How to Restore iPhone from Backup

Download Article

Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo

Last Updated: February 9, 2021 Tested

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

Download Article

It's a gray app with gears (⚙️) that's typically located on your home screen.
It's near the top of the menu, next to a gear (⚙️) icon.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.}

Advertisement
It's at the bottom of the menu.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.}
It's near the top of the menu.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.}
5
Enter your passcode. Enter the passcode you use to unlock your phone.
- If prompted, enter your "Restrictions" passcode.
Doing so will reset all settings, as well as erase the media and data on your iPhone.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.}
The setup assistant will guide you through the process.
It's listed near the top of the setup options.
Do so in the labeled fields.
10
Tap Next. It's in the upper-right corner of the screen. Doing so displays Apple's "Terms and Conditions."
- Scroll down to read them.
It's in the lower-right corner of the screen.
12
Tap a backup. 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.
13
Wait for your iPhone to finish restoring.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This will restore your iPhone's settings and data.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

Download Article

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.
^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.} Do so if it doesn't launch automatically when your device is connected.
An icon for your iPhone will appear at the top of the screen once iTunes recognizes it.
4
Click on Restore iPhone. 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.
Doing so displays Apple's "Terms & Conditions."
7
Click on Agree. Do so to accept the terms and conditions for use of Apple's software.
- Wait for the reset to finish.
Select the most recent backup from the dropdown menu.
9
Click on Continue. iTunes will begin to transfer data from iTunes to your new iPhone.
- Wait for your iPhone to restart.
^{[6]
X
Research source}
This restores your iPhone's settings and data.

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 0 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

Tips

Back up your iPhone at least once a week.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
To back up your phone to iCloud, you may need to purchase more memory -- iCloud's free service currently offers only 5 GB of storage.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0