How to Restore Contacts on iPhone (4 Methods)

Summary: Many of the users have been wondering about the ways to restore deleted contacts. In this post, we shared the best methods to restore deleted contacts from your iPhone series 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, and 5.

Losing contact names and numbers from the device all of a sudden is not new for iPhone users. Sometimes contact names are missing with only the random numbers visible, or the contact list is altogether empty. Mostly, the incidents occur after updating to a newer version of iOS, a bug in the device, accidental deletion, or else formatting of the iPhone.

You can always restore from iCloud or iTunes backup, but sometimes even those attempts might fail to recover deleted contacts. This can be because of wrong user names, passcodes, or device settings.

In such cases, the best way to restore only the missing contacts is to use iPhone Data Recovery Software by Stellar**.** Read on to know the four solutions to recover deleted contact on iPhone below.

If you have synced your iPhone to iCloud backup, restore missing contact names and numbers with this method.

• Go to your iPhone Settings > iCloud > Contacts (iOS 16 & 15 users follow: Settings > User Name > iCloud)

• Toggle OFF and turn ON Contacts again

• It asks what you would like to do with the previously synced iCloud contacts on your iPhone. Select Delete from My iPhone.

You will get back lost contacts on the iPhone. Those accounts are also displayed in your group lists if you have different Cloud accounts like Gmail linked to your device. You can check and uncheck the group to view or hide, respectively.

This works only when you have backed up your iPhone to iTunes.

• Connect your iPhone to the PC
•  Launch iTunes
• Select your device from the Device list and pick the most recent backup entry date of your iPhone from the Summary page

• Click Restore Backup

You can get back the lost or deleted contacts from your iTunes backup. But the drawback of this method is that with iTunes, you do not have a choice to restore only the lost contacts on your iPhone selectively. This means that complete data from iTunes will be restored on your device, replacing existing iPhone data.

All current media photos, videos, messages, etc., on your iPhone will also be replaced by the iOS backup files. If you want to restore only contacts from iTunes backup, use a safe third-party iPhone data recovery application.

The best way to overcome the iTunes drawback and selectively restore only the missing contacts is to use iPhone Contact Recovery Software by Stellar.

This secure & do-it-yourself software recovers lost or accidentally deleted iPhone contacts, call history, etc., regardless of the cause of the loss.Experience the Free Trial version NOW!

The free demo version of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone allows you to scan and preview files from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes backup, and to save them, you need to register the software.

Stellar Data Recovery offers three ways to recover iPhone contacts missing on your device:

1. Recovery from iPhone
2. Recover from iCloud Backup
3. Recover from iTunes Backup

1. Recover from iPhone

There is a possibility that your device has all the contacts, but they are not showing up—select Recovery from iPhone to view the hidden iPhone contacts in this case.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch and launch the software
• On the home screen, choose “Recover from iPhone”, select “Contacts and Call Logs,” and click “Next.”

• It will show you the iOS devices connected to your system. Select your device and click Scan

• After scanning, select Contacts on your left pane; all the contacts will be displayed in the right pane.
•  Then, Select All or particular items by clicking on the associated checkbox.
• Click on Save and browse the desired location to save the recovered contacts.

2. Restore from iCloud Backup

Recovery from iCloud Backup allows you to selectively recover deleted contacts from your iPhone rather than restoring everything from photos and videos to messages. Follow the below steps:

• Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB cable
•  Launch Stellar Data Recovery from iPhone
• Choose Recover from iCloud Backup, Select Contacts and Call Logs and click Next

• Enter the Apple ID and Password to get the list of available backup files.

• Select the backup file and click Scan

• After scanning, select “Contacts” on your left pane, all the contacts in the selected backup file will be displayed in the right pane.

• Then, Select All or selective items by clicking on the associated checkbox.

• Click on Save and browse the desired location to save the recovered contacts.

3. Restore from iTunes Backup

If your iPhone contacts are synced with iTunes backup, use Recovery from iTunes backup to recover missing iPhone contacts.

• Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the software
• On the home screen, choose Recover from iTunes, select Contacts and Call Logs, and click Next

• The software analyzes your system and lists all the available iTunes backup files, as shown below. If you cannot find the desired backup file, you can click on Add Backup to manually add the backup file from the system. Now, select the file and click Scan

• After scanning, select “Contacts” on your left pane, all the contacts in the selected backup file will be displayed in the right pane.
•  Then, Select All or particular items by clicking on the associated checkbox.
• Click on Save and browse the desired location to save the recovered contacts.

Minor changes in the iPhone Settings can also help restore deleted contacts. Try the below Setting changes and check if they work for you:

• Change Contacts’ Groups Settings
• Reset the Network Connections
• Change Default Account in Settings back to iCloud (works for iPhone 8/7/6s)

1: Change Contacts’ Groups Settings

• Go to your Contacts, tap into Groups
•  Uncheck All iCloud
• Select All on iPhone

• Click on Done (top right)
• Check if you got back all your contacts

2: Reset the Network Connections

• Under Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings

• Enter your passcode
• Choose Reset Network Settings to continue ignoring the message that this action will delete all your network settings.

This action will clear your current saved networks and Wi-Fi passwords, but you can always re-enter your network passwords later. So give this a try to retrieve lost contacts.

3: Change Default Account in Settings back to iCloud (works for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, X, 8, 7, 6)

• Go to your iPhone Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Contacts
• Click Default Account
• Select iCloud instead of On my iPhone
• Check if your phone’s missing contacts recovered

To Wrap-up

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone intelligently restores your missing or accidentally deleted contacts without causing loss of iPhone’s existing data, unlike iTunes or iCloud Backup recovery methods. Changing the iPhone settings can also help you get back missing contacts. So now no need to worry about the contacts list loss. Instead, try the above methods and recover deleted contacts on your iPhone.

Have you ever used any of the above methods for restoring missing iPhone contacts? Then, do share your experience in the comments below.

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.

Click here

### **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 iPhone Stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ Loop

Summary: If your iPhone gets stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ loop screen while updating iOS, learn how to fix iPhone failed iOS update error and efficiently recover lost data using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Since the release of iOS 16, there are frequent complaints about flood updates leading to the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop. Moreover, users are concerned about data loss in such situations.

Users globally reported that their iPhone gets stuck in the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop while trying to install iOS updates. The issue occurs when they update to iOS 16 versions by using iTunes. It leaves the update in the lurch and erases some or all data from their iPhone.

iOS updates breathe new life into your device. However, the truth is that Apple’s every update brings some bug or new problem, like this one.

Read this post further if your iPhone screen gets stuck at the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop during an iOS update.

It shares how to fix iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem and recover lost iPhone data in any case.

You can apply the methods on iPhone 14, 13, 12, SE, 11, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 series. They are relevant to iOS 16 and below versions.

Common causes of ‘attempting data recovery’ loop on iPhone

The attempting to data recovery failed problem usually occurs when iOS is updated with iTunes. The ‘attempting data recovery’ screen takes a long time and is often followed by a prompt ‘press home button to restore.’

Some of these occurrences were reported in the following scenarios:

• Users unplugged the iPhone from a PC or Mac during the update
• Downgrading from iOS 16 to 15 or below
• Updating iOS after jailbreak

How to fix iPhone stuck at the ‘Attempting Data Recovery’ loop

1. Force Restart iPhone
2. Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Method 1: Force Restart iPhone

It’s essential to know that a force restart differs from a normal Restart. A force restart is advised when iPhone is not in its normal working condition. It is either hanged or stuck at the Apple logo or another screen in Recovery Mode or Restore Mode. It cuts the power and turns on the iPhone again. Force restart usually fixes many iPhone issues.

Steps to Force Restart iPhone 8 and earlier:

• Press and fast release the Volume Up button
• Press and fast release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button (power) until the Apple logo appears

Steps to Force Restart iPhone X and later:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.

Method 2: Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

If Force Restart doesn’t help, try this method. Recovery Mode helps in cases of failed iOS updates. Thus, whenever the iOS updates, the iPhone gets stuck at the ‘attempting data recovery,’ op put the device on Recovery Mode.

[Caution]: Recovery Mode erases the iPhone data, which can be restored with the help of iTunes backup. So, make sure that the iTunes version is the latest.

Steps to put iPhone on Recovery Mode:

1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Open iTunes
3. Force restart iPhone (with steps mentioned above)
4. A dialog box appears. Select Update

5. After the Update process completes, set up your iPhone.

Fixed ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem. Further, how to restore data on iPhone

Recovery Mode, though fixes iPhone’s ‘attempting data recovery’ issue but at the same time erases all information from the device. You can restore iPhone data from iTunes backup or iCloud backup.

In case, iTunes/iCloud backups are not able to restore iPhone or you discover that some of the data is still missing after restoring the device, choose Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone .

The software is also helpful when you don’t want to recover all the data from iTunes or iCloud unnecessarily. Instead, it. It lets you recover precisely what you want, by allowing you to choose specific files like photos, videos, WhatsApp chats, or memos, Calendar, etc., and restoring them on the device.

Additionally, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also restores the data lost and deleted after jailbreak, water damage, a Black screen of death, iPhone stuck at Apple logo , screen damage iPhone, factory reset, etc. It supports recovery from iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, SE, 11, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 series.

Steps to Restore Data on iPhone with Stellar Data Recovery of iPhone

• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on PC/ Mac
• Connect iPhone to the computer
• Select iTunes from the software screen
• Follow the simple on-screen instructions

Wrapping Up

Users look forward to iOS updates. However, the experience can get irritating, when iPhone software updates fail. For example, iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ loop is a common problem faced after attempts to upgrade to the latest iOS 16.

Force restart of the device often resolves the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop issue. If this doesn’t work, further try to get your iPhone on Recovery Mode. Later restore data via iTunes or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software approach is straightforward and lets you select and restore the informathat you want.

How to Delete All Photos from iPhone Beyond Scope of Recovery?

Summary: Learn how to delete all photos from your iPhone beyond the scope of recovery with this comprehensive guide. We’ve also mentioned an iPhone eraser software that securely erases your photos for good and safeguards your privacy.

Are you planning to sell or discard your iPhone? If yes, it’s important to ensure that your personal data, such as photos and videos, etc. is deleted and cannot be recovered even by a professional data recovery tool. To protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized access to your deleted iPhone photos, make sure your iPhone is wiped clean of all your previous photos before you sell, donate, or discard it.  

In this blog, we will talk about different ways to delete photos from iPhones beyond the scope of recovery.

How to Delete All Photos from iPhone?

Before deleting all photos from the iPhone, it’s important to take a backup of all photos to avoid any accidental data loss situation. There are various ways to back up your iPhone photos:

1. iCloud

Use iCloud to back up all your photos automatically. To sync iCloud with Photos –

• Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, and turn on iCloud Photos.

Your photos will be backed up to iCloud automatically if your device has enough storage space and is connected to Wi-Fi.

2. iTunes:

You can even use iTunes to back up your iPhone photos. To do this,

• Connect your iPhone to your system.
• Launch iTunes and then select your device.
• Click Summary > “Back Up Now” to create a backup of all your data, including photos.

Once you have backed up all your photos, proceed forward with deleting them from your iPhone.

Method 1: Delete Images From Photos and Recently Deleted Folder

Photos app saves images shot from iPhone as well as those received on chats. You can delete all the photos from your iPhone via the Photos app. Here’s how to do it.

• Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
• Go to the Library tab, tap All Photos, and then tap Select.
• Select one or multiple photos you want to delete.
• Tap on the Trash icon and then confirm to delete the photos.

When you delete a photo from the iPhone, it’s not deleted permanently. Instead, it is moved to the Recently Deleted folder, where the deleted photos stay for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

To permanently delete photos from the Recently Deleted folder, follow these steps:

• Open the Photos app > Albums.
• Scroll down, then tap on Recently Deleted.
• Next, tap Select and choose the photos that you want to delete permanently.
• Tap Delete and then confirm to delete the photos.

Remember, if iCloud sync is enabled, photos deleted from iPhone will be deleted on iCloud. That is why if you want to delete photos from your iPhone but not on iCloud, make sure iCloud sync is disabled for Photos.

Method 2: Factory Reset Your iPhone

Apple’s brilliant feature of the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option brings your device to default settings by erasing all your iPhone data, etc.

The factory reset will delete all the settings, photos, audio, videos, messages, notes, call history, search history, app history, passcodes, and any other data on your iPhone.

However, remember erasing your iPhone data with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ doesn’t delete your data permanently. It means that all your iPhone data including photos are still recoverable with the help of robust iPhone data recovery software .

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Go to General and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Click on the Erase All Content and Settings options.
• Click Continue and enter your iPhone passcode.
• Next, click Erase iPhone. This will fully wipe your device clean.

Note: Don’t forget to back up your iPhone data on iCloud or iTunes before initiating the factory reset. Because this backed-up data can be accessed on your computer or new iPhone.

Stellar Eraser for iPhone is the best way to delete permanently erase all photos as well as other data of the iPhone. The software erases all your photos, contacts, videos, chats, iMessage, browser search history, third-party apps data, and more from your iPhone.

The Stellar iPhone Eraser tool is the best way to clean or delete iPhone data. This tool deletes iPhone data permanently making it impossible to recover it from any software. It is the best data erasure tool for iOS devices before you exchange, sell, recycle, or give them away.

The software works with all iPhones and iPad versions, such as iPhone 14 to lower versions till iPhone 4 and supports iOS versions from iOS 6.0 to iOS 16.

Steps- How to Delete All Photos From iPhone via Stellar Eraser for iPhone

• Download and install Stellar Eraser for iPhone on your Windows and Mac systems.
• Launch the software and click on the Erase Data option.

• In the next Erase iPhone Data screen, click Next.

• Connect your iPhone to the system when prompted and click Erase.

• Click Yes to start the process of erasure.

• Click OK, once all the data is successfully erased.

Click here


All the data including photos and videos get permanently erased from iPhone beyond the scope of recovery.

Conclusion

Deleting all photos from your iPhone beyond the scope of recovery is crucial to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized access to your personal data. By following the methods above, you can ensure that all your photos are deleted permanently from your iPhone. However, the best way to delete all photos from iPhone is by using Stellar Eraser for iPhone. The software will help you erase photos and other data from your iPhone so that it is impossible to recover it using any data recovery software.

FAQ

1. How to Delete Photos from iCloud?

To delete Photos from iCloud, follow these steps:

• Open Settings > tap on your Apple ID > iCloud.
• Then tap Manage Storage and select Photos.
• Next tap Disable and Delete. It will disable your photos from being saved on your iCloud account.

2. How to delete apps on iPhone permanently?

If you want to delete apps on your iPhone for managing the storage space then you directly remove it from Home Screen or delete it from App Library.

3. How to delete documents and data on iPhone?

Documents and Data folder may contain browsing history, cookies, cache, temporary files, database files and other information specific to the app. You can delete them easily by following this detailed guide .