How to Restore iPhone 12 Pro Max from Backup when iTunes Backup is Corrupt or not compatible

How to Restore iPhone from Backup when iTunes Backup is Corrupt or not compatible

Summary: Are you receiving the error, ‘iTunes backup was corrupt or not compatible’ while trying to restore iPhone? iPhone recovery is not possible from a corrupt backup file. This post shares how you can resolve corrupt iTunes backup file issue and restore iPhone’s lost data.

‘I dropped my iPhone and broke it. I got it repaired and formatted to factory settings to fix the various issues caused due to the fall. Since I had a backup in iTunes, so was not worried about my data. But had least idea that my iTunes backup file was corrupted! As I tried to restore iPhone from iTunes, a message appeared –: ‘iTunes backup was corrupt or Not compatible.’ Now I don’t know how to restore my iPhone. Please help.’ – Simon, UK

It’s not new when users get bowled over by iTunes when trying to restore their iPhone. iTunes sometimes shows a message that it could not restore iPhone because the backup was corrupt or not compatible with the iPhone that was being restored.

It may be because iTunes does incremental backup by updating the previous backup. It’s possible that some old backup data was corrupt, which results in the error message.

Whatsoever, it’s a fact that there’s no recovery possible from a corrupt backup file.

So how to fix such corrupt iPhone backup in iTunes and restore iPhone in such cases?

Here we share the best ways to fix corrupt iTunes backup file and efficient methods to restore iPhone’s lost data.

You can apply these methods on all iPhone models including series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6S Plus, 6S, 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5c, 5, 4S and 4 with latest iOS 16.x.

What you can do to fix ‘iTunes backup was corrupt or Not compatible’

Since you can’t repair or recover from a corrupt or incompatible iTunes backup file, it is best to delete such corrupt files and next try to create a new backup in iTunes.

How to delete your corrupt iPhone backup file in iTunes

Launch iTunes on your PC or Mac
Windows users click Edit > Preferences (on Windows PC). Mac users click iTunes Menu > Preferences
Select Find your iPhone backups
Select the corrupt or incompatible backup. Click Delete Backup
Close the iTunes Preferences window

How to delete the old iTunes backup files manually

If you don’t see the old backup in iTunes, then delete the backup manually.

In iTunes, under Summary click on Serial Number. You will see the iPhone’s UDID. Note it down.
Navigate to the iTunes backups folder on your computer.

On Mac follow: Finder > Option> Go menu> Library> Application Support >MobileSync> Backup

On Windows 11/10/8 follow: In Search box type %appdata%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup. Press Enter key

If you installed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, follow: In Search box type %userprofile%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup. Press Enter key.

You will see the backup folders named by your device UDID
Select the folders with your device UDID and delete them
Next go to iTunes and take the backup again

How to backup iPhone in iTunes again

Connect your iPhone to computer via lightning cable
Launch iTunes
Click on Back Up Now The backup process begins.

| Did you get a message — iTunes can’t back up your iPhone because an error occurred? Here’s what you should do…
• Update your iOS to the latest version
• Update your iTunes to the latest version
• Disable antivirus software on your computer
• Now create backup in iTunes

|
| — |

How to restore iPhone when iTunes backup file is corrupt

Method 1: Restore iPhone from iCloud backup

Method 2: Recover from iCloud backup without erasing existing data

Method 3: Restore lost data directly from iPhone/ iPad

Method 1: Recover from iCloud backup

Instead of iTunes, you can restore iPhone by using the alternative backup solution, iCloud.

Steps to restore iPhone with iCloud

Click to follow Settings > General > Reset> Erase all Contents and Settings

A dialog box pops up, choose Erase Now
Follow the instructions until you get on to the Apps & Data screen
Tap Restore from iCloud Backup

Sign in to your iCloud account
Choose the recent backup and click Restore

Method 2: Recover specific files from iCloud without losing existing iPhone data

In case you want to restore specific data from backup, instead of complete backup, use an iPhone recovery software.

Steps to restore specific files from iCloud:

Download and launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer.
Select Recover from iCloud Backup on main screen of software.

Select what you want to recover. Click Next
Enter the Apple ID and password
Select the relevant iCloud backup and click Scan

Select the data in the iCloud backup files list on left and preview

Click Save
In the dialog box select computer or iPhone to save the recovered data. To save directly onto your iPhone, connect your iPhone to the computer.

Method 3: Recover data from iPhone

If iTunes could not restore iPhone or iPad because the backup was corrupt and neither iCloud is able to restore backup, recover data from the device directly. You can easily restore lost photos, videos, messages, calendar, voice memos, Safari bookmarks, etc., with this method. It works in cases of broken/ water-damaged iPhone, factory reset, iOS crash etc.

Steps to recover lost data from iPhone/ iPad

Connect your iPhone to computer
Launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone
On the home screen select Recover from iPhone

Select the data you want to restore
Click Next

Preview the data and click Save. You can save the recovered data on computer or iPhone

Conclusion

You cannot repair or recover data from corrupt iTunes backup file that gives — ‘iTunes backup was corrupt or Not compatible’ message.

However, the situation can be tackled by deleting the corrupt backup file and creating a fresh new backup in iTunes.

To restore iPhone, you may use either the new iTunes backup or bypass iTunes by using alternative recovery methods. Other than iTunes, iCloud or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone are the effective ways to restore lost data on your iPhone. Among these too, if you wish to restore specific data like photos, videos, voice memos, or contacts etc., Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone would be the best solution.

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.

iPhone Data Recovery – An Infographic to Conquer iPhone Data Loss

DID YOU KNOW?

More than 70% of people choose to upgrade to iOS 16 within a few days of release
Analysis shows that about 20,000+ users experience data loss due to update failures and other related problems

TOP 5 CAUSES OF DATA LOSS

iOS Update
Accidental Deletion of Data
Jailbreak failure
iOS Restore
Hardware or System Malfunction

WHAT ABOUT RECOVERING iOS DATA AFTER DATA LOSS?

iPhone Data Recovery software helps you in such situations. Data exists in the internal memory of your iPhone even after deletion until it is overwritten by new data. Its advanced algorithm and internal underlying technology helps recover all deleted data from your iOS device, be it your iPhone or your iPad.

WHAT YOU CAN RECOVER?

Recovers Deleted Photos from your iPhone – In just 3 steps you can recover your memorable photos from Camera Roll, Voice Memo, Photo Stream, etc.
Recovers deleted text messages from your iPhone – It not only recovers your text messages but also recovers your WhatsApp messages along with its attachments
Recovers deleted contacts from your iPhone – It retrieves your lost or deleted contacts from your iPhone, iTunes, or iCloud backup files
Recovers Safari Bookmarks – It easily recovers bookmarks from the Safari browser which you may have deleted accidentally
Recovers deleted data from iCloud backup files – It also recovers and restores data from your damaged iPhone through iCloud backup files
Recovers deleted data from encrypted iTunes backup files – In case any of your backup files gets accidentally deleted, the software enables you to access the data by removing encryption.

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.

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How to Restore iPhone 12 Pro Max from Backup when iTunes Backup is Corrupt or not compatible | Stellar