How to find lost iPhone Backup files on Windows PC?

Summary: You have to restore iPhone data. But you cannot find backup files saved on your Windows PC or the backup files are unreadable. This post guides you to find iPhone backup on Windows PC and methods to restore it on your device.

You may get into a terrible iPhone data loss situation after a factory reset, stolen iPhone, jailbreak or physical damage to your device, etc. Backup is your only resort. But another shocker is waiting for you. You cannot find iPhone backup files once saved on your Windows PC.

Your backup files are not readable, and you have no clue how to access them.

In such a situation, keep calm and do not worry. If you have ever saved your iPhone backup on a Windows computer and are now unable to locate or access it, this post guides you to find an iPhone backup on a PC and how to restore it on your device.

Where are iPhone backups stored on Windows PC?

iPhone backups are safe copies of your complete device information. iTunes saves iPhone backup in the Users folder on a Windows computer. These backup files are not in a readable format. You can copy them but should never try to move files to a different drive, edit, rename or extract content. All such activities can ruin the backup files. However, you can make copies of your backup or delete backup that you do not require anymore.

Steps to find iPhone backup files on Windows PC:

• In the Search bar, enter %appdata% or %USERPROFILE% (if you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store)
• Press Return
• Double-click these folders: Apple Computer > MobileSync > Backup

You can also locate iPhone backup in Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11 by following Users > (username) > AppData > Roaming > Apple Computer > MobileSync > Backup.

Cannot locate iPhone backup on Windows PC? Find and Restore data with iPhone data recovery software.

If you cannot find your iPhone backup data on your PC or cannot access the backup files, take refuge in third-party software – Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

How can Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone help you?

You can find, access, and restore lost iPhone backup files with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. It is a secure tool that efficiently scans the computer to find your iPhone backup. The recovered iPhone backup files are in readable form, and you can either save them on your PC or iPhone.

When you can use the Stellar iPhone data recovery solution

• You are unable to locate your iPhone backup files
• Your backup files are either lost or deleted.
• You cannot access iPhone backup files on Windows PC
• Not able to restore backup on your old/new iPhone

How can Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone recover lost backup files from PC?

The iPhone Data Recovery Tool by Stellar is a do-it-yourself software that quickly recovers complete iPhone data in a readable form from your Windows PC.

You can recover all your lost photos, videos, contacts, messages, Safari bookmarks, Call history, Reminders, Voice memos, Notes, WhatsApp, Kik, WeChat, Viber messages, etc.

It also offers a Deep Scan if your desired iPhone information is not recovered after the first scan. A deep scan does a comprehensive scan of the selected device or backup to recover every bit of lost or deleted backup information.

Benefits of Stellar iPhone Data Recovery

• Recovery of deleted or lost backup files
• Recovers data in a readable format
• Option to restore only that data from backup which you want to be in your iPhone
• Allows to save recovered backup on computer or iPhone

Step-by-step recovery of lost iPhone backup on Windows PC with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the software.

Step 2: On the home screen, select Recover from iPhone. The scanning process begins.

Step 3: After scanning, all the files on your iPhone are listed.

If you do not see the required files in the list, choose Deep Scan. It will scan for the backup stored on your computer system.

Step 4: Select and save the recovered iPhone data at your desired location. You can save it on your iPhone if you want to restore backup data on your device or save it on your computer.

Wrapping Up

Losing iPhone data after factory reset, jailbreak, being stuck in a boot loop or physical damage, etc., can get messier when you cannot find or retrieve information from iPhone backup files saved on your computer. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone significantly relieves such data loss situations.

This iPhone utility not only finds the lost iPhone backup files on Windows PC, but it also makes them readable and allows you to save/restore them to your iPhone or computer. Moreover, it lets you selectively transfer iPhone data on your iPhone rather than complete a backup.

You can download the free trial version to evaluate its performance. It is undoubtedly not going to disappoint you.

How to Factory Reset iPhone and iPad Without Apple ID

Summary: This post guides you to the best methods to factory reset the iPhone without the Apple ID and password. It also shares a professional tool — Stellar iPhone Eraser that can help wipe iPhone without using Apple ID.

iPhone factory reset is essential when you want to sell off your old iPhone or troubleshoot the iOS device issues, such as iPhone freeze , iPhone stuck at booting loop, stuck at Apple logo , etc. But what if you have forgotten your Apple ID?

Apple ID is not just required to sign in to iCloud account, App store, etc., but also needed to factory reset iPhone and iPad.

So how to reset iPhone without Apple ID?

Lets’ explore the methods to reset iPhone without Apple ID and password. Also, levarn how you can recover your Apple ID password and then attempt a factory reset on your iPhone or iPad.

Methods to Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password

You can utilize iPhone Recovery Mode and iTunes on your computer to reset the iOS device without Apple ID. Another easier method to permanently delete everything on iPhone that doesn’t require your Apple ID is by using Stellar iPhone Eraser software.

While you can also choose to reset the forgotten Apple ID and password and then later factory reset the iOS device with the new Apple ID.

1. Use Recovery Mode to reset iPhone without Apple ID
2. Reset iPhone without Apple ID via Stellar iPhone Eraser
3. Recover Apple ID and Password to reset iPhone

Important: As Factory Reset deletes everything on iPhone, always backup your data before reset. If you haven’t and already reset your iOS device, you can download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer to restore the lost data due to factory reset.

Method 1: Use Recovery Mode to reset iPhone without Apple ID

You can factory reset iPhone without Apple ID or password by using Recovery Mode. Make sure to have the latest iTunes installed on your already trusted computer.

Steps to reset iPhone without Apple ID using Recovery Mode

Step 1: Update iTunes on your PC/Mac to the latest version.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone/ iPad to the computer via USB cable.

Step 3: Put your iPhone/ iPad to Recovery Mode. Note: The steps will vary with your iPhone/ iPad model.

How to put your iPhone to Recovery Mode

iPhone 8, iPhone X, or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch: Press and hold the Top (or Side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad with Home button, and iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPad models that don’t have a Home button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until your device begins to restart. Continue holding the Top button until your device goes into Recovery Mode.
Source: Apple support

Step 4:  iTunes detects the DFU mode and alerts you. Click OK in the message box.

Step 5: In iTunes, click Summary.

Step 6: Select Restore iPhone on the right pane.

Figure: Restore iPhone option iTunes

Step 7: Click Restore to confirm.

iTunes factory resets your iPhone without Apple ID. This will delete all your photos, videos, contacts, messages, chats and other data, same as in normal factory reset process using iPhone settings, which requires Apple ID.

Method 2: Reset iPhone without Apple ID via Stellar iPhone Eraser

Stellar iPhone Eraser software is another secure way to permanently erase complete iPhone data when you have forgotten Apple ID and password.  The software wipes iPhone as new without using the Apple ID.

Stellar iPhone Eraser is popularly used to reset iPhone before selling, donating, or exchanging so that no one can gain access to your personal data.

You can permanently delete photos, videos, audio, contacts, messages, passcodes, documents, third-party apps and other data from iPhone.

It sets the iOS device to the original factory settings. The software works with all iPhone variants including series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS MAX, XS, XR, X, 8, and below. It supports latest iOS 16 and below versions.

Steps to reset iPhone without Apple ID using software:

Step 1: Download and run Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on PC/Mac.

Step 2: Select Erase Data.

Step 3: On Erase iPhone Data screen, click Next.

Figure: Erase iPhone Data screen

Step 4: Connect your iPhone to the computer when prompted.

Figure: Erase button in software

Step 5: Click Erase.

Step 6: In the Erase Process dialog box, select Yes.

Step 7: In Data Erase Completes dialog box, click OK.

All the data gets erased permanently beyond recovery from your iPhone or iPad.

Method 3: Recover forgotten Apple ID and Password to reset iPhone

Apple ID password is necessary to use iPhone applications and services. So if you are not planning to sell off your iPhone or iPad, it is best to first recover the forgotten Apple ID password and then reset your iOS device using the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option in the iPhone Settings.

You can use iPhone Settings, Apple Support app, Find My iPhone, or visit Apple account page  to recover lost Apple ID password.

Click here to know in detail how to reset forgotten Apple ID and password.

Once you recover the Apple account password, follow the below steps to reset iPhone with the new Apple ID.

Reset iPhone with Apple ID password:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Click on Erase All Content and Settings.

Figure: Reset option in iPhone

3. Enter the new Apple password and click Erase iPhone.

Also read: Does factory reset deletes everything on iPhone?

Conclusion

Without the Apple ID and password, you cannot reset your iOS device through the traditional ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ method. Either you recover the forgotten Apple ID and password or use any of the two methods shared above to factory reset the iPhone without Apple ID.

You can put the iPhone to Recovery Mode and use iTunes on your computer to reset the iOS device without Apple ID. Other than this, a simpler way to permanently delete everything on your iPhone is by using Stellar iPhone Eraser software. The software doesn’t ask for Apple ID through the process. It quickly resets your iPhone or iPad and brings it to original settings by erasing complete data on it.

Recover Deleted iPhone WhatsApp Attachments on Mac and Windows

Your iPhone has simplified your life to a great extent by making your daily task feasible. You can check your emails, send and receive text messages, WhatsApp messages, and attachments, browse the Internet, capture precious moments, etc. But, there could be situations, where the critical data stored on your iPhone might accidentally get deleted, especially the messages and attachments stored on your WhatsApp.

This situation often occurs when cleaning up the unwanted messages from the message boxes. Nevertheless, landing up in such a situation is disastrous.

With Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, you can now recover lost or deleted iPhone WhatsApp attachments both on your Mac and Windows based systems. It is a highly reliable data recovery software that is capable of recovering your lost or deleted data from your iPhone, iTunes, and iCloud.

Steps to recover iPhone WhatsApp Attachments

Follow the below-mentioned steps, to recover deleted iPhone WhatsApp attachments on your Mac and Windows-based systems with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Step 1) Install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your Mac or Windows based system

Step 2) Connect your iPhone to your system

Note: You can connect multiple devices and the software will list up the connected devices

Step 3) Double click on the icon of the software and the main screen will open as shown below

Step 4) To recover from your iPhone, click on the Recover from iPhone option displayed on the main screen and select “Message & Chats” option from the list.

Step 5) The software will scan the selected device and list all the items on your phone

Step 6) You can select WhatsApp option from the list

Step 7) Now click on the save button to save the files

Step 8) Provide the location where you would want the recovered data to be saved.

Note: You can import the recovered data to your iPhone but this option is available only when you recover the data in a Windows based system.

To sum up, whenever you are in a situation where you have lost or accidentally deleted WhatsApp attachment from your iPhone, you can rely on Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. This is a highly-efficient software that is capable of recovering all your lost or deleted data from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes backup. With this software, you can save all your recovered messages and attachments at your preferred location on your computer.

How to Put iPhone or iPad on Recovery mode? (Step by Step Tutorial)

Summary: DFU or Recovery mode is a way to recover your iPhone or iPad using a computer in case of technical issues. Read this post for a step-by-step process of how to enter and exit Recovery Mode and DFU mode on iPhone.

When you run out of solutions to troubleshoot your iPhone, Recovery Mode or DFU Mode comes as a rescue. Whether iPhone stops booting or fails to restore, you can use the functions in iPhone and fix the issue.

But the method to bring an iPhone in DFU or Recovery Mode varies in each iPhone model and iPad.

This post will guide you on how to enter and exit Recovery and DFU Modes in different iPhone and iPad variants. But first, understand what these iPhone functions are and their uses.

What is Recovery Mode and its use?

Recovery Mode uses iBoot to upgrade or restore your iPhone. iBoot is a bootloader program for iOS devices. Recovery Mode helps install the same or above iOS firmware version already on your iPhone. The iPhone screen in Recovery Mode prompts to connect iPhone to iTunes, showing a computer image.

Recovery Mode helps fix iPhone updates or restore issues, such as iPhone stuck at the Apple logo , unable to open the locked iPhone or want to reset iPhone but forgot iPhone passcode .

What is DFU Mode and its use?

Device Firmware Update or DFU mode lets your iPhone connect with iTunes on the computer without iBoot. As DFU mode doesn’t use iBoot, you can make changes in the operating system of the iOS device. An iPhone in DFU mode has a completely black screen.

Putting iPhone into DFU mode is the solution when Recovery Mode doesn’t resolve the problem. DFU mode can restore or upgrade iPhone. This mode is also commonly used to downgrade or jailbreak iPhone s.

Caution — you may lose all your iPhone data!

If you are entering DFU mode, make sure to back up your iPhone data . DFU mode permanently erases iPhone data . So always back up your videos, photos, messages, chats, Notes, etc., either to iCloud or iTunes.

However, if you have lost iPhone data and don’t have a backup, then immediately download iPhone data recovery software — Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone . The software helps to restore lost or deleted iPhone contacts, call logs, photos, videos, text, FaceTime, audio, chats, Calendar, Notes, Safari bookmarks, etc. It is quick to recover and extremely user-friendly.

What is required to perform Recovery and DFU modes in iPhone?

1. Windows or Mac system.
2. Lightning to USB cable.
3. iTunes updated to the latest version on your computer.

How to put iPhone 6 and earlier versions in Recovery Mode
Follow the below steps to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4.

• Connect your iPhone to your PC using USB Lightning Cable and launch iTunes.
• Press and hold down the Home and Power button to turn the iPhone.

• Then connect the USB cable to iPhone and turn it on by holding the Home button.
• Continue to hold the Home button until a pop-up appears informing ‘an iPhone has been detected in recovery mode’ on your system.
• In Recovery mode, you can either restore the iPhone, set it up as new, or just recover your backups.

How to put iPhone 7 in Recovery Mode
It’s easy to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. Follow the below steps:

• Turn off your iPhone 7 and connect it to your Mac or Windows computer.
• Ensure iTunes or Finder is running on the system.
• Press and hold the Power and Volume down button for 10 seconds.
• While continuing to hold the Volume down button, release the Power button.

• Release the button if you see the iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode message on your system.

How to put iPhone 8 in Recovery Mode
If you want to enter the Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 and its variants, follow the below steps:

• Connect your iPhone 8 to your Mac or Windows system with a USB cable.
• Next, press and release the following buttons in a sequence Volume Up button, Volume Down, and Side button until your device reboots. Continue holding the Side button, even after seeing the Apple logo appear.
• Release the Side button once the Connect to iTunes logo appears on the iPhone’s display.

• Launch iTunes, and you should see a message stating, “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” You can choose to Update or Restore your iPhone’s software.

How to put iPhone 11 into Recovery Mode
To enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max, follow these steps:

• Connect your iPhone with your Mac or PC and launch iTunes.
• Force restart your iPhone with the following steps:
  • Press and release the Volume Up button.
  • Press and release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Side button.
• Make sure to release these buttons if you see the recovery mode screen with the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• Then choose your iPhone in iTunes, and you will see a pop-up saying that your iPhone is in Recovery Mode. Here, you can either update or restore your iPhone.

How to put iPhone 12 into Recovery Mode
Follow the below steps to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max:

• Update iTunes to the latest version.
• Connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac via Lightning to a USB cable.
• Note: If you are connecting your iPhone to the computer for the first time, click on ‘Trust’ in the Trust This Computer dialog box and follow the prompts.
• Once your iPhone is paired with the computer, press the Volume up button followed by the Volume down button and release.
• Press and continue to hold the Side button until you see the ‘Connect to computer’ screen on your iPhone. While on your computer, you would see the iPhone Recovery Mode message in iTunes, confirming that your iPhone has entered into Recovery Mode. The computer asks you to either Update or Restore your iPhone**.** Click on any based on your requirement.

If you choose Update, iTunes will update your iPhone 12 to the latest iOS release. This won’t lead to any loss of data.

If you select Restore: It will erase iPhone data completely and renew your entire iPhone.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPhone 13
Entering Recovery Mode on iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro has the same steps as iPhone 12. To enter the Recovery Mode, connect your iPhone to your computer and do the following steps in quick succession.

• Press the Volume up button and release.
• Press the Volume down button and release.
• Press and continue to hold the side button until the ‘Connect to iTunes’ screen appears on iPhone.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPhone 14
To use recovery mode on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, follows these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your system with a Lightning cable.
2. Now on iPhone, press and quickly release the Volume up, Volume down, and side buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
3. Select your iPhone in the Finder/iTunes window and choose to update or restore your iPhone.

How to exit Recovery Mode on iPhone
It’s easy to exit Recovery Mode on iPhone. Follow the below steps:

• Hold the Home button and Lock button to exit DFU mode on iPhone 6 and earlier versions until your device reboots.
• To exit DFU mode on iPhone 7/7 Plus, hold the Side and Volume Down buttons until the device reboots.
• To exit the Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or later version, press and hold the Side button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen disappears, and then iPhone should reboot back into iOS.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPad
To enter Recovery Mode on the iPad, follow these steps:

• Connect your iPad to Windows or Mac system using a USB cable.
• For iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top/Side button until your iPad enters recovery mode.
• For iPad without a Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, Volume Down button, and the Top button. Keep holding the Top button until the iPad enters recovery mode.

How to put iPhone into DFU mode ?
Follow the below steps to enter DFU Mode on iPhone and its various version:

1. Connect iPhone to PC or Mac via USB cable. Note: If the ‘Trust This Computer’ dialog box appears, follow the prompts.
2. Once your iPhone is paired with a computer, follow these steps:

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 8 and later versions

• Press the Volume up button, then Volume down button, and release.
• Quickly press and hold the Side button for about 5 seconds.
• Along with the Side button, press and hold the Volume down button.
• Release the Side button and continue to hold the Volume down button for about 10 seconds.
• Once you see the ‘Recovery Mode’ screen in iTunes on your computer, you have successfully entered the DFU mode. However, the iPhone screen remains black in DFU Mode.

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 7

• Press and hold the Power and the Volume down buttons for 8–10 seconds.
• Release the Power button and continue to hold the Volume down button.
• Release the Volume down button once your iPhone has entered recovery mode.

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 6S or Earlier Versions

• Press and hold the Power/Sleep and Home buttons together for 10 seconds.
• Release the Power/Sleep button, but continue holding the Home button.
• Release the Home button once you see iTunes/Finder has detected an iPhone in recovery mode message.

Note: If you see the Apple logo on your iPhone, try again and repeat the above steps carefully.

How to exit DFU Mode on iPhone ?
If you want to exit DFU Mode on iPhone and its variants, follow the below steps:

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone 8 or Later versions

1. Press the Volume Up button and quickly release.
2. Press the Volume Down button and quickly release.
3. Now, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on iPhone. This indicates your iPhone has exited DFU Mode. Your iPhone would boot to the ‘Lock’ screen in a few seconds. Now, enter your passcode and continue to use your iPhone.

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone 7
Press and hold the Power or Sleep button and the Volume down button until you see the Apple Logo.

How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 6 or Earlier versions
Hold the Home button and the Power button of the iPhone simultaneously until Apple’s logo appears on the screen.

Conclusion

Whenever your iPhone and its variants show problems like being stuck at the Apple logo, won’t upgrade, restore, or respond, you can use Recovery Mode and DFU Mode functions to resolve the problem. But don’t forget to back up your iPhone data before using these functions.

However, in any unfortunate incident of data loss while performing the functions, trust Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone – a software that brings back lost data on your iPhone securely.

FAQ

1. Does DFU Mode delete iPhone data?

If you use DFU mode to install something or restore your device, all your iPhone’s data will be erased.

2. Can you enter the recovery mode if your iPhone is disabled?

An iPhone is disabled when a user enters an incorrect password too many times on the lock screen. You should be able to enter the recovery mode using the same steps mentioned above and restore your iPhone to regain access.

3. How to put the iPhone in recovery mode without a computer?

A computer is not necessary to enter the recovery mode on an iPhone. You only need to press the right buttons, depending on your iPhone model, to enter the recovery mode. However, to restore your iPhone – you will need a computer.

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