How To Fix iTunes Cannot Restore Backup To iPhone

Learn Different Solutions To Fix iTunes Cannot Restore Backup To iPhone!

Overview: Almost every iOS user back-up their iOS device data using iTunes so that if their important data accidentally lost from their device then on that time they use this backup. But many iPhone users are complaining that they are unable to restore iTunes backup to their iPhone. If you are also unable to restore iTunes backup to your iPhone then read this guide. Here you will find different solutions on how to fix iTunes cannot restore backup to iPhone.

Why Can’t I Restore Backup On My iPhone?

There are some error occurs on iPhone due to which you can’t restore your iPhone to iTunes. Here are some errors.

iTunes could not restore the iPhone because the backup was not compatible you must update the iPhone.
iTunes could not restore the iPhone because an error occurred while reading or writing to the iPhone.
iTunes cannot restore iPhone not enough space on computer.
The backup cannot be restored to this iPhone because the software on the iPhone is too old.
iTunes could not restore the iPhone because not enough free space is available on the iPhone.
iTunes could not restore the iPhone because it is being restored from an iCloud backup.

So, these are the errors that occur on iPhone while you try to restore your iPhone using iTunes backup.

Also Read: How Do I Restore My iPhone Data From iTunes Backup?

Now, before you move to the final solution to fix iTunes cannot restore backup to iPhone, you should first try some simple solutions.

Update your iTunes to its latest version.
Restart your iPhone and computer.
Update your iPhone OS.
Check that you have entered the correct passcode.
Check that the USB connecter is not damaged.

If you are failed to solve the problem after trying these solutions then try the below solutions to fix iTunes cannot restore backup to iPhone.

Solution 1: Wipe Previous Backup Within iTunes

If you are unable to fix iTunes could not restore the iPhone because the backup was corrupt then you can fix it by deleting the previous corrupt iTunes backup.

So, here follow the steps to delete the earlier backup within iTunes.

Step 1: Close iTunes.

Step 2: For Windows users, click Start and enter %appdata% in the search box. Then go to Roaming > Apple Computer > MobileSync > Backup and copy the backup folder to your computer.

Step 3: For Mac users, open Library Folder in the Home folder and if you don’t get it then click on “GO”. After that go to Application Support > MobileSync > Backup and copy the backup folder to your computer.

Step 4: Next, open iTunes and hit on Edit > Preferences (On Windows) and iTunes > Preferences (On Mac).

Step 5: Now, click on “Device” and then hit on “Select All”.

Step 6: After that click on “Delete Backup”.

Step 7: Then, you need to switch the backup folder to the computer backup folder. Now, restart iTunes and restore your iPhone with iTunes backup.

Also Read: How To Delete iTunes Backup In Windows 10 [2 Solutions]

Solution 2: Boot Your iPhone Into Recovery Mode To Restore The iTunes Backup

If the iTunes backup is not restored to your iPhone then you can boot your iPhone into Recovery mode and try to restore using iTunes. If iTunes could not recognize your iPhone then you can also apply his solution to restore iPhone.

Note: Before you enter your device in Recovery mode make sure you have the latest version of iTunes and the latest iTunes backup.

Now, follow the below steps to boot your iPhone in Recovery mode and set it up again.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using USB cable and open iTunes on your computer.

Step 2: When your iPhone is connected to the computer you need to force restart your iPhone. Don’t leave the button till the Apple logo appears on the screen. Now, you need to wait unless you see “connect to iTunes” screen on your iPhone.

“Image: Position To Put Different iPhone Models In Recovery Mode”

Steps To Put iPhone In Recovery Mode:

For iPhone 8 and later: Press Volume Up button and let it go. Again press Volume Down button and let it go. After that press and hold the Side button unless “Connect to iTunes” screen appears on the iPhone screen.
For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both Volume Down and Side button. Don’t release both buttons unless “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold Home + Side/Top buttons simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons till “connect to iTunes” screen appears.

“Image: Connect To iTunes Screen”

Step 3: Now, on your computer, you will see a box with Restore and Update button. Click on Restore button to restore the iTunes backup.

Also Read: [Fixed]: iPhone XS (Max), XR, X Stuck In Recovery Mode

Solution 3: Restore iPhone Backup Without iTunes (Using iCloud Backup)

If you are unable to restore iTunes backup on your iPhone then you can restore your iPhone through iCloud backup.

So, if you have taken a backup of your iPhone in iCloud then follow the below steps to restore backed up data from iCloud backup.

Step 1: On your iPhone go to Settings > General > Reset.

Step 2: After that tap on “Erase all content and settings”.

Step 3: When you reach Apps & Restore screen, you need to choose “Restore from iCloud backup”.

Step 4: Now, login to your iCloud account using the same Apple ID and password.

Step 5: After that choose the latest backup from the available list and restore it.

Also Read: How Can I Restore iPhone Data From an iCloud Backup?

Solution 4: Preview iTunes Backup Via iPhone Backup & Restore Software

When you find your iTunes backup is not available on iPhone then you need to use iPhone Backup & Restore software to preview iTunes backup and restore various types of data from your iPhone.

Here, follow the steps to restore data from your iTunes backup.

Solution 5: Use iTunes Repair Software To Fix iTunes Error

If you are unable to restore your iPhone using iTunes backup due to some iTunes error code then here you are suggested to try iTunes Repair Software to fix the iTunes error. The software effectively fixes any issue or error in iTunes in a few minutes. After fixing the iTunes error you can try again to restore your iPhone using iTunes backup.

*Trial version only show how it works and not fix iTunes to Normal..

So, here follow the steps to fix the iTunes error and iTunes backup problem.

iTunes Backup & Restore Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1 – Why can I not backup my iPhone to iTunes?

Answer – There can be various reasons that can create problems in backing up your iPhone to iTunes. Some of the reasons are – not enough space on your computer, your computer or iPhone is not updated to its latest version, stored apps on iPhone is not updated, you are using an older version of iTunes, etc.

Question 2 – Why is restore backup greyed out in iTunes?

Answer – The restore backup greyed out in iTunes due to some software problem on your iPhone or on your computer. So, to fix this you need to close your iPhone and computer and restart again both devices.

Question 3 – Can you restore iTunes backup to Android?

Answer – Yes, you can easily restore iTunes backup to Android. You can try Android Backup & Restore software to restore iTunes backup to your Android.

Wrap Up

I hope after reading this article you were able to fix iTunes cannot restore backup to iPhone. Try the easy solution first and then try to restore iTunes backup by entering into recovery mode.

If this also fails then if you have taken backup in iCloud then you can restore from there. But if you don’t have iCloud backup then try iPhone Backup & Restore software to restore iTunes backup.

And if you are unable to restore iTunes backup due to iTunes error then first you need to fix the iTunes error by using iTunes Repair software and then restore your iPhone via iTunes backup successfully.

Max Field

Max Field

Max Field is a founder of recoveriphone-data.com. He is an iOS lover and loves to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions and more related to iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iTunes and iCloud.

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