Restoring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from an iCloud backup to iTunes can be useful if you need to revert to a previous backup or want the flexibility of having a local iTunes backup. The process is straightforward, but there are a few things you need to know before getting started.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about restoring from iCloud backup to iTunes:
How do I download an iCloud backup to my computer?
On your iOS device, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Tap on the backup you want to download, then tap Download.
Can I restore from iCloud without iTunes?
No, you need to use iTunes on a computer to restore an iCloud backup to your device. The iCloud backup contains encrypted data that can only be accessed through iTunes.
Will I lose data restoring from iCloud to iTunes?
No, all your iCloud backup data will remain intact when restoring to iTunes. However, any data added after the iCloud backup was created will be lost.
Does restoring from iCloud overwrite my iTunes backup?
No, restoring from iCloud does not affect or overwrite any existing iTunes backups you may have saved locally on your computer.
Prerequisites
Before restoring your iOS device from an iCloud backup via iTunes, make sure you have the following:
- The latest version of iTunes installed on your computer
- iCloud backups enabled on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Your iOS device connected to your computer via USB
- Enough free storage space on your computer for the iCloud backup size
- Your iTunes media folder location set (optional)
First, ensure you have the latest version of iTunes by opening it and going to Help > Check for Updates. Install any available updates.
Next, check that you have iCloud backups enabled on your iOS device. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and make sure the feature is toggled on.
You’ll also want to connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to your computer using the USB cable that came with your device. iTunes will need to communicate with it to complete the restore process.
Check how much free storage you have on your computer. Your iCloud backup size may be several gigabytes, so ensure you have enough room for it. You can find your iCloud backup sizes in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
Finally, it’s recommended to set your iTunes media folder location. This is where iTunes will save restored backups. To do this, go to iTunes > Preferences > Advanced and set your iTunes Media folder location. Point it to where you want backups saved.
Downloading Your iCloud Backup
Once you’ve completed the prerequisites above, you’re ready to download your iCloud backup:
- Open iTunes on your computer, then connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch if you haven’t already.
- In iTunes, select your connected iOS device.
- Go to File > Devices > Transfer Purchases.
- This will download any items purchased on your iOS device not already in your iTunes library. Wait for the transfer process to complete.
- On your device, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
- Tap on the iCloud backup you want to restore from.
- Tap Download. This will download the backup archive to your computer.
- If asked, enter your Apple ID password to confirm the download request.
- Wait for the backup to finish downloading. This can take awhile depending on its size.
- You’ll see a confirmation message on your device when complete.
Your iCloud backup is now downloaded and ready to be restored via iTunes. The backup will be saved to your designated iTunes media folder location.
Restoring Backup from iTunes
With your iCloud backup downloaded, you can now restore from it to your device using iTunes:
- Make sure your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch is still connected to your computer.
- Open iTunes then select your device.
- In the Summary panel, click Restore Backup. This will let you choose a backup to restore.
- Select the iCloud backup you downloaded, then click Restore.
- Read the information about restoring from an iCloud backup, then click Restore again to confirm.
- iTunes will now restore your iOS device from the iCloud backup. Your device may restart a couple times during this process.
- When finished, your device will boot up just as it was when the iCloud backup was created. You are now restored!
Restoring from your iCloud backup via iTunes copies all your data, settings and content back to your device from the selected backup. Just make sure the backup is reasonably current to avoid losing any important data.
Alternative Ways to Restore iCloud Backup
In addition to restoring an iCloud backup via iTunes, you also have a couple other options:
Restore Directly from iCloud
You can restore your iOS device directly from iCloud without using iTunes. Simply go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups, tap the backup, then tap Restore. Your device will be erased then restored from the iCloud backup.
Restore from iCloud After Device Setup
When setting up a new or recently erased iOS device, you’ll have the option to restore from an iCloud backup. On the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from iCloud Backup then sign in. Pick your backup and restore process will begin.
Important Backup Tips
To make sure your data is always safely backed up, keep these tips in mind:
- Backup regularly: iCloud backups happen automatically when charging and on WiFi, but you can also manually backup anytime.
- Keep backups current: Don’t let too much time lapse between iCloud backups. iOS only stores your last few backups.
- Have enough iCloud storage: Upgrade your iCloud storage if needed to fit all device data.
- Backup locally too: Use iTunes to supplement iCloud with local backups on your computer.
- Encrypt iTunes backups: For extra security, encrypt your iTunes backups with a password.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems restoring your iCloud backup via iTunes, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Backup Won’t Download from iCloud
- Check your internet connection on device and computer
- Restart your iOS device and computer then try again
- Double check you entered Apple ID password correctly
- Verify sufficient storage for backup on computer
- Toggle iCloud Backup off/on in iOS settings
Error Occurs During Restore
- Force quit iTunes, restart computer, then retry
- Update iTunes to latest version
- Disable antivirus software temporarily
- Sign out then back into iTunes & App Stores
- As last resort, restore iOS device to factory settings
Backed Up Data Doesn’t Appear on Device
- Give it time, restoring can take awhile
- Hard reset device by holding Power + Home until Apple logo appears
- Check for corrupt files – restore from earlier backup
- apps may need reinstalled if not included in backup
iTunes Doesn’t Recognize iOS Device
- Try different USB cable
- Try different USB port on computer
- Restart computer and reconnect device
- Reset device by holding Power + Home for 10+ seconds
For additional help troubleshooting, you can search Apple’s support site or contact Apple Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iCloud backup the same as iTunes backup?
No, iCloud and iTunes backups are separate. iCloud backups store wirelessly to Apple’s servers while iTunes backups save locally to your computer.
Can I merge iCloud and iTunes backups?
No unfortunately there is no way to merge or combine data from iCloud and iTunes backups. You must choose one or the other to restore from.
How far back do iCloud backups go?
iCloud retains about the last 3-4 backups but deletes older ones to conserve storage space. iTunes backups remain until you manually delete them.
Do iCloud backups store photos?
Yes, iCloud backups include device photos and videos if you have iCloud Photos enabled. Otherwise, just the image thumbnails are backed up.
Can I restore selective data instead of everything?
No, when restoring from iCloud or iTunes you must restore the entire backup. There is no way currently to selectively restore only certain data.
What data should I avoid backing up?
Generally you should not backup sensitive personal data like passwords or financial information. Also be wary of backing up TFA authentication apps.
How do I delete old iCloud backups?
You can manage and delete iCloud backups in iOS Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Tap Delete Backup to remove.
Conclusion
Restoring from your iCloud backup via iTunes is a simple process that can give you granular control over your device restores. Just be sure to maintain regular and current backups, have enough storage space, and follow the steps carefully. With a few taps in iTunes you can easily revert your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch back to a previous state. Backing up and restoring properly will save you from potential data loss disasters.
