By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: August 30, 2019
“I take the time to back up my iPhone, so I’m confident I can recover my files in case I lost them. The thing is I just don’t know how to recover iPhone backup. Will you please teach me how?”
Your iPhone probably holds your most important files. If you lose them, it can take you a long time to get everything together again. It doesn’t matter if it’s just your contacts, messages, photos or documents. They are equally and incredibly important. That’s where backups come in. They allow you to create a duplicate of your iPhone’s data. You can readily access them when you need your files back.
iPhone users enjoy 2 backup programs: iCloud and iTunes. The former is a cloud storage app and when files are uploaded there, you can access them anywhere and on any of your iOS devices. On the other hand, the latter doubles as a media player and a backup software.
Whichever you prefer between the two, it’s very easy to back up your iPhone. For iCloud, you simply need to tweak your Settings and activate automatic syncing. You can do that with iTunes too. You only need to connect your iPhone to the computer with iTunes installed. When automatic syncing is enabled, backups will be made every time you launch iTunes and connect your phone. You can even choose to use both iCloud and iTunes.
Backup iPhone Data
Part 2. Directly Recover iPhone Backup
Now if the time has come when you finally need to access your backup files, this detailed post will guide you through the process. Before starting, make sure that you have recently backed up your phone. Restoring your backups from iCloud and iTunes will erase all existing data and settings on your iPhone.
Recover iCloud Backup
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode to authorize the phone reset. Tap Erase iPhone to confirm.
Your iPhone will restart. Once it turns on, select Restore from iCloud Backup from the available setup options.
You will be asked to log on to your iCloud account. Enter your Apple ID and password to do so.
Available iCloud backup files will come up. Choose the most recent one and one that you think has all of your files.
Erase All Content and Settings
Recover iTunes Backup
Prior to starting, make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed. Disable automatic syncing and the Find my iPhone feature on iTunes as well.
Connect your phone to the computer where iTunes is installed.
Run iTunes. Click on your iPhone’s name in the top-right corner of the window.
Select Restore Backup.
Another disadvantage of accessing your backups via iCloud or iTunes is that you cannot select the files to recover. Restoring simply means retrieving all contents in the backup file. If you happen to lose just your text messages, you can’t recover them alone. Moreover, there is a potential risk that your backup does not contain the files that you need. If your last backup was a few days ago, newly created data, such as photos and contacts, will not be restored.
If you don’t want to take the risk, you can use a data recovery software. It will help you recover iPhone backup safely and effectively.
Backup and Restore from iTunes
Part 3. Use a Data Recovery Software to Recover iPhone Backup
FoneDog iOS Data Recovery is one of the leading data recovery software in the industry. We take file restoration seriously. And by that we mean we make sure that you get your files back without the difficult steps and the risk of data loss.
It eliminates the inconveniences you would encounter if you recover your files directly from iCloud or iTunes. You can also selectively restore files. Plus, you’re not required to reset your phone. Your files and settings stay intact.
You can also preview the contents of your backup file first before proceeding with the restoration. If your most recent files are not in your backup, you’ll know instantly. You can then choose to recover files directly from the device.
If you want to get started, download FoneDog iOS Data Recovery now.
Solution 1: Recover iCloud Backup
Launch the software. Select Recover from iCloud Backup File from the available recovery tools.
You will be directed to an iCloud login window.
Once the software has access to your iCloud account, it will display the available backup files. Select one and click the Download button beside it.
You will see a window showing different recoverable file types. Tick the boxes of the files that you need. For example, if you want to restore your photos, tick Camera Roll, Photo Stream, Photo Library, and App Photos. Hit Next to proceed.
The software will begin the file extraction. Once done, your chosen file types and the number of items will appear on the left. If you click on one, you will see its contents on the screen. Run through all of them and select the files that you want to recover.
When you’re sure with your selection, click Recover.
After running the software, selectRecover from iTunes Backup File from the left tab.
The window will display existing iTunes backup files. Click on one and hit Start Scan to proceed with the file extraction.
Once it stops, you will see all file categories that can be restored by the software. Click on those that you need to recover. Select the specific items that you still need by ticking the box beside them. Hit Recover.
If you don’t see some of your files with the previous recovery methods, it’s time to try retrieving deleted data from your device.
After running the software, choose Recover from iOS Device. Click Start Scanto proceed. The software will now scan your phone for files.
When the scan ends, you will be presented with various file types. Once you click on one, you will see the files in it. Review them and mark the files that you want to retrieve.
We hope this guide came in handy to recover iPhone backup. With FoneDog iOS Data Recovery, you don’t need to have an in-depth technical know-how. All it takes is a download, and your files are several clicks away. It is compatible across a wide range of iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. There’s simply no stopping you from recovering your backups.
Staying home, listening to music, writing tech articles
Many people asked me to repair their mobile phones so I have a lot of experience in mobile phone repair, and I know a lot about Android or Apple phones.
iOS Data Recovery
3 Methods to recover your deleted data from iPhone or iPad.
Backup iPhone Data
Erase All Content and Settings
Recover iCloud Backup 
Selectively Recover iTunes Backup
Recover Data Directly from iPhone 
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