Restoring your iPhone or iPad from a backup is essential if you're replacing your device or recovering from a reset. This guide covers how to restore from iCloud, a Mac, or a Windows PC.
⚠️ Before You Start
- Ensure your device has been erased. If not, follow our How to Erase iPhone to Factory Settings guide first.
- You’ll need your Apple ID and iCloud password to restore your data.
- Keep your device connected to Wi-Fi and a power source during the process.
Restore from iCloud Backup
- Turn on your erased iPhone, you should see the “Hello” welcome screen.
- Follow the on-screen prompts until you reach the “Apps & Data” screen.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
- Select the backup you’d like to restore (typically the most recent).
- When prompted, sign in again with your Apple ID to restore your apps and purchases.
- A progress bar will appear as your data is restored.
- Keep the device connected until the restore is fully complete.
- Once finished, follow the on-screen steps to complete setup.
Restore from a Mac Backup
Requires: macOS Catalina or later.
- Open Finder on your Mac.
- Connect your iPhone using a USB cable.
- Tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone and enter your passcode.
- Your iPhone will appear in the Finder sidebar under Locations.
- Select your device, then click Restore Backup.
- Choose the backup you’d like to use and enter your encrypted password if prompted.
- Click Restore and keep the iPhone connected until the process is complete.
Note: Disconnecting the device during restore may cause data loss or corruption.
Restore from a Windows PC Backup
Install the Apple Devices App
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Search for Apple Devices.
- Download and install the app.
Restore Your Backup
- Launch the Apple Devices app.
- Connect your iPhone to the PC via USB.
- Tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone and enter your passcode.
- Select your iPhone in the app.
- Click Restore Backup and choose the backup you'd like to restore.
- Enter your encrypted backup password if required, then click Restore.
- Remain connected until the restore is complete.
💡 Tip
Restoring from a recent backup ensures your messages, apps, photos, and personal data are right where you left them, quickly and securely.
