How to restore iPhone XR from backup

If you are a proud owner of an iPhone XR, you may need to restore it from a backup at some point. This could be due to getting a new device, a software update, or even a security breach.

Whatever the reason, restoring your phone from a backup is a fairly simple process that can be accomplished using iTunes on your computer, or iCloud.

Before you begin the restoration process, it is important to consider the following:

1. Ensure that you have saved all your data, photos, and contacts beforehand to ensure they are safely stored.
2. Make sure your iPhone XR is running on the latest iOS version, as this will minimize common issues during the restoration process.

Restoring your iPhone XR from a backup normally works, but it’s not uncommon to come across errors or issues.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps necessary to restore a backup of your iPhone XR safely, and address any common errors that may arise along the way.

If you would like more generic help on iPhone recovery and restoration, see How to restore data on iPhone.

Before you start

Before restoring your iPhone XR, there are some important things to do in order to ensure a smooth and successful process:

1. Make sure to back up all of your important data on your iPhone XR, such as photos, contacts, and documents, to either iCloud or your computer. This will prevent you from losing any important information during the restoration process.
2. Disable the Find My iPhone app, as this can sometimes interfere with the restoration process. You can do this by going to Settings, tapping on [your name], selecting Find My, and then turning off the Find My iPhone toggle.
3. Check that your iPhone XR has enough battery life and a stable Wi-Fi connection before beginning the restoration process.

By following these steps, you should have a successful restoration experience and be able to enjoy your iPhone XR like it’s brand new.

Download the latest version of iTunes to your computer

If you’re planning on restoring your iPhone XR, it’s essential to download the latest version of iTunes onto your computer first. Without the most updated version of iTunes, you could face significant problems during the restoration process.

For example, outdated iTunes might have compatibility issues with your iPhone XR resulting in the restoration process failing or getting your device stuck in recovery mode.

Also, the latest version of iTunes may have improved features, which will make the restoration process more manageable, faster, and more secure.

Generally, installing and downloading the latest iTunes version is always advantageous as it fixes bugs, improves performance, adds new features, and ensures proper data synchronization between your iPhone and computer.

Therefore, it’s advisable to keep updating your iTunes to enjoy the most recent features and facilitate the restoration of your iPhone XR.

Check for software updates

It is important to check for software updates before restoring an iPhone XR to ensure that your device is running on the most updated and stable version of iOS.

Software updates bring not only new features but also bug fixes and security improvements. These updates can significantly enhance the performance of your iPhone and prevent various software-related issues that may occur during or after the restore process.

When restoring your iPhone, all data and settings are erased, and your device will be reset to its original factory state. Therefore, it is crucial to have the latest software and security patches installed to avoid any potential problems with the restore process.

Checking for software updates can be done easily via the settings on your iPhone. By ensuring that your device is up-to-date, you can have a seamless restore process and a device that runs smoothly and securely.

Backup your information

Backing up your iPhone XR is crucial before attempting to restore it to its original settings. Without a backup, you may lose all your data and settings permanently.

Backing up your iPhone XR not only ensures that you get your data back after restoring but also saves you from the tedious task of reconfiguring your phone from scratch.

It is especially important to create a backup if you have valuable data, such as photos, contacts, and crucial apps, that you cannot risk losing. By creating a backup, you can easily restore your phone’s setting to what they were before, giving you access to all your apps, contacts, and data in one go.

In case the restore operation fails or takes longer than expected, backing up your iPhone XR beforehand ensures that you don’t lose anything important that might have been added since the last backup. It is a safe and intelligent way to protect your valuable data.

Instructions for restoring an iPhone XR backup

From iCloud

Once you have done a factory restore of your device, which erases the information and settings, you are ready to restore your iPhone XR:

1. Turn on your device and follow the on-screen instructions until you get to the quick start screen.
2. Tap setup manually at the bottom of the screen.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a Wi-Fi network.
4. Read about how Apple handles privacy.
5. Set up Face ID
6. Create your device passcode.
7. When you reach the Apps & Data screen tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
8. Sign in with your username and password.
9. If you use 2-factor authentication enter your code.
10. Read the terms and conditions and tap Agree.
11. Choose a backup to restore from the list. Check the date and pick the most recent one.
12. Continue the setup process over the next few screens until you see the ‘Restore from iCloud’ screen with the progress bar. Stay connected to Wi-Fi and let the device restore the data. It can take anything from a few minutes to an hour for the restore to be completed.
13. If you disconnect from Wi-Fi, the progress will be paused until you reconnect.

From your computer

Using iTunes

What you need before you begin:

• A PC or Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier
• Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
• A USB cable

How to restore iPhone:

1. On your computer start iTunes.
2. Use the USB cable to connect your computer to your iPhone XR.
3. If a message asks for your iOS device’s passcode or to Trust iPhone, follow the onscreen steps.
4. Pick your iPhone, iPad, or iPod when it appears in iTunes.
5. Select Restore Backup.
6. From the dropdown look at the date of each backup and pick the most recent one.
7. Click Restore and, it prompted, enter the password for the backup.
8. Click Continue and wait for it to finish.
9. Keep your iOS device connected and wait for it to sync with your computer.

Using Finder

What you need before you begin:

• A Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later
• Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
• A USB cable

How to restore iPhone:

1. On your Mac start Finder.
2. Connect your iPhone XR to your computer with a USB cable.
3. If a prompt requests your device’s passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Choose your iPhone XR when it appears in the Finder window.
5. Click the Restore Backup button.
6. Look at the date of each backup in the dropdown and pick the most suitable one.
7. Click the Restore button and, it prompted, enter the password for the backup and click Continue.
8. Wait for the restore to finish.
9. Your device will restart and sync so make sure you keep it connected to the Mac. You can disconnect after the sync has finished.

Common issues

During an iPhone XR restore, there are various common issues that may occur. These include errors with the backup process, such as downloading or transferring data to the device. In some cases, the device may become stuck in a loop during the restore process, or may display error messages such as iTunes error 9 or iPhone cannot be restored.

Another issue that may arise is data loss, as restoring the device erases all existing data and settings.

It is also important to ensure that the device has enough storage space for the restore process to complete successfully, as running out of space can cause errors or interruptions.

In some cases, hardware issues such as a damaged or malfunctioning charging port or battery can also cause complications during the restore process.

It is recommended to be prepared for these common issues, and to seek professional assistance if necessary.

What to do if your restore hangs

From an iCloud backup

If your iPhone XR is stuck on “Restore from iCloud Backup”, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check that you have a stable internet connection and enough free storage space on your device to restore the backup.
2. If this doesn’t work, try resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase stored network settings such as Wi-Fi passwords, but may help resolve the issue.
3. If this still doesn’t work, try restarting your device by holding down the side button and either volume button until the slide to power off option appears. Slide to power off and then turn your device back on.
4. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Apple support for additional assistance or try restoring from a computer backup instead.

It’s important to remember to backup your iPhone regularly to avoid any data loss in the future.

From a computer backup

If you are facing issues with restoring your iPhone XR from computer backup, then there are a few things that you can try to fix the issue:

1. Disconnect your iPhone from your computer and then reconnect it again to see if that solves the problem.
2. If it doesn’t work, try restarting your computer and iPhone.
3. You can also try using a different USB cable or port on your computer.

If these solutions don’t work, then you can try restoring your iPhone using recovery mode. Before doing that, make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.

You can also try putting your iPhone XR into recovery mode by doing the following:

1. Make sure your device isn’t connected to your computer.
2. Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power-off slider appears.
3. Release the volume button and drag the slider to turn off your device.
4. Connect your computer to your iPhone while holding the Side button.
5. Keep holding the Side button until you see the recovery screen.

Once in recovery mode, you can restore your iPhone XR from a backup or set it up as a new device.

If none of these steps work, then you may need to contact Apple or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.

Why Does my device still say “Restore in Progress”?

If your iPhone is still saying Restore in Progress, it means that the restoration process has not yet completed.

This may occur due to a variety of reasons, including poor internet connection, interrupted iTunes connection, outdated iOS version, or corrupted downloaded firmware.

It is essential to ensure that you have a stable internet connection and the latest version of the iOS software before attempting to restore your device.

Additionally, it is recommended to use authentic Apple cables and accessories when restoring your iPhone.

If the issue still persists, try disconnecting and reconnecting your device to iTunes and restarting your computer. In some rare cases, a factory reset may be necessary to resolve the restore issue.

Once the restoration process completes, your iPhone should function normally, and you should be able to access all of your data and applications.

Restore from iCloud Backup Failed?

Restoring an iPhone XR from an iCloud backup is usually a straightforward process, but there are instances when it fails.

The first thing to do when this happens is to check your internet connection and ensure that it’s stable. Most restore problems are caused by poor connectivity, so make sure that your device is properly connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Another thing to try is to sign out of your iCloud account and then sign in again. Doing so can refresh your iCloud account and resolve any issues that may be causing the restore to fail.

If the problem persists, you can also try resetting your device to the factory settings. This can erase all your data, but it can also fix any underlying software issues that might be hindering the restore.

Finally, you can contact Apple Support for assistance. They can help you diagnose the problem and offer the best solution to restore your iPhone XR from your iCloud backup.

FAQ

Where do i find the restore option on my Apple phone?

You can find the Restore option on your iPhone in the Settings:

1. Firstly, tap Settings from your Home screen.
2. Scroll down the page to find the General option and tap on it.
3. Now, look for the Reset option and select it.
4. Here, you will see various restore options, including Erase All Content and Settings, Reset Network Settings, and Restore from iCloud Backup or iTunes Backup.
5. If you wish to restore all of your settings and data back to factory settings, select Erase All Content and Settings.

It is important to note that restoring your iPhone will delete all your personal data and settings, so it is critical to backup all of your important data before proceeding with the restore process.

Overall, with these simple steps, you can find the Restore option and either restore your iPhone to its original settings or retrieve your data from a previous backup.

Does restoring my phone remove the passcode?

Restoring an iPhone will remove the passcode. However, it is important to note that restoring an iPhone erases all the data saved on the device. So, if you want to restore your iPhone to remove the passcode, make sure to backup all the important data beforehand.

How long will it take to do a restore?

The time it takes to restore an iPhone 1 depends on various factors such as the size of the backup data, internet speed, and device condition. Typically, restoring an iPhone XR from a backup can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

If you are restoring a large amount of data, like photos, videos, music, and apps, then it could take longer.

The speed of your internet connection also plays a significant role during the restore process as the phone may need to download the data from iCloud.

Moreover, if your iPhone is in a good condition, the restore process tends to be faster since there are fewer errors and bugs to fix.

However, if your device is damaged or has a low power battery, then restoring your phone might take longer due to additional diagnostic tests and software upgrades.

Overall, the average time to restore an iPhone 1 ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the mentioned variables.

Can you restore an iPhone that has been reset?

Yes, you can restore an iPhone that has been reset.

If you have a backup of your iPhone stored on iCloud or iTunes, you can easily restore your iPhone to the state it was in before it was reset. Simply connect your iPhone to a computer running iTunes or sign in to your iCloud account and select the most recent backup.

If you don’t have a backup, you won’t be able to restore your iPhone to its previous state, but you can set it up as a new device.

Keep in mind that restoring your iPhone will erase all data on the device, so make sure you have a current backup before proceeding.

Cn you recover deleted photos from iPhone XR?

If you accidentally deleted your precious photos from iPhone XR, don’t worry, they can be recovered. Simply check if the photos are still in the Recently Deleted folder.

To find out more, see How to recover deleted phone photos for free.