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:

Restore lost iPhone data using iTunes
Recover lost data after iOS update using iCloud
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.

Apple will delete your photos in July. Here’s what you should do

Apple has recently announced that it will permanently delete photos from its users’ ‘My Photo Stream’ this month. This news has come as a surprise to the Apple community, as users struggle to understand the implications of this announcement and what necessary precautions can be taken. In this blog post, we will get into the details of this new move by Apple, explore the reasons behind it, and provide tips on how iPhone/iPad/Mac users can safeguard their precious photos.

The Announcement

_”_My Photo Stream is scheduled to be shut down on July 26, 2023. As part of this transition, new photo uploads to My Photo Stream from your devices will stop one month before, on June 26, 2023.

The photos in My Photo Stream are already stored on at least one of your devices, so as long as you have the device with your originals, you won’t lose any photos as part of this process. If a photo you want isn’t already in your Library on a particular iPhone, iPad, or Mac, make sure that you save it to your Library on that device…” Read more

What is Apple’s My Photo Stream?

My Photo Stream, launched in 2011, was designed to sync photos across multiple Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

This feature automatically stores your most recent pictures (up to 1000) for approx. 30 days so you can view and download them easily from other Apple devices. After this period, photos are removed from My Photo Stream but remain in your device’s Photos app. However, this only shows photos and not your live images or videos.

How to Protect Your ‘My Photo Stream’ Pictures?

Apple, known for its commitment to user privacy and data security, has recommended several preventive measures to mitigate the risk of losing any important photo due to this update.

1. Move My Photo Stream images to your Library

Even if the pictures in My Photo Stream are already there on at least one of your Apple devices, you must save these pictures to your Photo Library to avoid losing them**.** Here’s how to copy My Photo Stream pictures to your Photo Library:

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

Open the Photos app and tap Albums.
Tap on My Photo Stream > Select.
Select all the photos you want to save, then tap the Share button > Save Image.

On your Mac:

Open the Photos app and then open the My Photo Stream
Select the photos you want to save which aren’t currently in your photo library.
Drag and drop them from the My Photo Stream album into your Library.

2. Move to iCloud Photos

To preserve your My Photo Stream images in their original and high-resolution version, you can transfer them to iCloud Photos.

If you already have an iCloud account, just enable iCloud Photos to automatically upload & sync every photo and video you capture on the device, making them accessible from anywhere.

To use the iCloud Photos service, you will require the following:

iPhone running iOS 8.3 or later version.
iPad with iPadOS 8.3 or later version.
Mac running OS X Yosemite or later version.

How to set up iCloud Photos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch?

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings.
Next, click on [Your Name] > iCloud.
Tap on Photos and do the following:

For iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later versions: Toggle on the ‘Sync this [device]‘ option.

For iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or earlier versions: Turn on the iCloud Photos

How to set up iCloud Photos on your Mac?

On your Mac, go to Apple Menu and click on System Preferences.
Click Apple ID and then select iCloud in the sidebar.
Now, select Photos and turn on the switch next to Sync this Mac.

**

Don’t want to use iCloud Photos?

While iCloud Photos is a convenient option for many Apple users, it’s important to acknowledge that it is not the best fit for everyone. Limited free storage of 5GB or lack of cross-platform compatibility can compel Apple users to look for other alternatives.

Storage options, such as Google Photos, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, external hard drives, etc., are available to ensure your iPhone Photos are safe and easily accessible.

The Bottom Line

Apple’s announcement of the potential discontinuation of My Photo Stream has understandably caused worry among its users. While a specific reason for this action remains undisclosed, they are actively addressing the issue to prevent data loss. In the meantime, iPhone users must take precautionary measures to safeguard their photos. They can simply move the My Photo Stream images to the Photo Library, iCloud Photos, or other backup folders.

How To Recover Data From Lost or Stolen iPhone In Easy Steps

Summary: Lost your iPhone and now worried about your precious data on it? This post shares how efficiently Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can recover lost data from a lost or stolen iPhone using iCloud Backup.

When we lose our phone, then the only thing we worry about is the valuable data stored on it. To recover all our critical data (contacts, messages, photos, videos, voice memo, etc.) all we need to do is restore them either from iTunes or iCloud backup. What if due to some unknown reasons, we are unable to access the backup? Well, in such cases we can still recover our files from the backup via Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software.

Apple is known for its flagship features and, one of them being able to automatically backup the iPhone data. ICloud and iTunes automatically back up iPhone data and updates it whenever you sync it to your Mac. The advantage of these backup systems is that you can recover your data when your iOS device is lost or stolen.

Speaking of which, a friend of mine lost his iPhone and was looking for ways to restore his critical data. As he had saved the information by backing it up, all he had to do was transfer the information to the new iOS device. However, as luck would have it, he was unable to access the backup files either.

To get rid of the deadlock, he decided to look for a third-party application which can recover iPhone data, and after some analysis, he opted for iPhone Data Recovery Software by Stellar.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone (Ultimate Solution to Recover iPhone Data)

If your backup is accessible, you can recover data from the backup files. If you cannot access the backup files, then you need a third-party iPhone Data Recovery Software to recover data from your lost or stolen iPhone.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone provides you with 2 options to recover iPhone data i.e. either from iTunes backup files or iCloud backup files. It is easy to use and deploys a robust scanning algorithm so as to recover as much data as possible.

Irrespective of how you lost your iPhone data, you can get back your data in two Recovery modes namely:

from iTunes Backup
from iCloud Backup

Let’s look at each —

Recovery Mode 1: iTunes Backup Files

You can recover iPhone data if you have synchronised your iPhone with iTunes earlier. To recover data from iTunes Backup files, follow these steps:

i. Run Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and select “Recover from iTunes Backup” tab

Figure 1 illustrates the main screen of the software

ii. The software displays the list of all iTunes backup files. Select the required backup file to recover

Figure 2 illustrates the entire list of the backup files

iii. From the Tree view, select the supported file categories which will list all the items under that category head.

iv. Preview the selected backup files and save the files

Figure 3 represents the preview of the files

**Note: You can preview the existing and deleted files. Moreover, type the keyword or filename in the search box to search for a particular file.

v. Click the Save button to recover the file.

Recovery Mode 2: iCloud Backup files

You can restore your iPhone data from iCloud Backup files as well. Follow the steps given below:

i. Install and Run Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and select “Recover from iCloud Backup” tab.

Figure 5 represents the home screen of the software

ii. Next, enter the Apple ID and Password and sign in to iCloud.

Figure 6 illustrates the credential page

iii. After entering the necessary credentials, the software displays the list of all the backup files. Select the required files and press the Scan button

Figure 7 Represents the list of all files

iv. Preview the selected files and press the Save button which you can save to the desired location.

Figure 8 illustrates the preview of the files

The Process is over!!

What does Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone offers?

Supports latest iOS 17, 16 15, 14, 13, 12 and below
Recovers data from iTunes/iCloud Backup files
Supports multiple device connections
Data recovery from encrypted iTunes Backup files
Provides option to import files to iPhones

Concluding Note

Simplicity is one of the several major aspects that are frequently sought by users. On that note, the interface of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software is quite simple and intuitive, and users can quickly and accurately recover iPhone data. With that said, do make it necessary to regularly backup your iPhone data.

iPhone® Data Recovery Software to Recover Lost iOS® Data

Recover lost or deleted data from iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® touch, and iTunes® and iCloud® backup files with our advanced iPhone® recovery software.

Recovers Deleted Photos, Videos, Texts, Contacts, etc.
Compatible with iPhone® Series 15/14/13/12/11/X and below.
Supports the latest iOS® 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and below.

STELLAR DATA RECOVERY FOR IPHONE^®

All-in-one iPhone^® and iPad^® Data Recovery Software

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone^® is the best tool to recover data (photos, audio, videos, etc.) lost from iOS^® devices due to accidental deletion, system crash, forgotten password, device damage, factory reset, failed iOS^® update, and more.

Free download allows you to scan & preview files from iPhone, iCloud and iTunes.

Powerful Comprehensive Solution

More Awesome Features

Complete iOS^® Data Recovery Software

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone^® is a complete iOS^® data recovery software that facilitates the recovery of lost and deleted data from iPhone^®, iPad^®, iTunes^®, and iCloud^®. The iPhone recovery software works in diverse data loss scenarios and recovers all types of iPhone^® data, including WhatsApp, WeChat, Kik messages, Notes, Contacts, Photos, and Videos. You can also restore data from encrypted iTunes^® backup files. Further, the user-friendly interface ensures quick and easy iPhone^® data recovery.

Restore from iCloud^® Backup

In case any file is deleted from iPhone^®, use the software to recover it from iCloud^®. You can restore iPhone^® from backup, but the advanced software lets you select and restore only the desired files lost from iCloud^®. The iOS^® recovery software executes recovery in the least possible time and takes care of every bit of information stored in your iCloud^® backup files.

Access Encrypted iTunes^® Backup Files

The iOS^® recovery software restores iPhone^® from iTunes^® backup. It is powered by a recovery program that allows accessing data stored in encrypted iTunes^® backup files. This feature makes the iPhone^®/ iPad^® recovery application more powerful than ever. In addition, one can execute the entire recovery process without any technical expertise.

Recovers Deleted iPhone^® Photos & Videos

Loss of photos and videos due to accidental deletion, factory reset, failed iOS^® update, and other common reasons. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone^® recovers deleted videos and photos on iPhone^®, iPad^®, iCloud^®, and iTunes^®. In addition, the software lets you select and save the desired photos and videos of Camera Roll, Photo Stream, WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, Tango, and other apps.

OTHER FEATURES

Add More Power

Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone^®

Losing important text messages or attachments from your iPhone^® can be a huge loss. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone^® performs enhanced scanning to recover deleted iMessages, text messages, and attachments from your iPhone^®, iPad^®, iTunes^®, and iCloud^® backup.

Recovers Deleted iPhone^® Contacts

While transferring or deleting unwanted contacts in bulk, important contacts might get deleted from your iPhone^®. Stellar iPhone^® recovery software retrieves such lost contacts on iPhone^®, iTunes^®, or iCloud^® backup and lets you restore contacts in VCF, CSV, or HTML formats. The software also saves various attributes associated with the contacts in HTML format. Learn More

Recovers Deleted Voice Memos on iPhone^®

Voice Memo can be lost due to deletion, app crash, iOS^® update, water-damaged iPhone^®, etc. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone^® recovers missing or deleted Voice Memos from iPhone^®, iTunes^®, and iCloud^® backup in any situation. The software is easy-to-use, fast, and lets you select and save only those voice memos recordings you wish to keep.

Recovers iPhone^® Call History

Call logs may get deleted due to phone restoration, accidental deletion, or other reasons. Stellar iPhone^® data recovery software helps you get back the call log of your iPhone^® that has been either lost or deleted. It recovers deleted call logs on iPhone^® and displays them as per the category.

Recovers Deleted Notes on iPhone^®

The software recovers lost or accidentally deleted Notes on iPhone^®, iTunes^®, or iCloud^® backup files. It can also retrieve large-sized iOS^® Notes and inserted photos deleted from your iPhone^®. The iPhone^® recovery software runs an algorithm to scan the device for deleted ‘Notes’ and attachments and lists them in the preview pane. So no matter how large the Notes are, this software can easily recover them.

Recovers deleted Safari Bookmarks

Bookmarking websites on a web browser is common as it helps in quick and easy access while revisiting the website. You may have bookmarked several websites on your Safari browser, the default browser of your iPhone^® and iPad^®. But, there can be situations when you might lose them suddenly. With this software, you can easily restore Safari bookmarks from iCloud^®, iTunes^®, iPhone^®, or iPad^®.

Restores Data in Diverse Loss Scenarios

The software provides data recovery from iPhone^® in common loss scenarios, such as accidental deletion, data loss after iPhone^® update, broken/lost/stolen / water damaged iPhone^®, Jailbreak, iPhone^® stuck in recovery mode/ Apple logo screen/factory reset loop, virus attack, Black Screen of Death, etc. Using this advanced software, you can recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, and other data from iPhone^® without backup.

Deep Scan for up to 100% Data Recovery

The Deep Scan feature searches for lost files based on the file signature. It does a comprehensive scan of the iOS^® device and iTunes^® backup to recover every bit of lost or deleted data. In case your desired file is not included in the list of files detected after running quick scan, you can opt for Deep Scan restore iPhone^® from backup or the device.

Permanently Erases iPhone^® Data

The multi-purpose advanced Toolkit version of the software erases all content and settings, contacts, photos, videos, and other system data from all kinds of iOS^® devices. It securely clears data on iPhone^® and iPad^®, making it unrecoverable by any data recovery software. Thus, the software ensures that your data remains safe and private. Learn More

Erases Third-Party Apps data on iPhone^®

Stellar Toolkit for iPhone^® efficiently wipes all third-party apps data, Photos, Videos, Contacts, Call Logs, Text messages, Photo Stream, Voice Memos, Camera Roll, Notes & Reminders, Calendar, FaceTime calls, Safari Bookmarks, Siri, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Viber, Tango, and Kik messages & attachments. The advanced software also clears system data or ‘other storage’ on iPhone^® that mostly stores apps data and cache files. Learn More

Repair iOS^® issues on iPhone^® & iPad^®

The Toolkit version of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone^® offers an advanced feature that repairs iPhone^® and iPad^® that are not working smoothly or are inaccessible due to iOS^® issues. The software repairs iOS^® system and fixes black screen, iOS^® crash, iPhone^® stuck at Apple^® logo/reboot loop, iTunes^® errors, white screen of death, and more. The iPhone^® recovery software performs iOS^® system recovery without deleting the existing data on the device

Remove Apple^® ID from iPhone^®

For all those users, who cannot access iPhone^® data as they forgot the Apple^® ID password, Stellar Toolkit for iPhone^® brings ‘Remove Apple^® ID’ module. Users can delete the configured Apple^® ID on their iPhone^® without the password. They can create a new Apple^® account and reset Apple^® ID password to reuse their iOS^® device. The feature is available for all variants of iPads^® as well. Learn More

Software Walkthrough

Screenshots & Video

PRICING

Choose The Best Plan

Standard

Recovers Deleted Files from iPhone^®, iPad^®, iCloud^®, and iTunes^®. Compatible with all iOS^® devices for your convenience and usage.

iPhone^® Data Recovery
1 Year License validity
5 iPhone^® Supported
Unlimited Recovery

Read More

Best Seller

Toolkit

In addition to iOS^® data recovery, this version is inclusive of iPhone^® Data Erasure, iOS^® System Repair, and Removes Apple^® ID.

Includes all features of Standard

iPhone^® Data Eraser
Supports iOS^® Repair
Removes configured Apple^® ID

Toolkit Plus

The All-in-one iPhone^® solution supports multiple iOS^® devices - iPhone^®, iPad^® & iPod^® to Recover, Erase, iOS^® Repair, and Remove Apple^® ID.

Includes all features of Toolkit

iPhone^® Data Eraser
Supports iOS^® Repair
Removes configured Apple^® ID
50 iPhone^® Supported

Technical Specifications

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

Version:	7.3.0.0
License:	Single System
Edition:	Standard, Toolkit
Language Supported:	English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español
Release Date:	December, 2023

Processor:	Intel compatible (x64-based processor)
Memory:	4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Hard Disk:	250 MB for installation files
Operating System: (64 Bit only)	Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 & 7

All Time Best iPhone^® Data Recovery Experience

Unlimited Recovery of Data from iOS^® Devices, iTunes^®, iCloud^®
Trusted by Millions of Users
Awarded by Top Tech Worldwide
100% Safe & Secure to Use

Free download allows you to scan & preview files from iPhone, iCloud and iTunes.

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How to Recover Lost Data from iPhone After iOS Update? | Stellar