If you want to save your settings, back up iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
If you want to completely erase your iPhone, see . If you want or need to use a computer to erase your iPhone, see .
If you're restoring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch backup from a computer that requires your device to have a newer version of iOS or iPadOS, you might see an error that your backup can't be restored because the software on your device is too old. Follow these steps to update your device and restore the backup.
Learn how to restore your device from a backup in iCloud or on your computer.
Restore your device from an iCloud backup
- Turn on your device. You should see a Hello Screen. If you already set up your device, you need to erase all of its content before you can use these steps to restore from your backup.
- Follow the onscreen setup steps until you reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
- Choose a backup. Look at the date and size of each and pick the most relevant. After you choose a backup, the transfer starts. If a message says that a newer version of software is required, follow the onscreen steps to update. If you don't see onscreen steps to help you update, learn what to do.
- When asked, sign in with your Apple ID to restore your apps and purchases. If you've purchased iTunes or App Store content using multiple Apple IDs, you'll be asked to sign in to each. If you can't remember your password, you can tap Skip this Step and sign in later. You won't be able to use the apps until you sign in with your Apple ID.
- Stay connected to Wi-Fi and wait for a progress bar to appear and complete. Depending on the size of the backup and the network speed, the progress bar might need a few minutes to an hour to complete. If you disconnect from Wi-Fi too soon, the progress will pause until you reconnect.
- Now you can finish setup and enjoy your device. Content like your apps, photos, music, and other information will continue to restore in the background for the next several hours or days, depending on the amount of information there is. Try to connect often to Wi-Fi and power to let the process complete.
Get help with restoring from your iCloud backup.
Restore your device from a backup on your computer
Learn more
- Get help restoring from a backup.
- Learn how to make a backup on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Learn the difference between iCloud and backups on your computer.
Published Date: September 18, 2023
Forgot your iPhone passcode? Learn how to put your iPhone into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.
- Forgot the passcode on your iPad?
- Forgot the passcode on your iPod touch?
If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPhone Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPhone is disabled. [Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPhone or iPad.]
If you can’t remember your passcode when you try again, use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to erase the iPhone, giving you access to set it up again.
After you erase your iPhone, you can restore your data and settings from a backup. If you didn't back up your iPhone, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data that you have in iCloud.
Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer [Mac or PC]
This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 10 or later, and that iTunes is installed. You also need the cable that came with your iPhone, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPhone to the computer.
If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.
Step 2: Turn off your iPhone
- Unplug your iPhone from the computer if it’s connected.
- Turn off your iPhone using the method for your iPhone model:
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.
Step 3: Put your iPhone in recovery mode
- Get ready by finding the button on your iPhone that you'll need to hold in the next step:
- Press and hold the correct button for your iPhone while immediately connecting your iPhone to the computer. Don't let go of the button.
- Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone, then let go.
If you see the passcode screen, you need to and start again.
If you can’t get your iPhone to show the recovery mode screen and you need help, contact Apple Support.