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.

How to Recover FaceTime Call History on iPhone

Summary: Have you deleted or lost FaceTime calls from your iPhone? Once deleted from the call history, the Facetime calls are removed from the app’s history and vice versa. This post shares quick methods to restore FaceTime call history from any series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, X, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, and below versions and iPads’.

‘Just noticed, that the FaceTime call history suddenly disappeared. Cellular calls history is fine. I am using iOS 16.2, iPhone 14. I don’t have iTunes backup and don’t want to try iCloud backup as it will remove my current data. Is there any other way to get back FaceTime call history?’

‘I deleted the call history on my iPhone and without realizing that FaceTime calls will also be erased. How can I recover deleted FaceTime history?’

You love using FaceTime — Apple’s popular calling app, on your iOS device. It’s a free and easy way to connect with family and friends anywhere in the world through audio and video calls.

But what if ever you accidentally delete or lose FaceTime calls from your iPhone or iPad. They may be important calls you wanted to keep.

Since FaceTime calls are integrated into your recent calls list on iPhone, once deleted from the call history, the calls are removed from the app’s history as well and vice versa.

Here we share various methods to restore FaceTime call history on iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6 and below versions and iPad.

How to recover the lost or deleted FaceTime call history?

1. Restore FaceTime call history without iTunes/ iCloud backup

Deleted FaceTime history can be recovered by using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software. The software can restore lost FaceTime call history after accidental deletion, factory reset, app crash, jailbreak, and other issues.

The DIY software thoroughly scans your iPhone or iPad to recover the lost FaceTime call history.

In contrast to iTunes and iCloud backup, Stellar iPhone data recovery software lets you select and restore specific iPhone deleted call history along with the details like name, date, call duration, source country. This saves you from restoring other unnecessary data.

Step-by-step: Recover deleted/ lost FaceTime calls from iPhone

• Connect your iPhone to the computer
• Launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone
• Select Recover from iPhone on the left
• Select Contacts & Call Logs under What to Recover

• Click Next
• Preview and choose the FaceTime calls you want to restore from the list. Note: All the calls marked in red color are the deleted calls

• Click You can save the call history either on your computer or iPhone.

2. Recover FaceTime call history with iCloud

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can also restore FaceTime calls from iCloud backup on your iPhone or iPad. This method allows you to select and recover only the lost FaceTime call history from iCloud instead of restoring complete backup data.

Two methods to restore FaceTime log from iCloud:

1. Restore lost/deleted FaceTime calls from iCloud without losing existing iPhone data
2. Restore FaceTime call history from iCloud backup for free, deleting the current iPhone data

Method 1: Restore lost/deleted FaceTime calls from iCloud without losing existing iPhone data:

• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your PC/ Mac
• Select Recover from iCloud Backup on main screen of software

• Select Contacts & Call Logs and click Next
• Enter the Apple ID and password. List of all available iCloud backup files appears. Select the relevant backup of your iPhone
• Click Scan

• Click Call History on the left window. Preview the existing and deleted FaceTime calls. Click Deep Scan, if you don’t find your required calls.

• Click Save to save the recovered call history either on iPhone or computer

Method 2: Restore FaceTime from iCloud backup for free (this deletes the current iPhone data)

• Go to Settings > General > Reset> Erase all Contents and Settings

• On Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup

• Sign in to your iCloud account

• Choose the last backup and Restore

Note – The drawback of this method is that it deletes all your existing data from the iPhone.

Recover FaceTime calls from iTunes Backup

3. Recover FaceTime calls from iTunes Backup

FaceTime recovery from iTunes backup is also possible if you have enabled the backup in iTunes.

Restore FaceTime call log from iTunes either with the help of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone or directly from your system without the help of software.

However, if you don’t want to part ways with your iPhone’s existing data and lose all the current photos, videos, etc. with the old backup file, take the help of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

The software protects your current data on iPhone and recovers only the call history as required.

Two methods to restore FaceTime call history from iTunes

1. Restore FaceTime call history from iTunes without losing existing iPhone data
2. Restore FaceTime call history from iTunes backup, deleting the current iPhone data

Method 1: Restore FaceTime call history from iTunes without losing existing iPhone data

• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software on your PC/ Mac. Note: Connect your iPhone to a computer, if want to save the recovered FaceTime call history on iPhone.
• Select Recover from iTunes Backup on the main screen of the application.

• Select Contacts & Call Logs
• Click Next. From the list of the iTunes backup files, select the relevant iTunes backup

• Click Scan
• Click Call History. Preview the existing and deleted FaceTime calls. Click Deep Scan, if you don’t find your required calls.
• Click Save. You can save on your computer or iPhone

Method 2: Restore FaceTime call history from iTunes for free (this method deletes the current iPhone data)

• Connect iPhone to PC/ Mac
• Launch iTunes on your computer
• Select your iPhone under the Device list and choose the recent backup entry date

• Click Restore Backup

4. Contact Apple

Apple uses end-to-end encryption in FaceTime calls. It will not decrypt the content of your conversations. Apple may record and store information, such as to whom you had called and your iPhone/ iPad network configurations. It stores this information for up to 30 days. You don’t get the details like the content of the conversation or whether your call was answered or not.

Nevertheless, you can contact Apple requesting for FaceTime call logs by clicking on this link and submitting the request – Read More

Apple will get back to you.

Conclusion

iCloud and iTunes backup are the natural way for Apple users to recover FaceTime deleted call history. However, Apple’s solution though workable is not efficient when it comes to the recovery of specific types of data. The iTunes or iCloud backup recovery methods replace every existing data on your iPhone with an old/recent backup. You lose your current photos, videos, call history, messages, chats, etc.

Whereas Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone tackles this recovery issue more effectively. It recovers lost FaceTime calls and also keeps your current data intact on the iPhone.

The software works in all data loss situations due to deletion, jailbreak, water damage, factory reset, etc. You can restore FaceTime call history from any iPhone including series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, X, XS, XR, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6 and older versions. It is available for both Windows and macOS computers.

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.

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.