The loss of valuable data on your iPhone can occur accidentally, when you reset your phone, or when the phone fails. Fortunately, iTunes has a backup system that can restore the lost files. This is effective even when the photos, messages, or contacts have been deleted from the device. Better still, you do not have to have iCloud or access to the internet to restore your data.
The following guide presents simple steps to restore iPhone data on iTunes so that you can get files, memories, and vital information back easily. So, get to know how anyone can restore their iPhone safely and avoid permanent data loss with this iPhone data recovery solution.
Part 1. iTunes Backup Explained: What It Stores and How It Works
Before you know how to recover deleted photos from an iPhone, let’s grab the basics of this recovery solution. Take note that iTunes Backup is a duplicate of your iPhone on the computer. It stores your data in such a way that you can recover your phone in case it is lost, deleted, or the device malfunctions. Besides, it stores backups locally, which means that there is no need to have internet connectivity.
Regarding its working, iTunes Backup works by making a copy of your iPhone on a computer. You plug the phone, launch iTunes or Finder, and select the Back Up Now button. In addition to this, you can encrypt the backup to secure the passwords, Health data, and HomeKit data. You can even re-create the backup later to restore the lost files or install a new iPhone with the same information.
iTunes Backup: What It Stores vs What It Does Not Store
Bear in mind that this backup is a snapshot of your device at that moment. To know what this backup covers and excludes, review the given details for clarity:
| iTunes Backup Stores | iTunes Backup Does Not Store |
| Device settings such as Wi Fi passwords, Home screen layout, and preferences | Content synced from iTunes, such as music, movies, and TV shows |
| App data from installed apps (excluding data already stored in iCloud) | Data already stored only in iCloud, such as iCloud Photos, Notes, and iCloud Drive files |
| Messages including SMS, iMessage, and attachments | Touch ID or Face ID biometric data |
| Contacts and call history | Media purchased from iTunes or App Store (can be re-downloaded) |
| Photos and videos stored locally on the device (if iCloud Photos is disabled) | Data stored exclusively in third-party cloud apps (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) |
| Health and HomeKit data (only when an encrypted backup is enabled) | Temporary system files, caches, and logs |
Part 2. How to Recover Deleted iPhone Data from iTunes Step-by-Step
The following guidelines demonstrate how this iPhone data recovery solution helps to get memories back:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable, then open iTunes on a PC or older Mac or Finder on macOS Catalina or later. When it opens, click the small “Device” icon that shows your iPhone.
Step 2. After that, open the Summary tab and click the “Restore Backup” option to start the process.
Step 3. When the pop-up menu appears, select the most recent backup from the list, click the “Restore” button, and wait for the process to finish and your device to restart.
Limitations
- Restoring from an iTunes backup erases all new data added since the backup.
- You cannot restore only selected photos, messages, or contacts from a backup.
- This tool does not let you see backup contents before starting the restore.
- Backups can get corrupted, making it impossible to recover data without them.
- Encrypted backups need a password, and losing it makes the backup useless.
Part 3. Step-by-Step iTunes Backup Recovery with Dr.Fone – A Better Option!
When selective restoration becomes necessary, the need for the best iPhone data recovery software arises. In this regard, Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS) is the best solution, renowned as a top-rated tool with the highest success rate. This tool offers the facility to recover 35-plus data types like photos, messages, and iWork files. Beyond that, one can use it to retrieve WhatsApp View Once messages or social app data.
Regardless of the function one performs, Dr.Fone usage is seamless and is ideal for beginners since all the methods are guided. Additionally, users can select multiple data types thanks to its batch processing feature, reducing manual restoration effort. Users can later filter the media they want to restore and choose to save it to a device or PC for added privacy.
Key Features
- No Backup Needed: You can recover deleted data from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without backup.
- Data Preview: You can preview all recoverable items first and select exactly which files to restore.
- Restore Selective Data: It can scan iTunes and iCloud backups and extract specific items instead of a full restore.
- Highly Compatible: Dr.Fone works with many iOS versions and device models, including the latest iPhones.
- Secure & Safe: Recovered data can be safely transferred to a computer or back to the device without overwriting.
- Quick Scan Facility: Unlike iTunes or iCloud, the tool functions on Quick Scan and recovers data in real time.
- Updated Solutions: The tool is updated weekly to offer updated solutions for all the upcoming iOS versions.
How to Recover Various Data Types in One Go with Dr.Fone’s iOS Solution
To know how to recover deleted photos from an iPhone with Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS), follow the 3 simple steps given below:
Step 1. Pick the Data Recovery iOS Tool and Connect the Device
Choose to “Recover Data From iOS Device” after accessing the “Data Recovery” tool for iPhone and connect the device to let the tool detect the iDevice.
Step 2. Choose the Files to Restore From 35+ Options
After that, pick the data types you want to recover from the given list and press the “Start Scan” button at the bottom.
Step 3. Preview and Choose Where to Save the Recovered Media
When the tool displays the media, filter the files you want to recover from the “Show All” menu, then select the options in the bottom-right corner to save. When the pop-up menu appears, select the location you want to save to from the “Restore To” menu, then click “Continue.”
iTunes/Finder Backup vs Dr.Fone Data Recovery: Which Saves Your iPhone Data Better?
To know whether Dr.Fone is truly the best iPhone data recovery software, review how it excels iTunes Backup:
| Aspect | Full Restore From iTunes or Finder Backup | Dr.Fone Data Recovery for iOS |
| Selective Recovery | Not possible. All apps, settings, and data are restored together. | Yes. You can preview and recover only specific photos, messages, contacts, and other data. |
| Risk to Current Data | High. Any data created after the backup is overwritten and permanently lost. | Data can be recovered to a computer or selectively to the device without wiping existing content. |
| Backup Requirement | Requires a suitable iTunes or Finder backup created before the data loss occurred. | Can work without a backup by scanning the iPhone storage for recoverable deleted data. |
| Ability to Preview Data | No. There is no native way to view backup contents before restoring. | Yes. Recoverable items can be previewed before choosing what to restore. |
| Time and Convenience | Slower process. Requires full device restore, cable connection, and complete device re-setup. | Faster and more targeted. No full reset or device re-setup is required. |
Conclusion
To wrap up, this guide has explained what iTunes Backup is and whether it’s the ideal iPhone data recovery solution. So, review the details and get to know how it works, what is included, and how to recover data. If your preference is selective retrieval with a quick solution and preview facility, Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS) meets the need.
