Need to restore an iPhone? The safest path depends on what you mean by “restore.” You can put a recent iCloud or computer backup onto a new or erased iPhone, or you can erase the phone and reinstall iOS to troubleshoot a serious problem. The latter removes the content currently on the phone, so confirm that you have the right backup first.

Before you restore: check the backup date

  • On iPhone, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and look for the most recent successful backup.
  • For a Mac backup, connect the iPhone, open Finder, select the device, and check the backup date. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app (or iTunes on older setups).
  • If the phone still works, make one fresh backup before erasing it. A restore puts back the backup’s version of your data; anything created after that backup may not return.

Restore from an iCloud backup

  1. If the iPhone is already set up, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts. This deletes the iPhone’s current local content.
  2. When the phone restarts, follow setup until Transfer Your Apps & Data.
  3. Choose From iCloud Backup, sign in to your Apple Account, and choose the backup by date and size.
  4. Keep the iPhone on Wi-Fi and power while it restores. Apps, photos, and other cloud content can continue downloading after you reach the Home Screen.

If you only need to change a network while setting up a replacement phone, see our Wi-Fi setup guide; the same principle—stable Wi-Fi and power—matters during a restore.

Restore from a Mac or Windows backup

  1. Connect the iPhone to the computer you used for the backup.
  2. On a Mac running modern macOS, open Finder and select the iPhone. On Windows, open Apple Devices and select it. Older Windows systems may use iTunes.
  3. Select Restore Backup, choose the desired backup, then select Restore.
  4. Enter the backup password if it was encrypted. Do not lose this password: encrypted backups cannot be restored without it.

When to use “Restore iPhone” instead

A full factory restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device. Reserve it for persistent software problems, a device you are selling, or when Apple Support directs you to do so. Make a backup first whenever possible, and do not erase a phone just to recover a single contact or photo.

Common problems

The backup is missing

Confirm you are signed in to the same Apple Account used for the backup. For a computer backup, use the original computer and look for a local backup there.

The restore wants a newer iOS version

Follow the on-screen update instructions, then continue the restore. Keep the phone connected to power and Wi-Fi.

The restored phone is incomplete

Many items continue to download in the background. Leave the device on Wi-Fi and power; verify iCloud Photos, Contacts, and app downloads separately.

Frequently asked questions

Does restoring an iPhone delete everything?

Erasing the iPhone deletes its current content. Restoring then returns the information included in the backup you selected, not necessarily anything created after that backup.

Can I restore without a backup?

You can set up the iPhone as new, but you cannot recover data that was never backed up or synced to an account.

Will my apps come back?

Apps associated with your Apple Account are normally redownloaded during or after setup. You may need to sign in again, and some app data depends on the app’s own cloud service.

Reference: Apple’s restore-from-backup guidance and Windows device guide.