How to fix error 1015 while restoring iPhone

Summary: Error 1015 appears during iPhone restore through iTunes. If you are getting this error, its probably due to attempts of jailbreak or iPhone downgrade. This post shares 7 ways to fix iPhone restore error 1015 on iPhone 7, 8, XS, XR, SE, 11, 12, and above models.

Are you receiving iPhone error 1015 during restore with iTunes as below?

Case 1: _I have an old iPhone 3G stuck in Recovery Mode. I am trying to restore it through iTunes. But at the end of the restore, I get unknown error 1015. How can I fix error 1015 on my own?
_

Case 2: I tried to restore my iPhone in iTunes. It won’t finish because of this error 1015 code. I have the latest software. I’ve restarted and updated my iPhone too. Still the same error message appears.

Have you used tools like TinyUmbrella to restore firmware that Apple no longer supports?

Did you try to jailbreak your iPhone by using applications like Redsn0w or Pwnage?

If yes, that’s the reason behind the problem. The error 1015 is typically caused by attempts of jailbreak or downgrade on the iOS device. Such activities are a violation of the iOS end-user software license agreement. They can make your iPhone vulnerable to malware and prone to errors like 1015.

Naturally, Apple wouldn’t encourage jailbreak or downgrading to an older iOS version. Thus, you are bound to face problems when trying the unauthorized iOS modifications on your iPhone or iPad.

Thus, the probable reasons for the iPhone restore error 1015 are:

• Downgrade of iOS
• Jailbreak
• Outdated software
• Third-party tools on your computer

This post shares all the possible solutions to fix iPhone restore error 1015.

You can apply these solutions on all iPhones including 3G, 4, 5, 6, 6s, 7, 8, X and above models using any iOS version.

1. I****nstall the latest version of iTunes

Make sure your computer has the latest iTunes before restoring iPhone using iTunes.

On Windows PC, update iTunes by following Help > Check for Updates in the top menu bar of iTunes.

On Mac, go to App Store > Updates > click Install, if you see any iTunes updates.

2. Update iOS

iOS updates usually fix error 1015 which appears while restoring iPhone with iTunes.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install.

3. Update Windows or macOS

System update ensures smooth and error-free performance of your computer.

If you are using Windows PC, follow Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

On Mac, click on Apple icon and select S****oftware Update and click on updates available.

4. Uninstall third-party software on PC/ Mac

Third-party software often create conflict among programs while performing iPhone restore or update with iTunes. You may not receive the error 1015, after uninstalling such programs.

On Windows computer go to Start > All apps. Find the third-party software and right-click on it. Choose Uninstall.

On Mac, in the Finder window, go to Applications. Find and select the third-party software. In the top menu bar, go to File and select Move to Trash. Next, click on Empty Trash.

5. Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode and restore

Before you put your iPhone on Recovery Mode, ensure you are using the latest version of iTunes. Next, follow the below steps to restore iPhone using the Recovery Mode.

• Connect your iPhone to computer
• Open iTunes
• Force restart your iPhone while it is still connected to the computer, until you see the iTunes logo (To force restart use home and/or volume button depending on your iPhone version)

• On your computer, you will receive a dialog box asking to either Update or Restore.

• Click Update

After the Update process completes, you can restore your iPhone from iTunes or iCloud backup without facing the error 1015.

Note: If you are unable to enter Recovery Mode on your iPhone due to jailbreak, you may use programs like RecBoot, which are used to enter and exit the Recovery Mode on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

6. Delete the IPSW file on your computer

Files with .ipsw extensions on your computer are backups and temporary files of your iOS updates. Many iPhone users who were receiving error 1015 while restoring iPhone were able to fix the problem by deleting these files on their PC or Mac.

Deleting these backup files doesn’t impact your iTunes or iPhone function.

Note: You can get rid of the old IPSW files and keep the most recent ones.

Location of .IPSW files on your computer:

On Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Update

On Windows Vista/7: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

On Mac OS X: ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates

7. Restore your iPhone into DFU Mode

When no other method is helpful, choose to put your iPhone in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. Whether you are receiving the iPhone error 1015 due to jailbreaking your iOS device or not, the DFU mode solution is your last resort to fix error 1015.

As in Recovery Mode, bringing your iOS device to DFU mode will lead to loss of iPhone data. Thus, before you attempt this, make sure you have iCloud or iTunes backup.

Steps to DFU mode for iPhone 7, 6s and below users:

• Connect your iPhone to computer (even if your iPhone is off)
• For 8 seconds, press and hold the Sleep button and Home button (iPhone 6s and below users) or the volume down button (iPhone 7). Next, release the Sleep button but continue to hold the Home button or the volume down button until iTunes shows message _‘iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode._’

• Leave the Home button or volume down button. The iPhone screen turns black indicating the device has entered DFU mode
• Next, you can restore your iPhone using iTunes

Steps to DFU mode for iPhone X, 8, or 8 Plus users

• Connect your iPhone to computer (even if your iPhone is off)
• Quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, and press and hold the side button until your iPhone screen turns black
• Press and hold the volume down button while continue holding the side button for 5 seconds
• Release the side button and continue holding the volume down button until your iPhone shows up in iTunes.
• Next, release the volume button. Your iPhone is in DFU mode

Now restore iPhone with iTunes. You can exit DFU Mode by force restarting your iPhone.

| Unable to restore iPhone from iTunes after Recovery Mode or DFU Mode?
If after putting your iOS device to Recovery or DFU mode you are unable to restore iPhone, download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone The DIY software for Mac and PC can easily restore the data from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes.

 

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To Sum Up

Naturally, the error code 1015 is annoying when you quickly want to restore your iPhone using iTunes.

The error usually appears when your software is not updated, you have attempted jailbreak or downgraded your iPhone’s iOS.

The post shares 7 different ways you can try to fix the problem. Begin with the simpler troubleshooting such as updating your iOS, Windows/ macOS and iTunes. Uninstalling third-party security software or deleting the IPSW files on your computer has also worked for many in resolving the error 1015.

In case these methods don’t work, then go for the tougher solutions like bringing iPhone to Recovery Mode or DFU Mode which lead to iPhone data loss. They are the harsher solutions to the problem, but assure you don’t receive error 1015 while restoring from iTunes. But make sure you have iCloud and iTunes backup before attempting these two methods. Else you would need an iPhone data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to restore your lost iPhone data. The software is quick and efficient way to get back lost data in cases of jailbreak, downgrade of iOS and restore errors.

How to Fix & Retrieve Pictures/Videos From a Water Damaged iPhone That Won’t Turn on

Summary: Spilled water on your iPhone? This article guides you in detail, how to fix water-damaged iPhone and do’s to avoid further damage. Also learn ways to recover lost photos and videos when your iPhone is not turning on due to the damage.

| Q. I accidentally dropped my iPhone in swimming pool and now it does not turn on anymore. How can I fix my water damaged phone? Is there any way I can rec__over photos and videos from my water damaged iPhone
A. To fix a water damaged iPhone, try to dry it completely while to recover your lost photos and videos you have two options:

1. Recover from Apple iCloud and iTunes backup
2. If, backup files are not accessible or deleted, recover using third-party software
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This article guides you in detail, how to fix such water-damaged iPhone and recover lost photos and videos when the device is not turning on.
The damage caused by water or any other liquid on iPhones is unpredictable. Your iPhone may or may not turn on and there is a high possibility of losing your data including photos and videos on it.
Even if your iPhone is under the one-year warranty, Apple does not cover liquid damages to iPhone. So now you are in a crazy situation of double loss, of owning a faulty device and losing precious photos and videos stored in it.
First, a piece of advice: Stay calm. Before trying to retrieve lost photos through any method follow the essential dos and don’ts to fix your iPhone and avoid further loss.

DOs fo****r Water Damaged iPhone

• **Try drying
  **Remove excess water off the iPhone by rubbing it dry on a towel. Gently shake it to clear the water in the sockets and ports of the phone.
• **Do not plug it in or turn it on
  **Do not plug or turn on the wet iPhone as this can cause a short circuit. Even if it turns on, it will stop working forever after sometime. If the iPhone is in Power on or Sleep Mode, switch it off completely and leave it to dry for at least two days.
• **Remove the SIM card
  **Take out the SIM card from the iPhone to avoid damage to key components and rub it dry on a clean cotton cloth.
• **Dry with silica gel sachets
  **Use silica gel packets to dry your wet iPhone and leave it for at least 48 hours.

DON’Ts for Water Damaged iPhone

• Do not press any buttons of wet iPhone
• Do not try to switch on your iPhone to avoid short circuit
• Do not use a hairdryer or other drying tools to dry your phone
• Do not place your iPhone in raw rice to avoid foreign particles entering inside

How to Recover Data from Water Damaged iPhone

After doing above essential hacks, once you power on your water damaged iPhone, there are two possibilities, either your phone starts working but you have lost your data or iPhone does not switch on at all!
Do not panic, as in either case, you can recover your lost photos and videos from a water damaged iPhone via two methods

Method 1: Recover from **iCloud and iTunes backup
**Apple has this remarkable feature in which all iPhone data is automatically saved in iCloud and iTunes backup. You just you need to sign in to iCloud or iTunes through your Apple ID on the new iOS device. Next, select and transfer the desired files to the new device from the list of available backups in iCloud/iTunes.

_**Method 2: Recover from third-party application
**_In case you are unable to restore photos from the iCloud and iTunes backup files or have deleted your desired files from the backup, opt for a third-party application to recover photos or videos from your water damaged iPhone.
From a plethora of iPhone data recovery software available in the market, experts recommend to pick only the trusted and secure data recovery tool, specially designed for the iOS device.

**Use iPhone Data Recovery Software  by Stellar
**One of the commonly used third-party data recovery software is Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The easy-to-use interface and 100% safe download makes it a popular choice among iPhone users.

If your iPhone is synchronized with iCloud and iTunes backup, you can retrieve lost photos and videos from water damaged iPhone using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. In the situation when your iPhone is not detected by the system or do not switch on at all, after it is damaged due to water, the software offers two ways to recover photos and videos:

1. Recovery from iCloud Backup
2. Recovery from iTunes Backup

Step-by-step: Recovery from iCloud Backup
Step 1: Install and Run Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and select “Recover from iCloud Backup” from the main menu.

Figure 1: Illustrates the main screen

Step 2: Enter the Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud.

Figure 2: Illustrates the credential screen

Step 3: After entering the credentials, the software displays the list of all backup files. Select the desired files and click Scan

Figure 4: Illustrates backup files list

Step 4: Preview the selected files and press Save. You can save recovered photos or videos at the desired location.

Figure 5: Illustrates the preview of the files

Step-by-step: Recovery from iTunes Backup
Step 1: Select “Recover from iTunes Backup” option on the main screen

Step 2: The software displays all iTunes backup files. From the Tree view, select the file categories from which you want to recover photos/videos. it will list all files under that category.

Figure 6: Illustrates the backup files list

Step 3: Preview the existing and/or deleted files

Figure 7: Illustrates the Preview of files under the selected category

Step 4: Click ‘Save’ to recover the file. You can either choose to save all or a few files by selecting the checkboxes.

Figure 8: Illustrates the file saving process

**Conclusion
**The safest way to _rec_over lost photos and videos from water damaged iPhone is through a secure third-party tool.
The easy-to-use interface along with scanning and recovery precision makes iPhone Photo Recovery Software  by Stellar most sought by iPhone users. It comes as a blessing, especially when the iTunes and iCloud backup files become inaccessible or unreadable.

Try the Free Demo Version of the software to recover your lost and deleted pictures/videos in Mac or in Windows.

Best 10 iMessage Recovery Software

Summary: Digital data may sometimes seem a nuisance, and due to essential data may be deleted with unwanted trash. However, if you have also deleted your important messages with all the trash various companies spam you with, you have the option to recover your messages. We are covering the best 10 iMessage Recovery Software to let you make your choice and stay stress-free.

Messages have been an integral part of our personal and professional lives. Losing important messages can be a nightmare. Since most Apple systems work seamlessly with cloud backups, there’s not much to worry about if the backup exists. The heavens fall flat, though, when there’s no backup.

Fret not, as we have a list of top iMessage recovery software to help you get the messages back. We’ve walked the hard yard to make a list and take notes of all the available software. Then, we tested each and listed only the best 10 iMessage Recovery Software for your perusal.

What are iMessages?

iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service. iMessages are a secure form of text, photo, and video messaging across Apple devices. They can only be sent from and received by an Apple device, like an iPhone, iPad, or a Mac.

Top iMessage Recovery Software

1. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

Stellar is a known name across the data recovery world, with top-of-the-line products and services. Stellar has been the industry leader for the past 25 years, with awards and accolades to go along with it. When they launched their iPhone Data Recovery Software, they packed years of expertise, experience, and technological advancement in that software. The software is dedicated to simplifying the lives of iPhone users by offering data recovery in every possible way. Among the many options for recovery, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software also recovers iMessages easily.

The top Features of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone:

• Apart from the iMessages, it also recovers photos, videos, contacts, call logs, text messages, photo streams, voice memos, camera roll, app data, and so on. It is a single solution for all iPhone users.
• It also recovers your messages, including attachments, from messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Tango.
• The preview feature lets you pick the data you want to recover and discard the unwanted data.
• It also allows for recovering desired data from iCloud and iTunes while not affecting the current iPhone data.

The best iPhone Message Recovery software, and more, are available for both Windows and Mac. It supports iOS 15 and all the versions below. In addition, it is compatible with all the iPhone series, including the iPhone 14 series.

Steps to Recover iMessages using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

• Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to your computer. It is available for both Windows and Mac users.
• Use your data cable to connect your Apple device to your computer.
• Run Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.
• Select the ‘Recover from iPhone’ option on the main screen.

• Select the data type you want to recover.
• Click ‘Next’ to begin the scanning process.
• Preview the data available to recover.
• Select the required data and click ‘Save’ to start recovering the data.
• You can also recover from iTunes or iCloud backup and follow the same steps.

2. Dr. Fone for iOS

Dr. Fone for iOS comes from the house of Wondershare, which supports a wide array of data recovery on iOS. In addition, it has a preview feature to sneak a peek at any deleted messages before recovering them. Dr. Fone has an excellent scanning procedure that is also uncomplicated.

The top Features of Dr. Fone for iOS:

• Fast Data Recovery
• Compatible with all the iPhones
• Recover from iTunes, iCloud, as well as iPhone

3. Primo iPhone Data Recovery

It is also a wonderful iPhone messages recovery application that provides assured results. It enables one to recover any deleted message regardless of the circumstance. For example, it can result from water damage, forgotten passwords, update failures, etc. Primo iPhone Data Recovery uses three settings of recuperation to guarantee a greater success rate as an iMessage recovery software. The problem with Primo is that it works only with iPhone 7 and earlier versions.

The top features of Primo iPhone Data Recovery:

• Recover any of the top 25 file types from any iPhone.
• Three recovery settings, from simple to deep recovery.

4. PhoneRescue for iOS

PhoneRescue is also among the best iMessage recovery software that has helped many users recover their lost data on iPhone devices. In addition, it features easier operating steps that don’t require the user to be tech-savvy, as even casual users can follow the steps, making it a choice application for the users.

The top features of PhoneRescue for iOS:

• Recovers iMessages safely, and no other person can access your data.
• It can help you restore deleted messages/iMessage to your iPhone’s messaging application directly.
• You can preview and then choose the message before restoring them.
• No backup is needed to recover 31 file types with ease.

5. ApowerRescue

ApowerRescue is a high-grade iMessages recovery software for iPhone users. It allows one to recover missing messages easily. ApowerRescue provides extensive device scanning for iPhones, iCloud backup, and iTunes backup to help one recover any erased data. It can recover lost information even if your gadget isn’t easily accessible, is stuck on the Apple Logo, or has a white or black screen. ApowerRescue supports up to iPhone XS Max and iPad Pro models.

The top features of ApowerRescue are:

• Recovers iMessages safely, and no other person can access your data.
• It can help you restore deleted messages/iMessage to your iPhone’s messaging application directly.
• You can preview and then choose the message before restoring them.
• No backup is needed to recover 31 file types with ease.

6. 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery

The 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery has been one of the best iMessage recovery software in terms of its ease of use, speed, usage, and efficiency. It recovers lost data in two ways: from iphone as well as from iTunes backup.

The top features of 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery are:

• It recovers deleted messages more quickly.
• The recovery of files is selective.
• No skills are required.
• Clean and user-friendly interface.

7. iMyFone D-Back

iMyFone D-Back is the best software for fast recovery of data from iPhones with only access to the iCloud account. It is good for recovering mistakenly erased files and messages, even in case of a factory reset. iMyFone D-Back is an iPhone Data Recovery software application specially produced for iOS 9 to iOS 15 gadgets. Thus, it came in handy for different use cases like sync issues. It can recover all data files and information supported with various other programs.

The top features of iMyFone D-Back are:

• Powerful recovery through an intelligent integrated algorithm of iMyFone D-Back.
• You can sneak a peek at the content before recovering it.
• It enables selective recovery of data that stays clear of overwriting existing data.
• It has 3 data healing modes.
• It can be used to recover complete information.

8. MobiKin Doctor for iOS

MobiKin Doctor for iOS works great when looking for easy and quick recovery from iOS devices and iTunes backup. The application supports most iPods, iPhones, as well as iPads. Recovering data from the internal storage of your devices, like contacts and iMessages, works like a breeze. This great iMessage recovery software can also recover many other file types, like videos, music, books, attachments, calendar, etc.

The top Features of MobiKin Doctor for iOS are:

• Preview and recover data from iPhone’s internal memory without any backup.
• Pick only the files you want to recover through previews.
• Recover from iPhone easily.

9. Aiseesoft Fonelab

Aiseesoft Fonelab focuses on the ease of recovery, ensuring that technology helps even the ones who don’t understand. A simple, step-by-step process allows you to recover data from one iOS device to another. Among the best iPhone message recovery software, it can recover from iOS, iTunes Backup, or iCloud backup.

The top features of Aiseesoft Fonelab are:

• Data recovery is independent of the method of data loss.
• Export recovered data to other iOS devices.
• Supports both old and new iPhones.

10. Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery

Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery is designed to improve the efficiency of data recovery. It recovers accidentally deleted iMessages, while also recovering other file types, like photos, videos, messages, notes, etc.

The top features of Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery are:

• It allows you to recover deleted messages and contacts without backup.
• In addition, you can preview your iMessages before recovery.
• You can also transfer data to your computer using the software.

Recovering lost data with the best iMessage Recovery Software

Technological advancements have meant that there are several options available for the recovery of data. iMessages can be recovered using any software with or without iTunes/iCloud backup. However, we recommend Stellar due to its stellar record in data recovery. The software needs no introduction, and reviews have consistently pitched Stellar’s Data Recovery solutions to consumers for their ease of use and efficiency.

FAQs

How do I recover all my iMessages?

You can recover all your iMessages by connecting your iPhone to your computer, opening iTunes, and finding your backup. If the backup doesn’t recover all iMessages, you can try one of the best iMessage recovery software, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Are deleted iMessages gone forever?

Deleted iMessages may seem scary, but they aren’t gone forever. You can always find them in iTunes or iCloud backups. In addition, you can try the top iPhone message recovery software listed above if they’re not there.

Why Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone takes time in scanning my iPhone?

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone thoroughly scans your iOS device, computer, and iCloud to retrieve every bit of data. However, the scanning time of the software depends upon the following:

• The amount of data in your iOS device: Greater the amount of data on your iPhone more time it will take to scan.
• The size of RAM on your iPhone: Greater the RAM more will be the scanning time. For instance, the software will take more time to thoroughly scan an iPhone 12 with 6GB RAM compared to iPhone 11 that has 4GB RAM.
• RAM of your computer: The recommended system requirement of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is 8GB. Although it can scan and recover from 4GB RAM computer, but you may experience slow speed.

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