before too and I tried a different network (home vs work network) and the recovery worked. I even did a recovery over cellular hotspot once before.


Another method could be to create a recovery USB on another Mac to use on this one.

Here is the support page from Apple:

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support (CA)


You may need to change a security setting first for it to boot from USB though:

About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip - Apple Support




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The recovery server could not be contacted

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