Having an unresponsive iPhone can be incredibly frustrating. Especially when you have important data like photos, messages, and contacts that you need access to. The good news is that even if your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, won’t turn on, or has a black/broken screen, there are still ways to recover data from it.
Quick Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the main methods for recovering data from an unresponsive iPhone:
- Connect to iTunes – You can connect your unresponsive iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed and see if you can access data that way.
- iCloud backup – If you had iCloud backups enabled, you may be able to restore from a recent backup.
- Professional data recovery service – Professionals use specialized tools to extract data from unresponsive devices.
- DIY data recovery software – Software like iMyFone D-Back and Dr.Fone can pull data from an unresponsive iPhone.
Trying iTunes
The first thing to try when dealing with an unresponsive iPhone is to connect it to a computer with iTunes and see if you can access the data that way. Here’s how:
- Install the latest version of iTunes on a Mac or Windows PC.
- Use the iPhone’s original charging cable and connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Open iTunes. Your iPhone may show up in the menu to the left if it is partially responsive.
- Select your iPhone and try to access the media files and backups.
- You may also be prompted to enter your passcode or Trust This Computer to gain further access.
If this method works, you should be able to recover most of your iPhone data through iTunes. You can offload photos and videos, transfer contacts and calendars, and access backups.
iTunes Recovery Limitations
Using iTunes to recover data from an unresponsive iPhone has some limitations:
- Won’t work if the iPhone is completely unresponsive
- Encrypted local backups may be inaccessible without the iPhone’s passcode
- Doesn’t work well for deleted data or older backups
- Very limited options if the iPhone is not trusted with the computer
In many cases, you’ll need to move on to another method if you can’t access your iPhone’s data through iTunes.
Restoring from iCloud Backup
If your iPhone data was being backed up to iCloud, you may be able to fully restore it to a new or factory reset iPhone. Here’s how iCloud restore works:
- Get a replacement or repaired iPhone
- On setup, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” when prompted
- Enter your Apple ID and password used on the unresponsive iPhone
- Select the desired backup from the list
- Allow the restore process to complete
This will wipe the replacement iPhone and restore your data, settings, and content from the iCloud backup point. Virtually everything should be restored except data not included in iCloud backups.
Requirements for iCloud Restoration
For this method to work, you’ll need:
- A working replacement iPhone
- Your Apple ID and password
- A recent iCloud backup from the unresponsive iPhone
- Enough iCloud storage space for the backup size
- Proper iCloud backup enabled in settings
If you didn’t meet these requirements, such as not having iCloud backups enabled, then you’ll need to move onto third-party iPhone data recovery options.
Using a Professional Data Recovery Service
For difficult iPhone data recovery cases, turning to a professional service may be your best or only option. Here’s an overview of how iPhone data recovery services work:
- Evaluation – You’ll ship your iPhone to the recovery lab and they will evaluate it to determine the extent of damage and viable options.
- Extraction – Through sophisticated tools and clean room environments, they can remove memory chips and modules from damaged iPhones.
- Data Imaging – The extracted components are imaged to safely access and copy the stored data.
- Analysis – Your data is analyzed and prepared to be delivered on a new storage device or account.
- Return Media – Once complete, you’ll be sent back the recovered iPhone data on external media or to a cloud account.
Pro-level services like iStayLegal in California or Drivesavers can recover data even from iPhones with advanced damage. Prices range from $500 to over $1000 depending on your case complexity.
Benefits of Professional iPhone Data Recovery
Pro data recovery for iPhones offers some key benefits:
- Highest success rates for recovering data
- Capable of handling all types of damage
- Direct access to internal memory and components
- Advanced data imaging and extraction tools
- Clean room facilities to prevent further damage
- Highest security standards for your data
If money is no object and recovering your data is extremely important, professional iPhone data recovery is often the best choice after all else has failed.
| iPhone Data Recovery Service | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| iStayLegal | $500 |
| Drivesavers | $650 |
| Deepspar | $1250 |
Using DIY iPhone Data Recovery Software
For cheaper and easier iPhone data recovery, you can try DIY software solutions. Options like iMyFone D-Back and Dr.Fone allow you to recover iPhone data directly to your computer with an easy-to-use interface.
Here’s an overview of how DIY iPhone recovery software works:
- Download and install the software on a Mac or PC.
- Connect your unresponsive iPhone to the computer.
- Let the software scan and detect the device.
- Select the types of data you want to recover.
- Allow the software to extract and download the recoverable data.
- Preview and save the iPhone data to your computer.
DIY programs like these allow recovering data like contacts, messages, photos, call logs, notes, app data, and more from iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Both paid and free trial options are available.
Pros and Cons of DIY iPhone Data Recovery
DIY software solutions offer some pros and cons:
Pros
- Much lower cost than pro services
- Easy to use with step-by-step guidance
- Recovers many common data types
- Works on both Windows and Mac
- Allows previewing data before recovery
Cons
- Limited support for severely damaged devices
- May lack advanced recovery capabilities
- No access to internal components
- Higher risk of overwriting existing data
For people with minimal iPhone damage and more common data loss, DIY software provides an affordable way to recover iPhone data yourself.
Choosing the Best iPhone Data Recovery Method
So which iPhone data recovery option is right for your situation? Here are some tips for deciding:
- Try iTunes first if your phone is partially responsive.
- Use iCloud restore if you had full cloud backups enabled.
- Pick a pro service for severe damage or irrecoverable data.
- DIY software works best for more minor data loss cases.
- Determine how much money you’re willing/able to spend.
- Research the expected success rates for your issue.
- Factor in how urgently you need the data back.
Evaluating these factors will help guide you to selecting the ideal iPhone data recovery method for your specific needs and situation.
Preparing Your iPhone for Data Recovery
Before attempting any iPhone data recovery method, it’s important to prep your device properly. Here are some key tips:
- Charge the battery – Try charging even if the phone won’t turn on.
- Backup data – If phone is on, backup data via iTunes or iCloud.
- Disable lock screens – Turn off passcodes and Touch ID if possible.
- Gather accessories – Have cables, adapters, and anything that came with the phone.
- Avoid further damage – Don’t attempt DIY repairs unless needed.
- Act quickly – The longer you wait, the more data decay occurs.
Properly prepping your damaged iPhone will give data recovery the best chance of success.
Recovering Specific iPhone Data Types
Depending on the recovery method, you may or may not be able to target and recover specific data types from your unresponsive iPhone. Here are some tips for key data types:
Messages
For recovering text messages, iCloud restore and DIY software offer the best options. Messages are included in iOS backups, so enable iCloud messages backup under Settings > name > iCloud. With software, messages can often be extracted from the iPhone’s internal storage even without a backup.
Contacts
Recovering lost contacts is generally very achievable. Syncing contacts to iCloud means they can be restored fully. All recovery methods typically allow contacts restoration as they are small standalone data.
Photos
Photos can be trickier if you rely solely on iCloud backups, which do not include full photo libraries. For large or deleted photos libraries, DIY iPhone data recovery software or pro recovery are best.
Notes
Notes recovery is often possible as long as the iPhone itself can still be interfaced with. Enable iCloud notes backup under Settings to allow restores. Otherwise, notes may be extractable from device storage.
Call History
Recovering call logs from unresponsive iPhones is usually possible with data recovery software, which can extract call history databases from the device storage if still intact.
Understanding what types of data can be recovered with which methods helps set proper recovery expectations.
Recovery Tips for Common iPhone Issues
Here are some specialized tips for recovering data from some common iPhone problems:
Black Screen Issue
If the screen is black but phone seems to power on, try:
- Connecting to iTunes to backup data
- Force restarting by holding Power and Home buttons
- Enabling VoiceOver accessibility to navigate phone
- Using screen mirroring to external display
Water Damage
For water damaged iPhones, quick action is key:
- Immediately power off the device
- Dry phone thoroughly for at least 24-48 hours
- Remove sim card tray to air out water
- Avoid using phone until completely dry
Stuck on Apple Logo
If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo screen, try:
- Forcibly rebooting the iPhone
- Letting the battery fully drain then charging again
- Booting the iPhone into Recovery Mode
- Wiping and factory restoring iOS through iTunes
Forgotten Passcode
With a forgotten passcode, recovery options include:
- Using fingerprint/Face ID if enabled
- Inputting your Apple ID password to unlock
- Erase iPhone through iTunes to remove passcode
- Using specialized unlocking software/tools
Knowing workarounds for common iPhone issues can help reveal additional options for data recovery in those situations.
Preventing iPhone Data Loss
While this guide focused on recovering lost iPhone data, it’s better to avoid data loss altogether. Here are some tips for preventing data loss on an iPhone:
- Enable automatic iCloud backups daily or weekly
- Manually backup to iTunes monthly as a secondary option
- Avoid storing data solely on your iPhone storage
- Encrypt iPhone data for added protection
- Install valuable data into a secure app with passcode
- Use cloud storage apps to sync important files
- Backup your iPhone before updating iOS or your phone
- Avoid exposing iPhone to moisture or extreme heat
Practicing preventive measures makes data recovery far less necessary. But when needed, we hope this guide helps get your important iPhone data back!