Restoring an iPhone can be necessary if your device is experiencing software issues, slow performance, or you simply want to wipe it clean before selling or trading it in. Many iPhone users wonder if there are free options to restore their phone, rather than relying on Apple’s paid tools and services.
Can you restore an iPhone for free?
Yes, there are a few free options for restoring your iPhone:
- Use iTunes or Finder – Connect your iPhone to a computer and restore through iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). This will completely wipe and restore your device’s software.
- iCloud restore – If you have an iCloud backup, you can erase and restore your iPhone wirelessly through the iCloud settings.
- Factory reset – Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose “Erase All Content and Settings” to do a factory reset.
These free methods do have some downsides though. Using iTunes or Finder requires a computer connection. The iCloud restore relies on having a recent backup. The factory reset will wipe your device clean, but won’t reinstall the latest iOS version.
What paid programs can restore an iPhone?
If you need more advanced iPhone restoration capabilities, there are some paid third-party programs:
- Dr.Fone – iOS System Recovery – Comprehensive repair utility that can fix stuck devices, restore iOS without data loss, exit recovery mode, and more. Costs $49.99 for 1 year license.
- iMyFone Fixppo – Fixes various iOS issues like recovery mode, white Apple logo, looping on restart, etc. Costs $35.95.
- 4uKey – Includes restore features plus unlocking, password removal, and repair options. Subscription starts at $34.95 per month.
These paid tools provide more robust, advanced capabilities that can rescue even badly malfunctioning iPhones and fully restore their software without data loss.
What data do you lose when restoring an iPhone?
Restoring an iPhone will wipe all of the device’s contents and settings, including:
- Apps and games installed
- Photos, videos, music
- Text messages
- Call history
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Notes
- Home screen layout and folders
- Device settings
Any data that is not backed up to iCloud or iTunes will be permanently erased. So it’s crucial to have a current backup before restoring your iPhone.
How to backup an iPhone before restoring
To preserve your iPhone data before a restore, backup to iCloud and/or iTunes using these steps:
- Connect iPhone to power source so battery doesn’t run out.
- Connect to WiFi for best connectivity.
- Launch Settings app and tap your Apple ID banner.
- Tap iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.
- Plug iPhone into computer and launch iTunes or Finder.
- Select your iPhone and click Back Up Now to save data locally.
This will save your most important iPhone contents so they can be restored later. You should also separately back up your photos to iCloud Photos for extra redundancy.
How to restore an iPhone from a backup
Once your iPhone data is safely backed up, you can restore from the backup after wiping your device. Here are the steps:
- Erase your iPhone to factory settings through Settings, iTunes, or 3rd party program.
- Go through initial device setup process until you reach Apps & Data screen.
- Tap Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from iTunes Backup.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and select the desired backup.
- Allow the restore process to complete – this may take a while.
- Your iPhone apps, data, and settings will be restored from the backup.
And that’s it! Your iPhone is now restored while preserving your personal data and iOS customizations.
Pro tips for restoring your iPhone
Follow these tips for the smoothest iPhone restore experience:
- Delete unnecessary apps and data to optimize backup size.
- Temporarily disable passwords and Touch ID for simpler login.
- Update to latest iOS version prior to backup for compatibility.
- Use encrypted iTunes backup for maximum security.
- Check free storage space on device and computer first.
- remain patient – restore process can take over an hour.
What to do if restore is not working
If you encounter issues trying to restore your iPhone, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Stuck on Apple logo | Force restart by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Power until Apple logo appears. |
| Endless restore loop | Put iPhone in DFU mode and restore firmware through iTunes. |
| Restore error messages | Update computer and iPhone to latest OS version. Check date/time settings. |
| Missing or corrupt backup | Do a fresh backup to iCloud and iTunes. Delete old backups. |
For additional help, contact Apple support online or schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store. Advanced iPhone restoration software can also help fix stubborn restore problems.
Restore iPhone before selling or trading in
Doing a factory reset to wipe your iPhone before selling or trading it in is highly recommended. Follow these steps:
- Backup iPhone data to preserve it.
- Sign out of iCloud and iTunes & App Store accounts.
- Reset All Settings under General > Reset.
- Erase All Content and Data through Settings or iTunes.
- Remove SIM card from device.
- Double check there is no personal data left on device.
This will wipe your iPhone back to factory settings, with no data remaining. The buyer will be able to set up the device like new. Remember to remove accessory devices like Apple Watch and AirPods as well.
Conclusion
Restoring an iPhone can quickly fix many issues, but shouldn’t be done lightly due to the data loss risk. Always fully back up your iPhone before a restore and use encrypted backups for maximum security. Free options like iTunes restore and iCloud backup provide sufficient capabilities for most users. Paid software offers more advanced features for challenging iPhone recovery cases. With proper backups and patience, you can safely restore your iPhone and have it working like new again.
