MyRecover for iOS
[Fixed] iTunes Cannot Restore iPhone from Backup
Sometimes errors like iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup will occur. But don’t panic, here you could find how to fix it.
By Lora / Updated on May 30, 2023
“Unable to restore iPhone from iTunes backup; anyone can help?”
Did you ever face an error that says “iTunes could not restore the iPhone because an error occurs”? It seems that it is not rare among iPhone and iTunes users.
I cannot restore my backup from iTunes. It goes through the whole restore process, and then it says there is an error restoring. The iPhone then restarts and gets stuck in the new setup process. In iTunes, it appears that my data is there, but I cannot access anything.
- Question from Apple Developer
After this user posted this/her problem, so many users commented that they had the same or similar issue: backup file encrypted, tried so many times but failed, almost succeeded but failed when screen locked…
Numerous users are eager to know how to solve the problem iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup. So, how to address it? Some fixes are given as follows.
How to fix iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup?
Sometimes, especially recently, updating the iPhone can lead to iOS 15 update issues like this. To solve the issue that iPhone cannot restore backup from iTunes, several practicable fixes are ready for you.
Beforehand: fix iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup
Before addressing it, here are the steps you need to follow. Check if these can make it; if not, follow the solutions later.
- Check if it has something to do with your charging cable and the USB port on your computer. Try using another cable and port.
- Check if you are using the latest version of iTunes.
- Try to restart your iPhone and your PC.
- Try to update your iPhone software.
- To avoid any data loss, it is strongly recommended to use another backup software to fully back up your data one more time, to see if you can restore iPhone from that backup.
If these cannot solve your problem, please move on to the next part.
Solution 1. Address iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup via Recovery Mode
If it is the error or malfunction on your device that causes the problem, or your iPhone cannot be recognized by tour PC, you could set your iPhone to Recovery Mode to fix it.
- Notes:✎...
- When a prompt asks you to choose “Update”/ “Restore”, try “Update” first; if that fails, try “Restore”, then you need to restore from a backup. If it still fails, move on to the next solution.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer via a lightning charging cable > run iTunes.
Step 2. Then follow the steps below to enter the Recovery Mode.
For iPhone 8/later. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and fast release the Volume Down button, and then hold and do not let go of the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus. Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button at the same time until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
For iPhone 6s/earlier. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button; keep holding them until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
Then when you see a pop-up window, choose “Update”.
If no available backups can be used, then you have to recover data from restored iPhone.
Solution 2. Fix iPhone cannot restore backup from iTunes by dealing with the corrupted file
When unable to restore iPhone from iTunes backup, it can have something to do with the backup file. If it is the corrupted backup file that leads to the problem, you could follow the steps below and give it a try.
- Notes:✎...
- This method adapts to Windows users.
- To use this method, you need to quit iTunes first.
Step 1. Input “%appdata%” in the Windows search bar > press Enter.
Step 2. Go to “Roaming” > “Apple Computer” > “MobileSync” > “Backup” > select the backup folders > press on “Ctrl + C” to copy them. Then press “Ctrl + V” to paste them on your desktop.
Step 3. Start iTunes, go to “Edit” > “Preferences” > “Devices” > select all the device backups > click “Delete Backup”.
Step 4. Then move the backup folders on your desktop back to the “Backup” folder under “MobileSync”. Now see if that works.
Solution 3. Use iCloud Backup as an alternative
If you have tried all these solutions and are still unable to restore iPhone from iTunes backup, you might as well try some alternatives.
Firstly, you could try another official tool provided by Apple. iCloud Backup can save your app's data securely.
- Notes:✎...
- iCloud backup cannot back up all your content and settings. If you need to restore from a full backup, it is a better bet to use a third-party tool.
Step 1. Go to “General” > “Reset” > “Erase All Content and Settings”. Input your passcode.
Step 2. Then set up your iPhone > connect to a WiFi network > “Apps & Data” > “Restore from iCloud Backup” > sign in with your iCloud Apple ID. Choose a backup to recover from.
Bonus Tip: back up iPhone data both selectively and fully
Several methods to address iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup have been introduced in detail in this post. You could try anyone according to your situation.
iTunes backs up your data pretty fully, but failures occur sometimes, while iCloud Backup won’t cover all items. So, if you want to back up your data fully and selectively securely, it is highly recommended to use third-party software.
FoneTool, a professional iPhone backup tool, provides amazing features like “Full Backup”, “Photos Backup”, and “Custom Backup”. You could select what you want to back up as well as choose to fully back up your device.
After all, storing data in different places is always a sagacious act for safety’s sake.
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