How to Recover Lost Data from iPhone After iOS Update?

Summary: If your iPhone data, such as photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, etc., have disappeared after an iOS update, read this post. It guides you on how to recover data lost after an iPhone update to iOS 16/ 15/ 14/ 13. Also, download the best iPhone data recovery software — Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone — that can recover any data lost due to an iOS update or iOS crash.

‘When I upgraded my iPhone from iOS 15.6 to iOS 16.4, I lost my data (photos, videos, and apps) How can I restore data in my iPhone? Please help.’

As an iPhone user, you eagerly wait for iOS updates that fix various bugs and bring in new features and enhancements. But the charm of making your iPhone smarter and more secure vanishes when suddenly after the update, your contacts, messages, photos or videos, etc., disappear from your iPhone.

There have been several complaints about data loss from iPhone after upgrading to iOS 16, 15, 14, or 13. It is strange as Apple is known to enhance its iPhone data security with every new iOS version.

So why your iPhone data is lost after iOS update?

Technical anomalies after software upgrades are quite common. Even sophisticated Apple devices can lose data after updating to the latest iOS version or show other problems. Although you can restore your data using iTunes or iCloud backup , this may not work every time.

Addressing the problem, we have created a guide for you to recover data lost after an iOS update.

How to recover data lost after iPhone update

You are probably safe if you have created a backup in iTunes or iCloud before updating your iPhone. In this case, you can restore the lost data from the backup files. Otherwise, seek help of an iPhone data recovery software to recover lost data after iOS update.

Below are the methods to recover data lost after iPhone update:

1. Restore lost iPhone data using iTunes
2. Recover lost data after iOS update using iCloud
3. Recover data lost after iPhone update using software

Method 1: Restore lost iPhone data after iOS update using iTunes

Recover lost data from your computer using the iTunes backup you created before the iOS update.

Steps to recover iPhone data from iTunes backup:

• Connect iPhone to your PC/Mac with a USB cable. If a message asks for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the prompts.
• Launch iTunes.
• Select your iPhone under the device list.
• Click on Summary.

Figure: Restore from Backup in iTunes

• Click Restore Backup.
• In the Restore from Backup dialog box, select the relevant backup date just before the iOS update.
• Click Restore. Wait until the restore process finishes. Keep your iPhone connected after it restarts. All your lost iPhone data will be restored on the iPhone.

In case iTunes could not connect to iPhone and shows value is missing error, learn how to fix and connect to iTunes .

Method 2: Recover lost iPhone data after iOS update using iCloud

All iOS device users have iCloud backup advantage. If, after the iOS 16/15/14/13/12 update, your iPhone contacts, Camera Roll, notes, messages, etc., are missing, recover them using the iCloud backup.

However, this method resets your device, and all existing data gets deleted. This means any photos, videos, messages, contacts, etc., which were added or received after the iOS update are removed.

Steps to restore photos from iCloud on iPhone:

• Click to follow Settings >General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase all Contents and Settings.

• In the dialog box, choose Erase Now.
• In the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.

• Enter Apple ID to sign in to your iCloud account.
• Select the recent backup before the iOS update and click Restore. All your missing data will be back on iPhone.

Figure: iPhone restore from iCloud in progress

In case: iCloud backup is greyed out, know here how to fix it .

Method 3: Recover lost data from iPhone after iOS update using software

An iPhone data recovery software is the easiest and quick solution to restore lost iPhone data after iOS update. It is recommended when you don’t have the iPhone backup, or you’re unable to restore data using iCloud or iTunes.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can find and restore contacts, videos, photos, audio, chat messages, Calendar, etc., deleted after updating to iOS 16/ 15/ 14/ 13. The software ensures that you recover even the hidden files in your iPhone or iPad after iOS update.

Moreover, you can restore old data without deleting any existing photos or videos that you added or clicked from your iPhone after the update.

The software can extract data from your iPhone, iTunes, and iCloud backup as well. There’s no need to reset or delete any data from your iPhone, when using the software.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is helpful, in case:

• You don’t have iPhone backup.
• iPhone data recovery using iCloud or iTunes backup failed.
• Some of your Contacts, iMessages, chats, photos, videos, Safari bookmarks, etc., are missing after recovery from backup.
• You want a quick and easy method to recover lost data after iOS update.
• You don’t want to reset your device to recover the missing data after the update.

The software is compatible with series of iPhone 14 / 13 / 12 / 11 / XS / XR / X / 8 / 7 & below and supports the latest iOS 17, 16 15, 14, 13, 12 and below versions.

Steps to restore iPhone after iOS update using software

• Connect your iPhone/ iPad to computer.
• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your PC or Mac.
• On the main screen of the software, select Recover from iPhone.

• Select the data you want to recover and click Next. The scanning process begins.

• Next, preview and select the required data. Click Save to restore data on iPhone.

You can also choose the module Recover from iCloud backup or Recover from iTunes backup, if required.

Conclusion

Sometimes after an iOS update, you may not be able to restore iPhone using iTunes or iCloud backups. In such a situation, use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software ensures you recover all data lost due to an iOS update.

The professional iOS data recovery software thoroughly scans your iPhone restoring missing contacts, iMessages, photos, videos, Voice Memos, Notes, WhatsApp chats, and other data. You can also preview the found data before saving them on your iPhone or iPad.

You can download the free trial of the software and preview the recovered iPhone data.

FAQs

1. Why did my contacts disappear on the iPhone?

If your contacts disappeared on your iPhone after installing iOS 16, it can be because you didn’t update the iOS appropriately. To recover lost iPhone contacts after the update, you need to factory reset your iOS device and try installing the iOS update again.

2. Where is the iPhone 16 update file located?

When updating your iPhone through iTunes on your Mac, you can find the update file in iPhone software updates. You’ll need to navigate to ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates.

3. Which iPhones will get iOS 16 update?

iOS 16 updates are compatible with iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone SE (2nd generation).

4. How to recover lost videos after the iOS 16 update?

If installing the iOS 16 update causes data loss, restore the iTunes or iCloud backup. However, if you forget to take a backup, for iPhone video recovery use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

5. Is iPhone deleted text recovery possible after factory reset iOS?

Yes, there is a chance to recover deleted text after factory resetting iOS using the backup stored in iTunes or iCloud.

6. Will iOS 16 update delete my photos?

No, your iPhone data, such as videos, and photos don’t get deleted during iOS 16 update. But if there is any interruption during updates like a power cut then there is a chance to lose data from iPhone. At that time, use backup for iPhone photo recovery and to restore deleted or lost photos.

7. How to recover deleted notes from your iPhone?

iPhone deleted notes retrieval can be done using – The recently Deleted Folder and iCloud backup if you have previously enabled iCloud for Notes.

8. How to recover imessages on iPhone?

For recovering imessages or any other lost or deleted files use iCloud. Just open iCloud.com > Advanced section > Restore files. Next, choose the files you want to restore.

How to Recover Lost Data from iTunes Backup File?

If you have lost iPhone data and are unable to restore it from the iTunes backup file, use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software quickly recovers lost or deleted iPhone data from iTunes.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is the best iPhone data recovery tool to recover data from iTunes backup files. The tool uses a sophisticated algorithm, which scans through the entire backup file to recover data. You can easily restore saved iOS data like Messages, Call History, Calendar, Notes, etc., from the backup file.

Note: Make sure your Mac or PC is updated and you are using the latest version of iTunes.

Follow the below steps to recover lost data from iTunes backup file:

1. Launch ‘Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone’ tool on your computer.

    Figure: Home screen of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

2. Click ‘Recover iTunes Backup’ option on the left. The software scans the system for iTunes backup files and lists them along with the date of creation.

3. Select an iTunes backup from which you want to restore data.

  4. On the left pane, click on the type of data that you want to recover. You can restore Camera Roll, Photo Stream, Contacts, Messages, Message Attachments, Call history, Calendar, Reminder, Voice Memo, Notes, Notes Attachments, Safari Bookmarks, WhatsApp, WhatsApp Attachments, Line, Kik Viber, Tango, WeChat, and Apps Library.  

The software lets you preview, select, recover, and also search for specific photos, videos, messages, and other data.

5. Select what you want to recover and click on Save. Select a destination to save the iPhone data.

How to Recover Deleted iPhone Camera Roll Photos and Photo Stream Pictures?

Your iPhone is not only a medium to connect but also serves as a personal repository for your priceless photos, videos, and music. However, in case your iPhone crashes or you lose files due to accidental deletion, your data stands at risk and may be lost forever. But with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, your data is here to stay. This professional solution helps to retrieve your lost or accidentally deleted photos, audio, as well as video files from Camera Roll, Photo Stream, and App Library. It also offers a complete recovery of your iPhone data such as Contacts, Messages along with attachments, Notes, Call History, Calendars, Safari Bookmarks, iTunes, and iCloud backup files.

An iPhone stands apart for its high image quality, among its other notable features. With several iPhone releases over the years, its camera specifications have improved indescribably, and this has increased the percentage of buyers to a considerable extent. Though it cannot be likened to a professional DSLR, yet it stands superior in its category.

How to recover your deleted iPhone Photos?

If your collection of photos, audios, and video files gets accidentally deleted or lost due to iOS crash, the question that comes to mind is whether they can be recovered. If you have created a backup already, then all you need to do is to restore data from the most recent backup. However, if you have not created a backup either on iTunes or iCloud, then the situation needs attention.

Your photos and other multimedia files are important to you. Therefore, it is important to look for an efficient and reliable recovery tool. Here, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone serves as a perfect solution with its straight forward and user-centric interface. This tool accommodates all the major specifications of different iPhone versions.

The Process: Let’s look at how Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone recovers your lost or accidentally deleted photos from your iPhone:

Step 1) Download, Install, and Launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your system

Step 2) Next, select Recover from iPhone option from the three alternates provided on the home screen. Select what you want to recover and click “Next”.

Step 3) Now connect the iPhone device to your system for initiating further recovery process. Alternatively, the device can be connected before you launch the tool

Step 4) The iPhone photo recovery tool will start scanning the connected device. A message will then pop up on the screen which reads: “_Please wait! Scanning your iPhone._” It will appear along with the live progress generator.

Note: Here, you can select to stop the scan process in between by selecting the Stop button

Step 5) Once the scanning is completed, the tool will enlist all the files and folders existing within the iPhone device.

Step 6) From the left panel, you can select Photos & Videos category from the tree structure. It will then expand associated options that include Camera Roll, Photo Stream, and Apps Library.

Step 7) Select Camera Roll and Photo Stream and the tool will display all the items from these two folders in the middle pane

Step 8) Now from the middle pane, you can either select a single file for recovery, or you can select multiple items by checking the associated boxes

Step 9) Once you select all the items that you need to recover from Camera Roll and Photo Stream, click on Save button

Step 10) The Save Files window will appear. Click on Browse and provide the location for storing the recovered data on the hard drive. Else use, the default location provided by the software which is Desktop << iPhone Default Name.

Step 11) Click OK to proceed saving the recovered files.

Step 12) Exit from the tool and go to the selected location to access the Camera Roll and Photo Stream recovered pictures.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also restores data from the following:

• If you are looking to recover data from your iPhone backup such as iTunes backup or iCloud backup, then you need to select Recover from iTunes backup or Recover from iCloud backup options. The tool also allows importing files from Windows and Mac machines to iPhones.
• After the scan is completed, the tool will display all integrated components of deleted iTunes backup or iCloud backup files within its panel from where it can be selected as per priority and preferences. The powerful algorithms are fully advanced to recover every single bit of data.
• The tool also recovers encrypted iOS iTunes backup files and restores it back to the device. You can also recover lost or deleted data from iPad using the iPhone Data Recovery tool. Backup files of small, medium and large scale are handled effectively by the tool.
• The tool also recovers bookmarks deleted accidentally from your iPhone default browser Safari. Since bookmarks hold information about useful links and websites, this feature can be very helpful for technically savvy users.

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.