A factory reset refers to restoring an iPhone back to its original factory settings. This erases all data, settings, and content from the device and reverts it back to a clean “out-of-the-box” state. Users typically perform a factory reset when selling their device, fixing software issues, or removing a passcode. However, some users later regret this if they forgot to properly back up important data and media before the reset. While challenging, there are some limited possibilities to recover erased iPhone data after a factory reset.
Data Recovery is Possible But Challenging
While data is overwritten during a factory reset, not all of it is necessarily erased completely. Fragments of deleted data may still remain on the phone’s storage chips. With specialized data recovery tools and techniques, it is sometimes possible to recover some lost data after a factory reset. However, data recovery in these situations is challenging and success is not guaranteed.
According to discussions on the Apple support forums, performing a factory reset securely deletes encryption keys stored on the device [1]. Without these keys, most data becomes unreadable even if fragments remain. So while traces of data may still exist, accessing and recovering it requires bypassing iPhone security protections.
Overall, data recovery after a factory reset is difficult and depends on how thoroughly the reset erased information. You may recover some data fragments, but likely not complete files or a significant portion of lost data. Success depends on factors like the iPhone model, reset method, recovery tools used, and how much new data has overwritten storage chips since the reset.
Data Overwritten During Reset
When an iPhone is factory reset, the operating system goes through a process of overwriting data previously stored on the device to free up storage space. According to Apple’s support guide, a factory reset will erase all content and settings from the iPhone, including apps, music, photos, contacts, and any other personal data. The reset returns the device to its original factory settings.
During this reset process, the iPhone’s flash memory is overwritten with zeros or random data patterns multiple times to securely delete any remnants of user data. This renders previous user files and information irrecoverable through standard methods. Apple utilizes this thorough overwrite procedure as a way to give the user confidence that their personal information has been securely wiped from the device.
By overwriting all existing data, the factory reset frees up the iPhone’s full original storage capacity for the next user. It erases all traces of apps, accounts, and user information. This overwrite process is important for completely resetting the device and making all previous user data inaccessible.
Data Fragments Can Remain
Even after a factory reset, not all previous data is completely overwritten. When files are deleted or overwritten, parts of the original data fragments can still remain on the device’s storage drive. This is because resetting or restoring an iPhone does not completely wipe the data at the lowest level. Bits and pieces of the original files may still be recoverable.
According to research, when a file is overwritten on a storage drive, remnants of the original data can still exist within the slack space and gaps between sectors on the drive [1]. While the full original file is not intact anymore, these fragments may contain parts that can be extracted and reconstructed by data recovery software.
So even after an iPhone factory reset, specialized data recovery tools may be able to search the device’s storage drive and pull together enough of these fragments to recover portions of the overwritten data. The success rate depends on how much of the original data fragments still exist.
Requires Specialized Tools
Due to the technical complexity, recovering data from an iPhone after a factory reset requires specialized forensics tools and skills that are beyond the capability of regular users. The reset process overwrites much of the data, leaving behind fragments that can only be recovered by advanced software designed for this purpose.
According to forensic experts, even specialized data recovery tools can only retrieve partial data in most cases. The best results come from advanced tools that scan the iPhone’s raw file system and memory for recoverable data fragments. However, this requires advanced technical knowledge to use the tools effectively and piece together recovered data.
Overall, DIY iPhone data recovery after a factory reset is unrealistic for average users. Professional forensics services or expert data recovery companies are often needed to successfully recover anything usable. The tools and skills involved go far beyond what a regular iPhone owner can access and properly utilize (source). For the best chance of recovery, specialized data recovery assistance is recommended.
Best Chance with Backup
The best chance for recovering data from an iPhone after a factory reset is if a backup was made prior to the reset. Luckily, Apple makes it easy to backup your iPhone regularly either through iCloud backups or local iTunes backups.
Always backing up your iPhone before resetting it to factory settings ensures you have a recent copy of your data that can be fully restored onto your device. Both iCloud and local iTunes backups save iOS settings, app data, photos, messages, call logs, contacts, and more.
Restoring from a backup after a factory reset is the closest option to recovering your original data prior to the reset. Just be sure to backup frequently to maximize the chances of recovering post-reset.
Third Party Services
For users who need to recover data from an iPhone after a factory reset, one option is to use a professional third party data recovery service. Companies like Rossmann Repair Group and FlashFixers specialize in iPhone data recovery and can retrieve lost data even after a factory reset using specialized tools and techniques. However, these services do not come cheap. According to Rossmann and FlashFixers, iPhone data recovery costs start around $300-400 for older models like the iPhone 8, and $450-600 for newer models like the iPhone X or 11. The exact price depends on the specific phone model and amount of data to be recovered. Users should be prepared to pay several hundred dollars for professional iPhone data recovery after a factory reset. While expensive, for those who absolutely need the data, third party recovery services may be the most effective solution.
Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid needing data recovery after a factory reset is to regularly back up your iPhone. There are a few easy ways to do this:
- Use iCloud Backup – This automatically backs up your iPhone data to iCloud when connected to power and WiFi. Make sure it’s enabled in Settings.
- Connect to iTunes – When you connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes, you can initiate a backup which will save data locally.
- Use third party apps – Apps like iMazing allow you to backup your iPhone to your computer for easy restore.
You should backup your iPhone regularly, such as once a week. Before doing a factory reset, always make sure you have a current backup.
You can also avoid the need for data recovery by deleting personal data yourself before resetting your iPhone. Make sure things like photos, messages, and contacts are synced elsewhere or manually deleted.
Finally, avoid unauthorized factory resets by using a passcode on your iPhone. This will prevent others from being able to reset your device and require data recovery.
Software Tools Overview
There are several software tools available that claim to recover lost or deleted data from iPhones after a factory reset. Some popular options include:
Tiger Data Recovery – This app available on the App Store helps recover deleted files, messages, photos, videos, contacts and more directly from iOS devices. It has various scan modes to find residual data.
Dr. Fone – A well-known recovery app for iOS devices that can retrieve data even from backups. The free trial allows some basic recoveries.
EaseUS MobiSaver – This software has a free basic version that offers limited data recovery capabilities after a factory reset.
While these tools may help recover some data, results can vary greatly based on the reset method, iOS version, and other factors. Multiple deep scan attempts may be needed for the best results.
Conclusions
The chances of recovering data after an iPhone factory reset are possible but challenging. When resetting an iPhone, most data is overwritten during the process, though fragments may remain. Specialized data recovery tools and services can scan an iPhone for these fragments and attempt to reconstruct files and data. However, success is not guaranteed and depends on how much new data has been written after the reset. The best way to ensure data recovery is by having a recent backup of the device before resetting. Backups give you the best option to restore your data and are far more reliable than attempting data recovery post-reset.
In summary, while data recovery from a reset iPhone is sometimes feasible with the right tools, it is an unreliable process with low odds of complete success. Regular backups remain the only surefire way to protect your data and recover it if needed. Be proactive with consistent backups rather than relying on post-reset data recovery.