How to Restore Data on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

Data recovery on an iPhone is necessary in several key situations: after accidental deletion of information, resetting the device to factory settings, loss or replacement of the phone. The primary source for recovery is a backup, automatically created by iCloud or manually via iTunes/Finder. This guide explains how to safely restore photos, videos, contacts, calendars, messages, and app settings using Apple's official tools. The process will take from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the backup size and internet speed.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure the following conditions are met:

1. Active backup. Check for a recent copy in iCloud (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups) or on your computer (via iTunes/Finder). It is recommended to use a backup created no more than 30 days ago.
2. Stable internet. A quality Wi-Fi connection is required for restoration from iCloud. Mobile internet (4G/5G) is not recommended due to the large data volume.
3. Battery charge. Your iPhone's battery level should be at least 50% or the device should be connected to a charger.
4. Apple ID access. You will need the password for the Apple ID under which the backup was created. If two-factor authentication is enabled, be prepared to confirm the sign-in on another trusted device.
5. Computer access (optional). If you are restoring from a local backup, prepare a computer (Mac or Windows PC) with the latest version of iTunes installed (for Windows) or use Finder (for macOS Catalina 10.15+).

Step 1: Prepare the Device for Reset (If Required)

If your iPhone contains current data that you want to replace with older data from a backup, you must perform a full reset. This will erase all current information on the device.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the General section.
3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Enter your screen lock passcode and confirm the action.

⚠️ Important: Ensure you have a current backup of the current data if you still need it. After the reset, recovering it will be impossible.

After the reset, your iPhone will restart and display the welcome screen for language selection.

Step 2: Start the Restoration Process

On the "Hello" screen, complete the initial setup (language, region selection, Wi-Fi setup). On the "Apps & Data" screen, you will have a key choice:

• Restore from iCloud Backup — if your primary backup is stored in the cloud.
• Restore from Mac or PC — if you have a local backup created via iTunes/Finder.

Select the appropriate option.

Step 3: Restore from iCloud (Primary Method)

This is the most common and convenient method.

1. Sign in to Apple ID. On the "Sign in to iCloud" screen, enter the Apple ID and password used to create the backup. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the sign-in on another device.
2. Select a backup. On the "Choose Backup" screen, you will see a list of available backups, sorted by date and size. Select the most recent one (latest by date). Tap on it.
3. Wait for completion. The process will start automatically. A progress bar and an estimate of remaining time will be displayed. Do not interrupt the process — do not turn off your iPhone or disconnect it from Wi-Fi. Restoring system data and apps may take a long time.
4. Complete setup. After system data is restored, your iPhone will restart. After the reboot, it may continue installing apps and their data in the background. Complete the initial setup, set a passcode, and configure Face ID/Touch ID.

Step 4: Restore via iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS)

This method is suitable if you have a large local backup or want to avoid using cloud storage.

1. Connect your iPhone to the computer using an original Lightning/USB-C cable.
2. Open iTunes (on Windows PC or older Macs) or Finder (on Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 and newer).
   • In iTunes: An iPhone icon will appear in the top-left corner, next to the playback button. Click it.
   • In Finder: In the sidebar under "Locations," select your iPhone.
3. Select a backup to restore. In the "Backups" section, select "Restore Backup". A list of local backups with dates will appear. Select the desired one and click "Restore."
4. Confirm the action. iTunes/Finder may ask if you want to disable "Find My iPhone." If it is enabled, you may need to enter your Apple ID password to turn it off. Confirm.
5. Wait for completion. Do not disconnect the cable. Progress will be displayed on the computer screen and on the iPhone. After completion, the iPhone will restart.

Step 5: Verify the Result

After the system fully loads and setup is complete:

1. Open the Photos app. Ensure all your photos and videos are present.
2. Open the Contacts app. Check that your contact list is there.
3. Open the Messages app (iMessage/SMS). Scroll up through the history to confirm old messages are present.
4. Open Calendar and Reminders.
5. Open Settings → [your name] → iCloud and check which apps use iCloud and sync data.

💡 Tip: Restoring apps and their data from the App Store may take additional time after the reboot. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

Potential Issues

• Error "Could not restore backup" (iTunes/Finder).
  • Cause: A corrupted backup or iOS version incompatibility. A backup created on a newer iOS version cannot be restored to a device with an older version.
  • Solution: Update iOS on the phone to the latest version. Try selecting a different, older backup if it is compatible.
• A password for the iCloud backup is required, which I do not remember.
  • Cause: The backup was protected with an encryption password (usually the screen lock passcode at the time of backup creation or a specific recovery password).
  • Solution: Without this password, restoring data from that specific iCloud backup is impossible. Try restoring from a different, non-encrypted backup or from a local backup.
• The restore is "stuck" or progressing very slowly.
  • Cause: Large data volume, slow internet (for iCloud), or issues with the cable/port (for iTunes/Finder).
  • Solution: For iCloud: connect to a faster Wi-Fi network. For iTunes/Finder: try a different cable and a different USB port on the computer. Do not interrupt the process.
• Some apps are missing after the restore.
  • Cause: Apps were removed from the App Store or were not installed at the time the backup was created.
  • Solution: Manual installation of such apps from the App Store is impossible. Data within them is also lost if the backup did not contain their local files.