How to Fix Error Code 2003F When Entering Recovery Mode on macOS 13/12/11

Jaden updated on Jan 11, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

Can't reinstall macOS on Mac? And in Mac's Recovery Mode, it displays the error code - 2003F. Here are several ways to resolve Mac error code 2003F so you can finish reinstalling the macOS process.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix1. Ensure Internet Connection Switching to a wired connection should be your first action because a lousy internet...Full steps
Fix 2. Run Disk Utility If the disk you plan to install macOS is flawed or damaged, this could also result...Full steps
Fix 3. Use a Bootable Installer If reinstalling from Mac Internet Recovery doesn't work, you could try to install macOS...Full steps
Fix 4. Reset PRAM and NVRAM The error code is related to the Mac startup issues. The system's settings, like the...Full steps
Fix 5. Restart Mac in Safe Mode Mac Safe Mode can help check if the error is caused by hardware or software when your Mac...Full steps

Mac error code - 2003F doesn't appear in a dialog box like other standard Mac error codes. When you try to start your Mac in Internet Recovery mode, it seems like white lettering on a dark screen. It indicates a problem with the Internet while attempting to connect to the recovery server.

Mac Error Code 2003F

Explanation: What Is Mac Error Code 2003F

Many users state that when they attempt to reinstall macOS via Mac Internet Recovery Mode after formatting the drive, they encounter the Mac error code 2003F appearing on the screen.

Error code 2003F means Mac's internet connection is unreliable, as shown by the earth icon and the exclamation point. The system of downloading recovery utilities is prevented from Apple's servers over the Internet.

Numerous reasons might cause the Mac error code 2003F:

First - Aid: Recover Your Data When You See the Error Code

Even though Macs are evolved nowadays, accidents and errors can still occur. The startup error code 2003F may signify a macOS malfunction and irreparable data loss. As a result, you should be concerned about the security of your data.

Users can recover irreversibly erased data on a Mac using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Bootable Media, a unique and secure data recovery software when your Mac is stuck in the startup procedure. Even novice users can recover files quickly because of the software's user-friendly interface.

EaseUS Data Recovery for Rebooting Mac

  • Restore data from crashed or unbootable systems, among other situations with error codes.
  • Recover permanently deleted files on Mac, and create a device to boot Mac by EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to restore vital files.
  • Mac USB recovery, as well as HDD, SSD, SD card, and many other storage devices.

If you have a problem with data loss when you see the error code appearing on the screen, the steps below will help you to operate the third-party tool.

Step 1. Install and run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac on another Mac computer, and select "Unbootable Mac > Start".

Launch EaseUS Data Reocvery Wizard for Mac and select unbootable Mac

Step 2. Then, choose a prepared USB drive to create the bootable disc. Select "Next" to start creating the bootable disk.

Install and run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to Create Bootable USB

Warning
The creator will prompt to erase the drive to reallocate the space; then it can write the bootable files to this drive. Please back up all USB files before processing "Eraser".

Step 3. The program starts to create a 2GB space and save the boot files. The rest space on the USB can be still used for storage.

 create a 2GB space

Step 4. Once it completes, please follow the guide to boot the corrupted Mac from the bootable disc and start the recovery. We suggest you restore the data to an external hard drive.

boot the corrupted Mac from the bootable disc

Step 5. After booting the Mac, launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. Select the disk location (an internal HDD/SSD or a removable storage device) where you lost data and files. Then, this recovery tool will scan for lost files automatically.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better create a backup of your Mac to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can wirte new data again.

select a location and scan for lost Mac data

5 Fixes: How to Solve the Mac Startup Error 2003F

Don't panic if you see the error code. Be sure you have safeguarded your data security, and you can proceed with the five fixes below to solve your problem.

Fix 1. Ensure an Internet Connection to Fix the Error Code

Switching to a wired connection should be your first action plan because a lousy internet connection is the primary cause of this problem. You can try to turn off the Wi-Fi and then turn it back on to ensure the Wi-Fi connection.

WiFi Connection to Fix the 2003f Error

Link your Mac to your router next using an Ethernet cable can also help, and then try running Internet Recovery once more to see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 2. Run Disk Utility to Perform the First-Aid

If the disk you plan to install macOS is flawed or damaged, this could also result in several issues, including the error code - 2003F. So, you can fix the error code in Mac's Recovery Mode by running Disk Utility.

Step 1. Start up macOS Recovery on your computer.

Step 2. Select Disk Utility in the macOS utility window and click the Continue button.

Disk Utility

Step 3. Select View - Show All Devices.

Disk Utility Show All Devices

Step 4. Choose the startup volume or Mac hard disk on the left side.

Step 5. To confirm running Aid in Disk Utility, click Run in the pop-up window.

Run First Aid

Step 6. Then click Continue.

Fix 3. Reinstall macOS With a Bootable USB Installer

If reinstalling from Mac Internet Recovery doesn't work, you could try to install macOS from a USB. To reinstall macOS on your Mac, you can create a bootable installer and utilize it.

Step 1. Erase the USB drive you want to change into your macOS installer.

Erase the USB First

Step 2. Download the macOS from System Preference to the USB installer.

Reinstall macOS to Fix the Error Code

Step 3. In Mac Terminal Window, type the command line to create a bootable USB.

Terminal to Create a Bootable USB

Step 4. Enter your admin password.

Enter Password to Start the Procedure

Step 5. Reboot your new macOS from a USB drive. Then you will find the error code 2003F disappears.

Fix 4. Reset PRAM and NVRAM to Resolve the Error Code

The error code is related to the Mac startup issues. The system's settings, like the startup-disc option and system volume, are in PRAM and NVRAM. You can fix the error by resetting them.

To reset NVRAM or PRAM, you can turn on your Mac and hold down the keys "Command + Option + P + R" during startup.

Reset NVRAM to Solve the Problem

Fix 5. Reboot Your Mac in Safe Mode to Fix the Startup Error

Mac Safe Mode can help check if the error is caused by hardware or software when your Mac boots. Here's how to reboot your Mac in safe mode when you see the error code 2003F.

Step 1. Navigate to the Apple menu - Shut Down on your Mac.

Step 2. Restart your Mac after 10 seconds, then press and hold the Shift key right away.

Step 3. Release the key when you see the safe mode's login window emerges on the screen.

Mac Safe Mode to Fix the Error Code

Step 4. Then, log in to your Mac in safe mode.

To Sum Up

When you attempt to start your Mac in Internet Recovery mode, the error code - 2003F is displayed. It typically means there is a connection issue with the internet. You can refer to our instructions above to fix it. What's more, don't forget to recover your data when you see the error code for the risk of data loss after you restart your Mac.

Mac Error Code 2003F FAQs

Here are 4 questions and answers to help you know more about Mac Error Code 2003F.

1. What does error 2003F mean?

As indicated by the earth icon and the exclamation mark, error code 2003F means Mac's internet connection is unreliable. Apple's servers on the Internet do not allow users to obtain recovery modes.

2. Why is Command + R not working on Mac?

Besides the keyboard's fault, the reason why Command + R is not working is the same as why Mac recovery mode not working:

  1. The outdated version of macOS and Mac Recovery Mode is inoperative.
  2. The recovery partition is corrupted or missing.

3. What is the other common error code?

For example, there are:

  1. Error code - 41: The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred.
  2. Error code - 36: The file can't be read or written.
  3. Error code - 8003: macOS can't delete the file in the Trash.

4. Why do error codes happen?

An error code is a notification that an error has emerged to the hardware or software usage. It also is an identification of the precise error that caused the issue.

Was This Page Helpful?

 

Updated by Jaden

Jaden is one of the editors of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on topics concerning PCs and Mac data recovery. Jaden is committed to enhancing professional IT knowledge and writing abilities. She is always keen on new and intelligent products.

Read full bio

Totalav antivirus software

EaseUS Data Recovery Services

Request a free evaluation >>

EaseUS data recovery experts have uneaqualed expertise to repair disks/systems and salvage data from all devices like RAID, HDD, SSD, USB, etc.