Quick Answers
There are a few different apps that can help restore an iPhone, depending on what exactly needs to be restored. Some top options include:
– iCloud: iCloud can restore an iPhone from a backup, restoring data, settings, etc. This requires having previously set up iCloud backups.
– iTunes: Connecting an iPhone to a computer with iTunes can allow you to restore from an iTunes backup, if available. This also restores data, settings, etc.
– Device reset: Settings app has option to erase all content/settings, restoring iPhone to factory settings. This does not restore backup data.
– Third-party apps: Apps like Dr.Fone offer iOS data recovery tools to restore select data if no backup available.
When Would You Need to Restore an iPhone?
There are several common situations where restoring an iPhone may be needed:
– Major software issues: If iOS experiences major bugs or crashing, restoring the iPhone may help resolve software-related problems.
– Before selling/giving away: Restoring iPhone erases all personal data/accounts and resets device, helpful when passing an iPhone to a new owner.
– Forgotten passcode: Restoring iPhone can reset passcode and regain access to locked device.
– Missing or corrupt data: If certain apps or data appear missing or corrupted, restoring from a backup retrieves working version of data.
– Stuck on startup/loading screen: If iPhone freezes on startup, won’t boot properly, restoring can often fix related software issues.
– Jailbreaking gone wrong: A failed or problematic jailbreak can sometimes be fixed by completely restoring iPhone.
How to Restore iPhone Using iCloud
iCloud offers a wireless and convenient way to restore iPhone from an iCloud backup, as long as backup exists. Here is how to restore from iCloud backup:
Requirements
– Active internet connection
– Sufficient iCloud storage for backup size
– iOS device to restore from iCloud
Steps to Restore from iCloud Backup
1. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
2. Tap on preferred backup from list. Tap Restore to initiate.
3. Tap Continue to confirm restore on device. Enter passcode if prompted.
4. Wait for restore process to complete. Device will reboot to final setup screens.
5. Follow on-screen steps to finish setup process after restore completes. Sign in with Apple ID used for backup.
6. Once activation and setup completes, content, settings and data from iCloud backup will be restored onto iPhone.
Important Notes
– Only 1 iCloud backup can be in progress at a time. Cancel any in-progress backups before restoring.
– An iCloud backup must exist before it can be restored from. Check backup list before starting.
– Restoring backup erases current data/settings on device. Backup first if needed.
– Stay connected to internet during entire restore process.
How to Restore iPhone Using iTunes
For users with an iTunes backup, a restore can also be completed using a computer with iTunes installed. Here is how to restore from iTunes on Mac or Windows:
Requirements
– Computer with iTunes app installed
– Lightning or 30-pin cable to connect iPhone
– Available iTunes backup of iOS device
Steps to Restore iPhone from iTunes
1. Connect iPhone to computer using appropriate USB cable.
2. Open iTunes app on computer. Select connected iPhone when it appears in iTunes.
3. Under Summary tab, click Restore Backup button. Select desired backup.
4. Click Restore to confirm restore of selected backup onto iPhone.
5. Monitor restore progress. Device will reboot and iTunes will complete activation process.
6. When finished, apps, data and settings will be restored onto iPhone from iTunes backup.
Important Notes
– Encrypted backups require password entry before they can be restored.
– Stay connected to computer during full restore process until completion.
– Restoring backup will erase all content and settings on iPhone before restoring.
– Only 1 iTunes backup restore can occur at a time. Quit iTunes fully before starting.
How to Erase All Content and Settings on iPhone
The Settings app includes options to completely erase an iPhone, resetting it to factory default settings without any backup restoration. Here is how to erase iPhone:
Steps to Erase All Content and Settings
1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
3. Enter iPhone passcode if prompted.
4. Tap through warning prompts to confirm erasure of device.
5. Monitor reset progress until iPhone reboots back to setup screens.
What Gets Erased from iPhone
– All apps, media, data and settings
– Sign in accounts and Apple ID associations
– Home screen layout and organization
– Personalized settings like wallpaper, notifications, etc.
What Stays on iPhone
– iOS version number
– Built in apps like Phone, Messages, Safari
– Cellular/WiFi settings and configurations
Using Third-Party Apps to Restore iPhone Data
If you need to restore select data on an iPhone and don’t have a full backup, third-party iOS data recovery apps can retrieve certain data directly from the device. Popular recovery apps include:
Dr.Fone – iOS Data Recovery
Dr.Fone offers robust data recovery tools for retrieving lost or deleted contents from an iPhone, even without a backup.
What Dr.Fone can recover:
– Contacts, messages, call logs
– Photos and videos
– Notes, voicemails, calendar data
– App documents and data
– Much more, over 20+ data types supported
iMyFone D-Back – iOS Data Recovery
D-Back from iMyFone specializes in deep scanning iOS devices to recover data such as:
– Messages (iMessage, WhatsApp)
– Contacts and call logs
– Notes and bookmarks
– Voice memos
– Safari history
– Camera roll photos/videos
– Other missing documents and data
EaseUS MobiSaver for iOS
EaseUS is another reputable data recovery suite for iPhone and iPad, retrieving:
– Messages – iMessage, SMS, WeChat, Kik
– Contacts, notes, bookmarks, voice memos
– Photos, videos, audio files, documents
– App data from Instagram, Facebook, Skype
– iOS system crash fixes and optimizations
Choosing Best iPhone Restore Method
Determining the ideal restore process for an iPhone depends on factors like:
Data Needed
– iCloud/iTunes restore full device contents from backup
– Device reset erases completely with no data restored
– Recovery apps retrieve select lost or deleted data
Backup Availability
– iCloud and iTunes require existing backups of device
– Device reset does not require any backup
– Recovery apps extract data from device directly
Repair vs. Clean Slate
– iCloud/iTunes restores fix issues but maintain user data
– Device reset erases everything for a fresh start
– Recovery apps target specific data without full erase
Convenience and Speed
– iCloud restores quickly over WiFi with minimal steps
– iTunes requires computer connection and more management
– Device reset is fast and simple but lacks data recovery
– Third-party apps require installing software and scanning
Weigh the pros and cons of each method to determine the optimal way to restore your iPhone based on your specific needs and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does restoring iPhone delete everything?
Restoring iPhone from a backup (iCloud or iTunes) does not permanently delete data. It erases data currently on the device in order to restore data from the backup instead. However, using Erase All Content and Settings will permanently delete all data and apps and cannot be undone.
Can you restore iPhone without computer?
Yes, you can restore an iPhone from iCloud wirelessly, without connecting to a computer. As long as valid iCloud backups exist, iOS devices can be restored using just the Settings app and internet connection.
Does restoring iPhone reset it completely?
It depends on the restore method used. Restoring from a backup essentially reverts the device back to that backup state, with user data intact. But erasing all content and settings completely resets everything, returning iPhone to out-of-the-box defaults.
Can you recover data after restoring iPhone?
If an iPhone is restored using Erase All Content rather than a backup, data is permanently deleted unless recovered using specialized third-party iOS data recovery software. But data from the most recent iCloud or iTunes backup can still be restored as long as needed backups exist.
Is iPhone data gone forever after reset?
iPhone data erased using the Settings reset or restore options is not necessarily gone forever. As long as you have a recent backup (iCloud or iTunes), you can always restore erased data back to your device as long as the backup exists.
Conclusion
Restoring an iPhone can help resolve a variety of software errors and issues, or wipe the device before selling or gifting it. There are a few effective restore options, from iCloud wireless restores, iTunes wired restores, to full device erase and reset. Choose the best method based on your specific needs and backup state. And when in doubt, consulting an Apple support specialist can help navigate iPhone restore options.
