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

Click here


• 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.

How to Fix iPhone Storage Not Loading/Showing

The majority of smartphones require a certain amount of storage to operate properly. When you receive a low storage message, you may instinctively check your storage space but encounter the iPhone Storage Not Loading issue.

What could be the cause of such a bothersome problem? The bad news is that the root reason for this problem is unclear, but we’ve offered some fixes you can try to fix this issue.

There is yet another way to check the storage on your iPhone if you face the “iPhone Storage Not Showing” issue, and we’ll go over it in the following section.

How can I use a computer to check my storage?

You can check your iPhone’s storage using a computer with iTunes or Finder app installed.

• On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, launch the Finder or open iTunes on a PC or Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or an earlier version.
• You should use a cable to connect your phone and computer.
• Select your device in iTunes or Finder.
• You can see how much storage each type of content takes up by hovering your mouse over the storage bar.

How can I fix iPhone Storage Not Loading/Showing?

1. Wait a bit more

Some computing operations take a while to finish. Your phone’s storage may overflow with tons of app data, images, and other files if you’ve been using it for a while.

And each of them would have to load before reporting their combined size to the OS. Usually, loading takes about three minutes.

2. Update iOS

If your iOS version was outdated, your phone’s functionalities, including storage access, would not function properly. Additionally, updating the OS will get rid of any potential issues. Follow the procedures listed below to check and update your iOS version:

• Select General from the Settings menu.
• Click on Software Update. If any updates are available, download and install them.

3. Force Stops the App

The settings app itself can be the problem due to an app bug. Therefore, forcing the app to close is a valid option. This will make the software restart from scratch, wiping off part of the data and information it had in RAM.

• Access the app switcher (swipe up your finger from the bottom of the screen to bring up the menu or double-click the Home button on older iPhone models).

• Swipe up and drag the Settings card off the screen to force the app to close.
• Relaunch the Settings app to see if the problem persists.

Click here

### 4\. Reconnect to iCloud

iOS has been designed in a way that it needs to be connected to iCloud to function flawlessly. Therefore, the storage loading error could also be linked to connectivity issues between these two. In this case, signing out of the service and then back in again might resolve the issue.

• Open the Settings application.
• Click your profile at the top. To sign out of the service, tap iCloud.

• Next, sign in once more using your iCloud password.

5. Fix the Issue Using Your PC

When you connect the cable, link your iPhone to your PC, and sync the storage, iTunes looks for any issues and either fixes them on its own or recommends methods to fix them by yourself. For any software-related issues with your phone, this is a great fix, and it may even repair your iPhone storage not updating problem.

• Connect your phone to computers that have iTunes installed on them with a lightning cord.
• The storage data should be able to sync with your smartphone automatically.
• If not, press the Sync button.

6. Factory Reset Your iPhone

You may fix any bugs that cause iPhone storage not to update by performing a factory reset. Furthermore, it would restore your OS version to its factory settings, resolving any problems that updates might have brought on.

The whole contents of your device will be deleted if you follow this method. You can either create a backup of your data or use a tool to restore it once your iPhone has been entirely deleted to prevent this.

• Go Settings app on your smartphone. Next, choose Reset after choosing General.
• Under Reset, among the few options, click Erase all Content and Settings.

• Next, choose Erase iPhone. After that, your smartphone will return to its factory default settings.

Recover your data using Stellar data recovery for iPhone:

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is a powerful program that can retrieve files that have been erased unintentionally or on purpose. To guarantee that Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone will recover your data, it offers a variety of data recovery techniques. Furthermore, you wouldn’t need to check manuals or other documentation to understand how to use the software because of its basic user interface, which makes the recovery process easy.

With Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, your files, including voice recordings, notes, and Safari bookmarks, will be restored. What you should do is:

• Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone from the official website.
• Connect your iPhone to the PC through a cable.
• Launch the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, choose the type of data you wish to recover from the list, and click Next.

• Preview the recovered data, then Select and Save it to the chosen destination.

Why isn’t my iPhone storage loading?

When trying to check your iPhone’s storage, you will notice a small spinning wheel going back and forth if your phone is having storage problems since it cannot accurately represent the amount of storage that is accessible.

Furthermore, the loading issue may show an incorrect amount of storage. Some users reported this and other minor issues throughout the iOS 15 beta testing phase. Other factors contributing to this issue include iCloud service problems and application bugs.

Wrap up! Stellar is your ultimate backup

It is hard to download content or install apps on an iPhone with insufficient storage. Therefore, a factory reset would resolve your issue and clear the storage, enabling you to scan your device with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and retrieve any desired files.

And if a factory reset doesn’t fix iPhone storage not loading and showing problem, look for professional assistance with your problem. You can never be certain whether a storage issue results from faulty hardware or software.

FAQ:

• How do I create backups before wiping my iPhone clean?

Simply connect your phone to your computer, open iTunes, and choose the backup option, and the program will create a copy of your data that can be used to restore lost or deleted contents.

• Does Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone require a backup for successful file recovery?

Because the software searches iTunes for files, having a backup, there might be useful. However, the software can and will effortlessly restore your content even without any backups.

• Do I install the Stellar Data Recovery Software for iPhone on my smartphone?

The software cannot be installed or used on an iPhone or an Android smartphone. Because the software is compatible with the widely used Windows and Mac operating systems, you must first install it on a device using one of those operating systems before connecting your phone to it.

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.

• Storage Devices
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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

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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.

How to Recover Deleted Data from iPhone using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone?

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is an ideal tool for efficiently recovering deleted data from iPhone devices. This software can recover photos, videos, messages, call history, calendar, notes, etc. The tool uses an advanced algorithm, which scans through the memory and recovers data from any cases of data loss. In addition, this iPhone data recovery software  also uses a very simple and easy-to-use graphical user interface, making the entire process very easy to perform. Therefore, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to recover deleted photos and contacts from an iPhone device using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

 

Note: Run the latest version of iTunes services before launching the software.

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer via USB cable for recovery from iPhone. Once you launch the software, you have three options to choose from. Recover from iPhone, Recover from iTunes backup and Recover from iCloud backup.

2. Once Computer detects your iPhone, select ‘Recover from iPhone’, choose what you want to recover, and click “next”. It will show you the iOS devices connected to your system. Next, select your device and click “scan.”

3. After scanning the device, you will see details of all the recoverable items listed in the left-hand side panel.

4.   Now select and preview the required items by clicking the corresponding checkbox in front of each item.

5.   Click on ‘Save’ option to save the recovered items either on the Computer or iPhone depending on chosen location

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone® Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone® is the best DIY software to recover missing or accidentally deleted Contacts, Messages, Calendar, Photos, Videos, Call History etc directly from iPhone or iPad.