How to restore iPhone from iCloud backup - A full guide

Understanding how to restore an iPhone from iCloud is invaluable, particularly if you've accidentally deleted important files or erased all your data.

Restoring iPhone from iCloud backup helps you to get back your important data after deletion or erasing.

Restoring an iPhone from iCloud is a common method to retrieve your data, apps, and settings from an earlier backup, whether you're setting up a new iOS device or recovering lost data. However, to restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup, you'll need to perform a factory reset, as Apple only permits iCloud restoration on a new or newly erased iPhone.

If you prefer to restore your iPhone from iCloud without a factory reset, iPhone Data Recovery is a valuable tool. It allows you to selectively recover deleted and lost files from your iPhone's storage, an iTunes backup, or an iCloud backup without erasing your current data.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring that your backup data is seamlessly restored from iCloud to your iPhone.

• Before restoring iPhone from iCloud
• How to restore iPhone from iCloud backup during setup
• How to restore iCloud backup on iPhone after setup
• How to restore from iCloud backup without reset
• FAQs on iPhone restoration from iCloud
• What to do when restoring from iCloud backup failed

Before restoring iPhone from iCloud

There are several reasons why you might want to restore your iPhone from iCloud backup. In this guide, we will explore three different scenarios to help you restore from iCloud backup and get back all your iPhone data and settings:

• Restore iPhone from iCloud during setup. Perfect for starting with a new iOS device or after a factory reset on your iPhone.
• Restore iCloud backup on iPhone after setup. Useful if you've already set up your iPhone but need to restore from a previous iCloud backup for data recovery.
• Restore from iCloud backup without reset. Ideal for those who want to recover specific data without going through the full reset process and data erasing.

To begin, ensure that you have iCloud backups available to restore your iPhone. If you don't have a recent iCloud backup, follow these steps to back up your iPhone to iCloud manually:

1. Open your iPhone and connect it a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

2. Go to Settings > your Apple ID > iCloud.

3. Choose iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.

Under Back Up Now option, you can view the date and time of your last backup. Make sure you have enough iCloud storage space for the backup to be complete. Alternatively, you can turn on the Back Up This iPhone option to automatically back up your iPhone with iCloud.

Once done, the iCloud backup can be used to restore or set up a new or newly reset iPhone.

How to restore iPhone from iCloud backup during setup

Restoring an iCloud backup on a new iPhone during setup is a straightforward process, whether you're downloading everything from a recent backup or transferring data from your old iPhone. Here's how to restore iPhone from iCloud during the setup:

1. Turn on the new iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to set it up.

2. When the Apps & Data screen shows up, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.

TIP: In iOS 17 and later, you'll reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen and select From iCloud Backup.

3. Sign in to your iCloud account and enter your Apple ID and password.

4. Choose the latest iCloud backup, and wait for it to download and restore on your iPhone.

That's how you can restore data from an iCloud backup while setting up your new iPhone.

How to restore iCloud backup on iPhone after setup

If you've already set up your iPhone but wish to restore from an iCloud backup, you'll need to reset your iPhone to factory settings and start the setup process again. This will erase and replace all your current data and settings.

This method is typically effective for recovering deleted and lost iPhone data from a previous backup. However, be aware that everything added after the iCloud backup will be permanently overwritten after the restoration.

Here's how to restore iPhone backup from iCloud after setup:

Step 1. Ensure you have a recent iCloud backup.

• Head to your iPhone Settings > [your name] > iCloud, and tap on iCloud Backup.
• Here, you'll see the date and time of your last backup. If it's not recent, tap on Back Up Now to create a new backup.

Step 2. Reset your iPhone and erase all content and settings.

• In Settings app, move to General > Transfer or Reset.
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
• Confirm your decision by entering your passcode or Apple ID password.

Step 3. Set up the iPhone again.

• After resetting, your iPhone will restart and display the Hello screen.
• Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Apps & Data screen.

Step 4. Restore from iCloud Backup.

• Select Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID.
• Choose the most recent backup from the list of available backups.
• Wait for the restoration process to complete. This might take some time depending on the size of the backup and your internet speed.

Step 5. Finish the setup.

• Once the iCloud restoration is done, follow the remaining steps to complete the setup.
• Your iPhone will continue to download your apps and other content in the background.

How to restore from iCloud backup without reset

Restoring an iPhone from iCloud or setting up a new iOS device from an iCloud backup is relatively simple. However, performing a factory reset can feel excessive, especially when you only need to restore specific types of data.

For those looking to restore iPhone from backup without erasing current data, the all-in-one software iPhone Data Recovery is a great solution. It allows you to preview backup files from either an iCloud backup or an iTunes backup, enabling you to select specific files for recovery without resetting your iPhone.

In addition to restoring from an iCloud or iTunes backup, this iOS data recovery software also offers the ability to scan and preview deleted and lost files on the internal storage of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This allows you to recover iPhone data directly without erasing any current content.

Follow these steps on how to restore iPhone from iCloud without reset or erasing:

• Open up iPhone Data Recovery on your PC or Mac.
• In the initial screen, choose the part named Recover from iCloud.

• Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud. If asked, tap Allow on your device and enter the six-digit Apple ID verification code on the software window.

• Access your iCloud backup files and pick the most recent one to restore your iPhone.
• Click on Download option to download iCloud backup.

• This will load all files in the iCloud backup you select, including photos, contacts, and more.
• Choose the types of files you wish to restore and click on Start button.

• Preview specific files and select your desired items for restoration.
• Click on the Recover button at the bottom.

• In the pop-up dialog box, specify a local folder where you'd like the files saved to on your computer.

FAQs on iPhone restoration from iCloud

1. How do I restore my iPhone from an iCloud backup during initial setup?

To restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup during initial setup, turn on your new or newly erased iPhone, follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Apps & Data screen, and then select "Restore from iCloud Backup." Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID, choose the desired backup, and wait for the restoration process to complete.

2. Can I restore data from iCloud without resetting my iPhone?

Yes, using third-party tools like iPhone Data Recovery, you can selectively restore specific types of data from an iCloud backup without performing a factory reset. This software allows you to preview and choose specific files to recover, such as contacts, messages, or photos.

3. What to do if I don't have a recent iCloud backup available?

If you don't have a recent iCloud backup, you can create one by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, and then tapping "Back Up Now." Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is plugged into a power source.

4. Is it possible to recover data from an iPhone without using iCloud or iTunes backups?

Yes, iPhone Data Recovery software can scan the internal storage of your iPhone to find and recover deleted or lost files without needing iCloud or iTunes backups. This includes contacts, messages, photos, and more.

What to do when restoring from iCloud backup failed

As an iCloud backup file contains a wealthy of data that can be restored which demands a strong and stable Wi-Fi networks to be downloaded, you could be at times run into a glitch: a new or newly wiped iPhone cannot restore backup from iCloud. Maybe it's your fault: you didn't back up your iPhone to iCloud properly. Another possibility is that, the iCloud server or the backup restore system sometimes could fail and be not working.

Here're some common issues that challenge user to restore iCloud backup to new iPhone or the one you've already used, and several possible fixes for these issues.

When you see an error during the process of restoring from an iCloud backup

• Factory reset the device and set it up as a new phone.
• Verify if your iPhone is running the most recent version of iOS.
• Make sure you have Wi-Fi turned on your device and it's connected to an access points with good Wi-Fi signal strength.
• Wipe clean the phone again and restore it from an iCloud backup again.
• If the problem persists, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

When iCloud backup is missing or your new iPhone won't restore from iCloud

• Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups and prove that there's a restorable backup in iCloud for your device.
• Switch to another strong Wi-Fi networks and try retrieving backup from iCloud again.
• If restore from iCloud is still not working, get help from Apple Support.

When iPhone iCloud restore is incomplete or data is disappeared after the restore

• Make sure the missing data and information are included in an iCloud backup.
• Allow enough time for your phone to complete the restore (maybe several hours or days). If your device is still downloading iPhone backup from iCloud in the background, you'll see a message saying "This [device] is currently being restored and will automatically back up when it is done."
• For other troubleshooting advice, you may find this article explaining about missing information after restoring iPhone with iCloud backup helpful.