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 Factory Reset iPhone and iPad Without Apple ID

Summary: This post guides you to the best methods to factory reset the iPhone without the Apple ID and password. It also shares a professional tool — Stellar iPhone Eraser that can help wipe iPhone without using Apple ID.

iPhone factory reset is essential when you want to sell off your old iPhone or troubleshoot the iOS device issues, such as iPhone freeze , iPhone stuck at booting loop, stuck at Apple logo , etc. But what if you have forgotten your Apple ID?

Apple ID is not just required to sign in to iCloud account, App store, etc., but also needed to factory reset iPhone and iPad.

So how to reset iPhone without Apple ID?

Lets’ explore the methods to reset iPhone without Apple ID and password. Also, levarn how you can recover your Apple ID password and then attempt a factory reset on your iPhone or iPad.

Methods to Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password

You can utilize iPhone Recovery Mode and iTunes on your computer to reset the iOS device without Apple ID. Another easier method to permanently delete everything on iPhone that doesn’t require your Apple ID is by using Stellar iPhone Eraser software.

While you can also choose to reset the forgotten Apple ID and password and then later factory reset the iOS device with the new Apple ID.

1. Use Recovery Mode to reset iPhone without Apple ID
2. Reset iPhone without Apple ID via Stellar iPhone Eraser
3. Recover Apple ID and Password to reset iPhone

Important: As Factory Reset deletes everything on iPhone, always backup your data before reset. If you haven’t and already reset your iOS device, you can download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer to restore the lost data due to factory reset.

Method 1: Use Recovery Mode to reset iPhone without Apple ID

You can factory reset iPhone without Apple ID or password by using Recovery Mode. Make sure to have the latest iTunes installed on your already trusted computer.

Steps to reset iPhone without Apple ID using Recovery Mode

Step 1: Update iTunes on your PC/Mac to the latest version.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone/ iPad to the computer via USB cable.

Step 3: Put your iPhone/ iPad to Recovery Mode. Note: The steps will vary with your iPhone/ iPad model.

How to put your iPhone to Recovery Mode

iPhone 8, iPhone X, or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch: Press and hold the Top (or Side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad with Home button, and iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPad models that don’t have a Home button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until your device begins to restart. Continue holding the Top button until your device goes into Recovery Mode.
Source: Apple support

Step 4:  iTunes detects the DFU mode and alerts you. Click OK in the message box.

Step 5: In iTunes, click Summary.

Step 6: Select Restore iPhone on the right pane.

Figure: Restore iPhone option iTunes

Step 7: Click Restore to confirm.

iTunes factory resets your iPhone without Apple ID. This will delete all your photos, videos, contacts, messages, chats and other data, same as in normal factory reset process using iPhone settings, which requires Apple ID.

Method 2: Reset iPhone without Apple ID via Stellar iPhone Eraser

Stellar iPhone Eraser software is another secure way to permanently erase complete iPhone data when you have forgotten Apple ID and password.  The software wipes iPhone as new without using the Apple ID.

Stellar iPhone Eraser is popularly used to reset iPhone before selling, donating, or exchanging so that no one can gain access to your personal data.

You can permanently delete photos, videos, audio, contacts, messages, passcodes, documents, third-party apps and other data from iPhone.

It sets the iOS device to the original factory settings. The software works with all iPhone variants including series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS MAX, XS, XR, X, 8, and below. It supports latest iOS 16 and below versions.

Steps to reset iPhone without Apple ID using software:

Step 1: Download and run Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on PC/Mac.

Step 2: Select Erase Data.

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

Figure: Erase iPhone Data screen

Step 4: Connect your iPhone to the computer when prompted.

Figure: Erase button in software

Step 5: Click Erase.

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

Step 7: In Data Erase Completes dialog box, click OK.

All the data gets erased permanently beyond recovery from your iPhone or iPad.

Method 3: Recover forgotten Apple ID and Password to reset iPhone

Apple ID password is necessary to use iPhone applications and services. So if you are not planning to sell off your iPhone or iPad, it is best to first recover the forgotten Apple ID password and then reset your iOS device using the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option in the iPhone Settings.

You can use iPhone Settings, Apple Support app, Find My iPhone, or visit Apple account page  to recover lost Apple ID password.

Click here to know in detail how to reset forgotten Apple ID and password.

Once you recover the Apple account password, follow the below steps to reset iPhone with the new Apple ID.

Reset iPhone with Apple ID password:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Click on Erase All Content and Settings.

Figure: Reset option in iPhone

3. Enter the new Apple password and click Erase iPhone.

Also read: Does factory reset deletes everything on iPhone?

Conclusion

Without the Apple ID and password, you cannot reset your iOS device through the traditional ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ method. Either you recover the forgotten Apple ID and password or use any of the two methods shared above to factory reset the iPhone without Apple ID.

You can put the iPhone to Recovery Mode and use iTunes on your computer to reset the iOS device without Apple ID. Other than this, a simpler way to permanently delete everything on your iPhone is by using Stellar iPhone Eraser software. The software doesn’t ask for Apple ID through the process. It quickly resets your iPhone or iPad and brings it to original settings by erasing complete data on it.

How to Recover Files after iPhone Factory Reset?

If you detect anything anomalous on your iPhone, you may need to reset it to factory settings. However, after a factory reset, you will lose all the data stored in your device. You will not be able to access your contact list, call logs, or messages, be it your imessages, WhatsApp, etc. But, why restore your iPhone?

Sometimes, there are issues that cannot be handled and the only solution is to restore the device to factory settings. This is usually done when the device functions abnormally or the performance is extremely slow. If your iPhone is restored to factory settings, every single bit of personal information will be permanently deleted from the device, and this may prevent others from getting access to your personal information.

How to reset your iPhone to Factory Settings:

To reset your iPhone to factory settings, follow the steps below:

1. Click Settings and then select General
2. Select Reset and click on Erase all contents and settings. The interface will prompt you to key in your Apple ID and Passcode
3. Enter your Apple ID and Passcode to proceed. With this, the procedure to factory reset iPhone is complete

Important!

Before resetting the iPhone device to factory settings, it would be a good practice to back up your device on your system. If you have not created a backup, you will not be able to restore the data back to your device, and all you will lose all your data. You can use iCloud or iTunes to back up your iPhone data. If anything anomalous occurs, all the data can be restored from the most recent backup files right from anywhere.

How to recover deleted data from your iPhone:

Even if you have not backed up your iPhone data, there’s still a solution. You can now retrieve all your erased data from your iPhone with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone . The tool is powered by sophisticated recovery algorithms that help restore all the data components back to your iPhone after a factory reset.

The tool provides the option to recover data through multiple channels. Since we need to recover data that has been erased after a factory reset, we need to select ‘Recover from iPhone’ option from the main interface of the tool.

Follow the steps below to restore your deleted data:

1. Connect your iPhone device to the system. The tool will then begin to analyze the device for detecting the previously existing files from the connected device. The tool will generate a preview for all the folders and incorporated contents within its panel.
2. You can then select single or multiple files for recovery that you have lost while resetting your iPhone.
3. The iPhone recovery tool will provide dual options to store data either on the hard drive on the computer or your connected iPhone device.

Not only the tool provides the benefit to recover data from iPhone device, but you will also be able to recover data from iTunes or iCloud backup files . Also, the iOS recovery tool can also be used to recover data from encrypted backup files. However, to utilize this feature, it is important to have a backup.

Important!

• Backup your data before performing any huge operation on the iPhone device such as restoring the device to factory settings.
• It is a good practice to store iPhone data on iCloud and perform a regular backup to prevent data loss.
• Saving iPhone data to iCloud offers an ease of accessing data contents from anywhere, even if the data is deleted from your device.
• In addition to online backups, it is beneficial to retain a replica of existing data on another device such as a system hard drive or external storage media.

How to Restore iPhone without Backup

Summary: Have you lost your iPhone data after an iOS upgrade or accidental deletion, etc.? Learn how iPhone data recovery software helps restore your iPhone without backup.

Digital devices are at a constant risk of inadvertent data loss, this data might be critical and iPhones are no exception. As a result, understanding different approaches you can take to bounce back from iPhone data loss is crucial when there’s no recent backup.

Data loss in iPhone occurs when you accidentally delete some important data, or your device is lost or stolen or physically damaged resulting in an inability to access or use your data. The best way to prevent it is to take routine backups of your iPhone data using iCloud or iTunes.

However, many users fail to maintain regular iPhone backups and lose crucial data when dealing with a fatal error. In such cases, you can utilize the multiple practices mentioned in this guideline to restore all your iPhone data without backup and save the day.

What Causes Data Loss on iPhones?

In the world of smartphones, there are many ways to lose data. Sometimes, it happens by accident; other times, it emerges as a result of malicious activity. Some of the most common causes of data loss on iPhones include:

• Human Error: Sometimes, data loss occurs when someone accidentally deletes important data. Either they were not paying attention or were distracted by something else that lead accidental data loss.
• Malware Activity: Malware is a program designed to harm your phone or information. Although iOS is relatively immune to cyber-attacks, it’s still advised to stay away from suspicious websites and emails to keep your iPhone and its data safe.
• Software Corruption: Software corruption occurs when a program, including an OS, fails to run properly due to internal errors like virus or malware attack, failed software updates, etc.

Although there are many other causes for data loss in iPhones, the top three mentioned above are the most common.

Can iPhone Data be Restored without Backup?

It may be possible to restore iPhone data without backup, but its success depends on certain factors. Deleting the iPhone data or factory resetting the iPhone doesn’t mean that your data is completely removed from the device. That data is still there on your device but has been moved to an unallocated folder.

To restore this deleted or lost iPhone data, immediately stop using your device to avoid overwriting. Then there is a possibility that you may be able to retrieve your iPhone data.

How Can I Restore iPhone without Backup?

The only way to restore lost data on your iPhone without a backup is by utilizing third-party recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is an award-winning recovery software that can restore deleted or lost files from your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. It offers many amazing features to help you get back your photos, videos, audio files, documents, and other essential data in no time.

This software is powerful and easy-to-use when retrieving lost data, and you can operate it even if you have no technical background. Follow the steps below to discover how to utilize Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and restore your lost data.

• Connect your iOS-operated device to a computer
• Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer.
• Click on the Start menu, type Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, and press Enter.
• As the software launches, enter the Activation Key you received with your purchase.
• Then select the type of data you wish to recover and click Next.

• Wait for the scanning process to finish.

• Browse the recovered files and press Recover to save them on a storage device.

• After following the instructions, the lost files are accessible on the storage device you selected.

How Do I Prevent Data Loss on iPhones?

An iPhone backup is the best way to prevent data loss; it’s a copy of your data on a storage media or any Cloud server other than your iPhone.

There are several ways to create a backup of your iPhone; the safest choices are iTunes and iCloud. Follow the instructions below to create a backup immediately.

Back up iPhone using iTunes

Follow these steps to utilize iTunes:

• Download and install iTunes on your computer.
• Connect your device to the computer.
• Once you’re in the Device Summary page, click on Back Up Now.
• Wait for the process to finish.

Back up iPhone using iCloud

Follow these steps to utilize iCloud:

• Unlock your phone and open Settings.
• Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
• Select iCloud on the following page.
• Turn on iCloud Backup.
• Tap Back Up Now.
• Wait for the process to finish.

You can use this iCloud backup to restore iPhone data when needed. To know more, read: How to Restore iPhone from iCloud backup .

Bottom Line

Data loss in iPhone can occur due to various reasons including accidental deletion, software malfunction, etc.

The best way to prevent such scenarios is by taking regular backups of your iPhone. So, in an emergency, you can restore all your data from the backups you created earlier.

If you need help keeping healthy backups or utilizing recovery software to restore your information, seek a professional assistant to provide more instructions.

FAQ

1. Is Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone free?

You can download a free demo of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and test all the features. However, you must activate the product if you wish to recover files.

2. What version of iOS does Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone support?

The software supports the latest iOS and all the previous versions.

3. Does Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone require iTunes to be installed?

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone utilizes iTunes system drivers to identify your devices.

4. How to recover deleted photos, videos & music files from your iPhone?

Users may lose their photos/videos/ music files due to accidental file deletion, system resets, failed updates, etc. However, by using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, you can recover lost media from Camera Roll, Photo Stream, WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, Tango, and other apps.

5. How to recover deleted voice memos from your iPhone?

You can restore deleted voice memos from the Recently Deleted folder, iCloud or iTunes backup, and iPhone data recovery software.

6. How to recover deleted contacts from your iPhone?

Losing contacts is frustrating, leaving users in agony to re-enter the lost information manually. However, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone offers professional scans to retrieve lost or missing contacts and save them in CF, CSV, or HTML formats.

7. How to Retrieve Call History on iPhone?

Call logs may become inaccessible because of an app crash, iOS update, hardware damage, etc. Use backup or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to restore the lost or deleted iPhone call history .

8. How to retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone?

Messages may contain valuable information, and losing them can cause immense stress. Use the best iPhone data recovery tool like Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to recover lost text messages and iMessages from your iPhone or iPad.

9. How to recover deleted notes from your iPhone?

If you lose access to your notes for some reason, you can use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to run deep scans and retrieve deleted Notes and attachments .

10. How to restore iPhone from iTunes backup?

Although you can restore an iTunes backup from your computer, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also lets you retrieve only the preferred files from your iTunes files.