iTunes failing to restore backup to your iPhone can be frustrating, to say the least. Whether you’re trying to upgrade to the latest iPhone model or recovering from a technical glitch, the inability to restore your backup can throw a wrench in your plans. But worry not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to fix the "iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup" issue. So, let’s dive in and get your iPhone back up and running!
WHAT TO KNOW
- If you can’t restore your iPhone from iTunes backup, there are some simple fixes you can try to get back your old data.
- Make sure iTunes is up to date.
- You should also restart the computer and iPhone and make sure the USB cable is not damaged.
You can use the iTunes backup to restore your iPhone or iPad, however, you may sometimes encounter an error saying iTunes Cannot Restore Backup to iPhone or iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred. There are a number of probable causes, and we are going to discuss them below.
Why can’t I restore my iPhone from iTunes backup?
Before we tackle the solutions, it’s important to understand why this issue occurs. Sometimes, the problem might be due to outdated software, corrupted backup files, or even a faulty USB connection. Knowing the root cause can help in applying the most effective fix.
- Outdated iTunes or iOS version.
- Corrupted backup files.
- Insufficient storage space on the iPhone.
- Compatibility issues.
Here’s a look at seven ways you can fix the problem when iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup.
How to Fix iTunes Cannot Restore iPhone from Backup
1. Try A Different Lightning / USB-C Cable
Oftentimes, iTunes cannot restore the iPhone or iPad on your computer. because of a broken cable. Additionally, using third-party cables that are not MFi-certified by Apple can cause restore problems. Here’s what to do:
- Inspect the USB cable for any signs of damage. Even minor wear can cause connection issues.
- Try the cable on another computer or just replace it with another cable and try again.
- If possible, use the cable that came with your iPhone.
- If you are using a third-party cable, make sure it’s MFi certified, meaning it was created with Apple’s technology that allows it to talk to both your iPhone and your computer.
2. Try a Different USB Port
Problems with the USB port on your computer can cause the restore process to fail, even if that same port works with other devices. To make sure this isn’t the cause of the problem, try the following:
- Disconnect the cable from the current USB port.
- Connect it to a different USB port on your computer.
- Try to restore your iPhone.
- Try all available ports to rule out a faulty port issue.
Tip: Avoid using USB hubs or extensions; connect directly to your computer’s USB port.
3. Restart Your Computer and Your iPhone
A minor software glitch could be the reason iTunes cannot restore iPhone from backup on your computer. That’s especially true if you’ve used the same computer, cable, and iPhone to do a backup before. In other words, you know that it has worked before, but it isn’t working this time.
Restart Your iPhone
Unplug your iPhone, and restart it by by going to Settings > General > Shut Down. When the screen says slide to power off, run your finger from left to right across the words.
Restart Your Computer
On your computer, close any open programs. Go to the Start menu, choose **Power, **and then Shut Down.
Turn Your iPhone and Computer Back On
Turn your computer and your iPhone back on. Plug your iPhone in again and try to restore your device.
4. Check for Software Updates
Your iPhone, iTunes, and computer should all be running the most up-to-date software available.
How Do I Update iTunes On My Windows PC?
To check for software updates in iTunes, go to Help and choose Check for Updates. A screen may pop up saying you have the current version of iTunes, or it will walk you through installing the latest version.
How Do I Update My iPhone Software?
You can check for iPhone software updates using iTunes or directly from your iPhone. In iTunes, select check for Update on your iPhone summary screen. On your iPhone, head to Settings → General → Software Update. Follow the prompts to install the latest version if your current version is out of date.
Update Windows
Check your computer for software updates, too. To do that, go to the Start menu, choose Settings and then Update & Security. Choose Check for Updates. Install any available updates and try to backup your iPhone again.
5. Make Sure There’s Enough Space On Your iPhone
iTunes backups can be huge, so it’s no surprise that restoring that data can take up a lot of space on your iPhone. If you get an error that says iTunes cannot restore iPhone not enough space on iPhone, that means you cannot restore your iPhone from your computer because there’s not enough room on your iPhone to accommodate the data.
you can check the usage of iPhone storage space by going to **Settings **> **General **> iPhone Storage. It will show you how much space is used by each app. You can clear up space by deleting files from your iPhone. An easy way to do that is to delete some infrequently used apps. You can also remove unwanted songs, photos, videos, messages, etc.
6. Check Your Computer’s Security Software for Problems
Keeping your computer and information safe is smart. But security software that prevents iTunes from restoring iPhone from backup is not-so-smart.
At times, antivirus or firewall settings on your computer might prevent iTunes from accessing necessary resources. Check your security software to see if it is blocking your iPhone or iTunes from working correctly. Here’s what to do:
- Locate the antivirus icon in the system tray.
- Right-click and look for an option to disable or turn off protection temporarily.
- Choose the shortest possible duration for disabling the protection.
7. Contact Apple Support
If none of these steps have resolved your issue, you may want to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Now you know what to do when iTunes won’t restore iPhone from backup. Check out the rest of iPhoneGeeks for more tips about how to get the most out of your iPhone, and if you have any more questions, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.