How to Restore iPhone from Backup

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to restore your iPhone from a backup that you previously saved to iCloud or iTunes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using iCloud

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's a gray app with gears (⚙️) that's typically located on your home screen.
  2. It's near the top of the menu, next to a gear (⚙️) icon. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. It's at the bottom of the menu. [2]
  4. It's near the top of the menu. [3]
  5. Enter the passcode you use to unlock your phone.
    • If prompted, enter your "Restrictions" passcode.
  6. Doing so will reset all settings, as well as erase the media and data on your iPhone. [4]
  7. The setup assistant will guide you through the process.
  8. It's listed near the top of the setup options.
  9. Do so in the labeled fields.
  10. It's in the upper-right corner of the screen. Doing so displays Apple's "Terms and Conditions."
    • Scroll down to read them.
  11. It's in the lower-right corner of the screen.
  12. Choose the one with the most recent date and time.
    • Your device will begin downloading the backup from iCloud. After it's restored, your settings, apps, and data will be reinstalled.
    • Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This will restore your iPhone's settings and data.
    14. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use the cable that came with your device, plugging the USB end into the computer and the other end into your iPhone's charging port.
  2. [5] Do so if it doesn't launch automatically when your device is connected.
  3. An icon for your iPhone will appear at the top of the screen once iTunes recognizes it.
  4. It's near the top of the right pane of the iTunes window.
    • If you have "Find My iPhone" enabled, iTunes will prompt you to disable it. To do so, open your iPhone's Settings, tap your Apple ID, tap iCloud , then scroll down and tap Find My iPhone near the bottom of the "APPS USING ICLOUD" section. Slide "Find My iPhone" to the "Off" (white) position. If prompted, enter your iCloud password.
  6. Doing so displays Apple's "Terms & Conditions."
  7. Do so to accept the terms and conditions for use of Apple's software.
    • Wait for the reset to finish.
  8. Select the most recent backup from the dropdown menu.
  9. iTunes will begin to transfer data from iTunes to your new iPhone.
    • Wait for your iPhone to restart.
  10. [6]
  11. This restores your iPhone's settings and data.
    12. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do I need to reset my iPhone before restoring?
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
    Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
    Expert Answer
    Yes, reset your iPhone before you begin the restoration process. You can reset your phone under your settings.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    If I restore my iPhone from iTunes back-up, will my photos stay on my iPhone?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you store your photos on iCloud and back them up regularly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
  • Question
    I still cannot boot up my iPad? What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Press the home and power buttons. If all else fails, the iPad is damaged. Take it to an Apple store to find out more.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Manually Recover Music from Your iPod
      How to
      Restore an iPod
      How to
      Hard Reset an iPhone
      Apple ID Sign Out Unavailable? Here's How to Fix It
      How to
      Get Past the Activation Lock on an iPhone or iPad without the Seller
      10 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone or Android That Won’t Send Pictures
      6 Easy Steps to Reload Your Cash App Card at the Store
      How to
      Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes
      How to
      Turn On MMS Text Messages on an iPhone
      How to
      Use the iPhone Hidden Album to Hide Private Photos
      2 Ways to Get a Still Image from Video on iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Fix "Notifications Silenced" on iPhone Messages
      How to
      Downgrade and Restore Older Versions of iOS on iPhone
      How to
      Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Mobile Kangaroo. Computer & Phone Repair Specialists. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      2. ↑ Mobile Kangaroo. Computer & Phone Repair Specialists. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      3. ↑ Mobile Kangaroo. Computer & Phone Repair Specialists. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      4. ↑ Mobile Kangaroo. Computer & Phone Repair Specialists. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      5. ↑ Mobile Kangaroo. Computer & Phone Repair Specialists. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204184

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Erase the contents of your iPhone.
      2. Follow the on-screen setup instructions.
      3. Tap Restore from iCloud Backup when prompted.
      4. Sign in with your Apple ID.
      5. Agree to the terms.
      6. Select a backup.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 162,464 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement