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

1. Launch iTunes on your PC or Mac
2. Windows users click Edit > Preferences (on Windows PC). Mac users click iTunes Menu > Preferences
3. Select Find your iPhone backups
4. Select the corrupt or incompatible backup. Click Delete Backup
5. 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.

1. In iTunes, under Summary click on Serial Number. You will see the iPhone’s UDID. Note it down.
2. 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.

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

How to backup iPhone in iTunes again

1. Connect your iPhone to computer via lightning cable
2. Launch iTunes
3. 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.

Guide to Completely Erase Data on iPhone to Avoid Privacy Leak

With growing instances of data leak and misuse, there’s a fear of digital data on iPhone landing in wrong hands. Personal photos, messages, videos, contacts, or sensitive information such as bank details, shopping apps ID etc., are at risk when selling, trading off, recycling or donating your iOS device.

So what can you do to keep your old iPhone data away from strangers’ eyes and make it 100% unrecoverable?

One solution is the commonly used Apple’s recommendation — erase iPhone data by choosing ‘erase all content and settings’ on your device. However, with professional hackers and sophisticated software available, erasing data by this method doesn’t guarantee data privacy.

Experts suggest using trusted iPhone erasure software that is 100 % safe. The software can make iPhone data unrecoverable beyond the reach of any tool.

Let’s understand in detail how to permanently erase data on iPhone by these techniques.

Clean iPhone by using ‘Erase All Content and Settings’

To clear all data from iPhone use the’Erase All Content and Settings’ option in the settings of your iOS device. It is like factory resetting your iPhone.

All the app data, settings, passwords, photos, videos, contacts, documents, messages, Calendar, chats, music, audio files etc., gets deleted after factory reset from iPhone.

However, don’t forget to first take the backup of your iPhone data in iCloud or iTunes.

Steps to erase iPhone via Settings:

• Go to Settings.
• Navigate to General > Reset> Erase All Content and Settings.
• Click Erase Now in the dialog box. Enter Passcode and Apple ID password, when prompted.

This will erase iPhone data turning the device off. When you power on the iPhone, you will see all its data is deleted including, photos videos, apps, contacts etc.

Permanently wipe iPhone to 0% recovery – Secure & tested method

Although deleting data via ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ on iPhone will make your device as clean as new, but it is not enough. Your iPhone data after factory reset is still recoverable by hackers. Thus, to protect privacy and prevent data leak by any means, it is essential to erase iPhone with the help of a professional iOS eraser software .

You can find several iOS cleaner software online but here we recommend Stellar Toolkit for iPhone. The efficient software is the best way to wipe iOS device before you sell , recycle, or donate.

It removes your personal videos, pictures, contacts, notes, calendar, browsing history, call log, chats, messages, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other sensitive information saved on your iPhone. The secure DIY software supports the latest iOS 16 and below versions. You can erase all variants including iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone SE, iPhone 11, and above.

You can take the free trail and gage the software features and user-friendliness.

Step-by-step guide to erase iPhone data permanently:

Step 1: Download and launch Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on computer.

Step 2: Click on Erase Data module.

Step 3: On Erase iPhone Data screen, click **Next.
**

Step 4: As you see the Click Device to Select screen appears, connect your iPhone to computer.

Step 5: Select Erase.

Step 6: In the Erase Process box, select Yes.

Step 7: Data Erase Complete message box appears that asks for confirmation before erasing the data. Click OK.

Wrapping Up

After erasing complete iPhone data by using the secure iPhone eraser software by Stellar, there’s no need to worry about personal data leak. The software algorithms ensure that even the most advanced iOS data recovery tool cannot retrieve your information.

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FAQs

How do you permanently erase data so that it cannot be recovered from iPhone?

Use the best iPhone data eraser tool to permanently wipe iPhone data. This is a assure way to prevent data leak and protect privacy.

How to Put iPhone or iPad on Recovery mode? (Step by Step Tutorial)

Summary: DFU or Recovery mode is a way to recover your iPhone or iPad using a computer in case of technical issues. Read this post for a step-by-step process of how to enter and exit Recovery Mode and DFU mode on iPhone.

When you run out of solutions to troubleshoot your iPhone, Recovery Mode or DFU Mode comes as a rescue. Whether iPhone stops booting or fails to restore, you can use the functions in iPhone and fix the issue.

But the method to bring an iPhone in DFU or Recovery Mode varies in each iPhone model and iPad.

This post will guide you on how to enter and exit Recovery and DFU Modes in different iPhone and iPad variants. But first, understand what these iPhone functions are and their uses.

What is Recovery Mode and its use?

Recovery Mode uses iBoot to upgrade or restore your iPhone. iBoot is a bootloader program for iOS devices. Recovery Mode helps install the same or above iOS firmware version already on your iPhone. The iPhone screen in Recovery Mode prompts to connect iPhone to iTunes, showing a computer image.

Recovery Mode helps fix iPhone updates or restore issues, such as iPhone stuck at the Apple logo , unable to open the locked iPhone or want to reset iPhone but forgot iPhone passcode .

What is DFU Mode and its use?

Device Firmware Update or DFU mode lets your iPhone connect with iTunes on the computer without iBoot. As DFU mode doesn’t use iBoot, you can make changes in the operating system of the iOS device. An iPhone in DFU mode has a completely black screen.

Putting iPhone into DFU mode is the solution when Recovery Mode doesn’t resolve the problem. DFU mode can restore or upgrade iPhone. This mode is also commonly used to downgrade or jailbreak iPhone s.

Caution — you may lose all your iPhone data!

If you are entering DFU mode, make sure to back up your iPhone data . DFU mode permanently erases iPhone data . So always back up your videos, photos, messages, chats, Notes, etc., either to iCloud or iTunes.

However, if you have lost iPhone data and don’t have a backup, then immediately download iPhone data recovery software — Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone . The software helps to restore lost or deleted iPhone contacts, call logs, photos, videos, text, FaceTime, audio, chats, Calendar, Notes, Safari bookmarks, etc. It is quick to recover and extremely user-friendly.

What is required to perform Recovery and DFU modes in iPhone?

1. Windows or Mac system.
2. Lightning to USB cable.
3. iTunes updated to the latest version on your computer.

How to put iPhone 6 and earlier versions in Recovery Mode
Follow the below steps to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4.

• Connect your iPhone to your PC using USB Lightning Cable and launch iTunes.
• Press and hold down the Home and Power button to turn the iPhone.

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• Then connect the USB cable to iPhone and turn it on by holding the Home button.
• Continue to hold the Home button until a pop-up appears informing ‘an iPhone has been detected in recovery mode’ on your system.
• In Recovery mode, you can either restore the iPhone, set it up as new, or just recover your backups.

How to put iPhone 7 in Recovery Mode
It’s easy to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. Follow the below steps:

• Turn off your iPhone 7 and connect it to your Mac or Windows computer.
• Ensure iTunes or Finder is running on the system.
• Press and hold the Power and Volume down button for 10 seconds.
• While continuing to hold the Volume down button, release the Power button.

• Release the button if you see the iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode message on your system.

How to put iPhone 8 in Recovery Mode
If you want to enter the Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 and its variants, follow the below steps:

• Connect your iPhone 8 to your Mac or Windows system with a USB cable.
• Next, press and release the following buttons in a sequence Volume Up button, Volume Down, and Side button until your device reboots. Continue holding the Side button, even after seeing the Apple logo appear.
• Release the Side button once the Connect to iTunes logo appears on the iPhone’s display.

• Launch iTunes, and you should see a message stating, “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” You can choose to Update or Restore your iPhone’s software.

How to put iPhone 11 into Recovery Mode
To enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max, follow these steps:

• Connect your iPhone with your Mac or PC and launch iTunes.
• Force restart your iPhone with the following steps:
  • Press and release the Volume Up button.
  • Press and release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Side button.
• Make sure to release these buttons if you see the recovery mode screen with the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• Then choose your iPhone in iTunes, and you will see a pop-up saying that your iPhone is in Recovery Mode. Here, you can either update or restore your iPhone.

How to put iPhone 12 into Recovery Mode
Follow the below steps to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max:

• Update iTunes to the latest version.
• Connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac via Lightning to a USB cable.
• Note: If you are connecting your iPhone to the computer for the first time, click on ‘Trust’ in the Trust This Computer dialog box and follow the prompts.
• Once your iPhone is paired with the computer, press the Volume up button followed by the Volume down button and release.
• Press and continue to hold the Side button until you see the ‘Connect to computer’ screen on your iPhone. While on your computer, you would see the iPhone Recovery Mode message in iTunes, confirming that your iPhone has entered into Recovery Mode. The computer asks you to either Update or Restore your iPhone**.** Click on any based on your requirement.

If you choose Update, iTunes will update your iPhone 12 to the latest iOS release. This won’t lead to any loss of data.

If you select Restore: It will erase iPhone data completely and renew your entire iPhone.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPhone 13
Entering Recovery Mode on iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro has the same steps as iPhone 12. To enter the Recovery Mode, connect your iPhone to your computer and do the following steps in quick succession.

• Press the Volume up button and release.
• Press the Volume down button and release.
• Press and continue to hold the side button until the ‘Connect to iTunes’ screen appears on iPhone.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPhone 14
To use recovery mode on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, follows these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your system with a Lightning cable.
2. Now on iPhone, press and quickly release the Volume up, Volume down, and side buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
3. Select your iPhone in the Finder/iTunes window and choose to update or restore your iPhone.

How to exit Recovery Mode on iPhone
It’s easy to exit Recovery Mode on iPhone. Follow the below steps:

• Hold the Home button and Lock button to exit DFU mode on iPhone 6 and earlier versions until your device reboots.
• To exit DFU mode on iPhone 7/7 Plus, hold the Side and Volume Down buttons until the device reboots.
• To exit the Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or later version, press and hold the Side button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen disappears, and then iPhone should reboot back into iOS.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPad
To enter Recovery Mode on the iPad, follow these steps:

• Connect your iPad to Windows or Mac system using a USB cable.
• For iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top/Side button until your iPad enters recovery mode.
• For iPad without a Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, Volume Down button, and the Top button. Keep holding the Top button until the iPad enters recovery mode.

How to put iPhone into DFU mode ?
Follow the below steps to enter DFU Mode on iPhone and its various version:

1. Connect iPhone to PC or Mac via USB cable. Note: If the ‘Trust This Computer’ dialog box appears, follow the prompts.
2. Once your iPhone is paired with a computer, follow these steps:

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 8 and later versions

• Press the Volume up button, then Volume down button, and release.
• Quickly press and hold the Side button for about 5 seconds.
• Along with the Side button, press and hold the Volume down button.
• Release the Side button and continue to hold the Volume down button for about 10 seconds.
• Once you see the ‘Recovery Mode’ screen in iTunes on your computer, you have successfully entered the DFU mode. However, the iPhone screen remains black in DFU Mode.

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 7

• Press and hold the Power and the Volume down buttons for 8–10 seconds.
• Release the Power button and continue to hold the Volume down button.
• Release the Volume down button once your iPhone has entered recovery mode.

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 6S or Earlier Versions

• Press and hold the Power/Sleep and Home buttons together for 10 seconds.
• Release the Power/Sleep button, but continue holding the Home button.
• Release the Home button once you see iTunes/Finder has detected an iPhone in recovery mode message.

Note: If you see the Apple logo on your iPhone, try again and repeat the above steps carefully.

How to exit DFU Mode on iPhone ?
If you want to exit DFU Mode on iPhone and its variants, follow the below steps:

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone 8 or Later versions

1. Press the Volume Up button and quickly release.
2. Press the Volume Down button and quickly release.
3. Now, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on iPhone. This indicates your iPhone has exited DFU Mode. Your iPhone would boot to the ‘Lock’ screen in a few seconds. Now, enter your passcode and continue to use your iPhone.

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone 7
Press and hold the Power or Sleep button and the Volume down button until you see the Apple Logo.

How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 6 or Earlier versions
Hold the Home button and the Power button of the iPhone simultaneously until Apple’s logo appears on the screen.

Conclusion

Whenever your iPhone and its variants show problems like being stuck at the Apple logo, won’t upgrade, restore, or respond, you can use Recovery Mode and DFU Mode functions to resolve the problem. But don’t forget to back up your iPhone data before using these functions.

However, in any unfortunate incident of data loss while performing the functions, trust Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone – a software that brings back lost data on your iPhone securely.

FAQ

1. Does DFU Mode delete iPhone data?

If you use DFU mode to install something or restore your device, all your iPhone’s data will be erased.

2. Can you enter the recovery mode if your iPhone is disabled?

An iPhone is disabled when a user enters an incorrect password too many times on the lock screen. You should be able to enter the recovery mode using the same steps mentioned above and restore your iPhone to regain access.

3. How to put the iPhone in recovery mode without a computer?

A computer is not necessary to enter the recovery mode on an iPhone. You only need to press the right buttons, depending on your iPhone model, to enter the recovery mode. However, to restore your iPhone – you will need a computer.

How to Wipe iPhone Data Permanently?

Summary: Do you want to erase everything on your iPhone? But fear that it could be recovered. Learn about the best tool that wipes iPhone data permanently and makes it unrecoverable by any recovery software.

Your iPhone is a trove of personal data — photos, videos, passwords, ID proofs, bank details, chats, messages, contacts, and a lot more— which, naturally, you don’t want to fall into other hands. That’s why you prefer to delete all the information on your iPhone before selling it to others.

But several iPhone recovery software can easily restore deleted data from an old or discarded iPhone. So there’s always a fear that someone could recover your iPhone’s data and misuse it.

Here’s a solution — permanently wipe iPhone data beyond the scope of recovery by any software.

How do you permanently erase data from your iPhone?

Manual deletion is one of the ways to remove data. But it can be easily recovered by iPhone features like restoring ‘Recently Deleted’ or recovery software.

Then, Apple suggests resetting the content and settings of the iOS device. It’s effective as the deleted data is not accessible directly on your iPhone. But this also does not completely erase your data from iPhone storage.

So to wipe iPhones permanently, specialized erasure software should be used. The iPhone data erasure tool destroys all information on your storage by overwriting, thus rendering it unrecoverable.

Methods to erase everything on iPhone

1. Reset content and settings on iPhone (data gets inaccessible but recoverable)
2. Use iPhone data erasure software – Stellar Toolkit for iPhone (permanently wipes iPhone’s data, unrecoverable)

Method 1: Reset content and settings on iPhone

Apple provides a factory reset feature in iPhone with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option. This method lets you bring your device to default settings by erasing iPhone data.

Apple’s factory reset will delete all settings, passcodes, photos, videos, notes, contacts, call history, messages, search history, app history, and other data on your iPhone.

However, erasing your iPhone with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option does not delete your data permanently. All the personal data on iPhone is still recoverable with the help of advanced iPhone data recovery software.

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap and follow General > Reset.
3. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
4. A dialog box appears; click Erase Now.
5. Enter your Passcode and your Apple ID password when prompted. This will wipe iPhone completely and turn off the device.

Now your device is ready to use as new without any personal photos, videos, or other information.

Note: Back up your iPhone data on iCloud or iTunes before performing a factory reset. Even when you want to sell the iPhone, the old data remains in iCloud and iTunes. And you can access it anytime on your computer or new iPhone.

Method 2: Erase data permanently using Stellar Toolkit for iPhone

When you want to delete iPhone data permanently beyond the scope of any recovery software, use an iPhone erasure tool – Stellar Toolkit for iPhone.

The factory reset option by Apple does leave a chance of iPhone data recovery by using the software. But, Stellar Toolkit for iPhone software permanently resets iPhone. The software erases iPhone data from the storage drive by overwriting and setting it to the original default settings. The software leaves no possibility of recovering data by any means.

You can quickly remove iPhone’s settings, photos, videos, audio, music, contacts, messages, chats, installed apps, call history, reminders, search history, and other data.

The software works with all iPhones and iPads. It can wipe off data from iPhone 15, 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS MAX, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 7s, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, 5s, 5c, 5, 4s, and 4. It supports iOS 6.0 and up to iOS 16.x.

Stellar iPhone erasure lets you completely wipe data from an unlimited number of iPhones with the software.

Additionally, the Toolkit can also recover lost, or deleted data from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes in various data lost cases such as water-damaged iPhones , broken iPhones , stuck at Apple logos , and so on.

Key benefits

• Wipes complete iPhone data permanently
• Erases data from multiple unique iPhones
• Easy-to-use
• Compatible with all iPhones and iPads

Steps to erase iPhone data permanently with software:

Step 1: Download and run Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on your computer.

Step 2: Select Erase Data.

Step 3: Erase the iPhone Data screen appears. Click Next.

Step 4: Plug your iPhone into the computer when prompted.

Step 5: Click Erase.

Step 6: An Erase Process dialog box appears. Select Yes to start the erasing process on iPhone. Next, you can view the process progress bar.

Step 7: Once the process finishes, the ‘Data Erase Completes’ message box appears. Click OK.

Your iPhone is now reset as new without any personal information, passwords, or settings.

When should you erase iPhone data with software?

Your data is sensitive and can be easily exploited by someone. So before giving away your iOS device to its next owner, it is better to wipe it off completely so that no one can recover it.

You can use iPhone erasure software when you are-

• Selling an old iPhone
• Exchanging an old iPhone with a new one
• Donating an iPhone to someone
• Fixing technical malfunctions in your iPhone

Final Words

Stellar Toolkit for iPhone comes to the rescue when you want to be sure about your iPhone data privacy.

If you have to use your iOS device as new, give it away, donate, or resell, you must use the erasure software to wipe iPhone data permanently. It’s 100% secure and easy to use.

A free trial is available for Stellar Toolkit for iPhone; you may try it yourself.