Restoring your iPhone from an iTunes backup can bring back your apps, photos, settings, and messages — but if done incorrectly, it might overwrite current data. Here’s how to safely restore your iPhone using iTunes (or Finder on macOS) without losing your important information.
Before restoring, make sure your latest data is backed up.
Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Catalina and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Ventura and later).
Select your iPhone icon → Click Back Up Now.
Wait for the process to complete — this creates a fresh backup of your current data.
In iTunes or Finder, choose your iPhone under Devices.
Click Restore Backup.
Select the backup you want to use (choose a recent one with the date shown).
Click Restore and wait for the transfer to complete.
Your apps, settings, and media will return exactly as they were when the backup was made.
If you want to merge new content instead of replacing it:
Avoid using the “Erase iPhone” option before restoring.
Only restore a backup made on the same iOS version or newer.
Older backups may not be fully compatible with iOS 18.
For safety, export key items (photos, notes, etc.) to iCloud Drive or your computer before starting.
Connect iPhone → Open Finder → Locations → iPhone.
Under Backups, choose Restore Backup.
Select the correct backup file and confirm.
Finder will sync your data and restart your device once done.
After the process finishes:
Open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Photos to re-enable sync.
Check Messages, Contacts, and Apps for completeness.
Sign in again to App Store and Mail accounts if prompted.
To avoid data loss during restore, always create a fresh backup first and use a stable cable and Wi-Fi connection. If you plan frequent restores, consider switching to iCloud Backup for safer, incremental recovery that won’t overwrite your files.
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