Installing the latest iOS update on your iPhone allows you to enhance its security, introduce new features, improve performance, fix bugs, etc. However, sometimes these updates lead to unexpected data loss issues, leaving you worried about lost photos, videos, documents, and other files. If you have recently updated your iPhone and found any data missing, don’t panic.
Luckily, there are several iPhone data recovery methods available online to recover your lost data. This comprehensive guide explains various methods on how to recover lost iPhone data after an iOS update.
What Causes Data Loss After iOS Update?
Before you proceed with methods for iPhone data recovery after iOS update, it’s essential to understand why data loss occurs. Here are some main reasons for data loss during or after iOS updates:
- Interrupted Update Process: If the update process is interrupted by a low battery, unstable internet connection, or sudden restart, you may encounter data corruption or deletion.
- Software Glitches: There may be bugs in the update process, which might cause certain files to become inaccessible.
- Resetting Settings: Resetting your iPhone to default settings after installing the latest iOS update, sometimes leads to data loss.
- Unsuccessful Backup: If your backup process is incomplete or corrupted, restoring your data post-update might be challenging.
- Compatibility Issues: Older apps or files installed on your device might not sync correctly with the new iOS version, potentially causing data loss instances.
Quick Methods to Recover Lost iPhone Data After an iOS Update
Here are some quick methods that you can perform to recover lost iPhone data after the iOS update. Just go with these methods one-by-one to restore your deleted files easily:
Method 01: Check Your iCloud Backup
Apple provides seamless integration with iCloud, which automatically creates backup of the files stored on your device (when synced). If you have enabled iCloud backup on your iPhone, follow the below steps to recover lost files:
- Launch the Settings app, go to General > Reset > Erase all Contents and Settings.
- Now, click the Restore from iCloud Backup option.
- From the Choose Backup screen, select the backup version you need to restore.
- Sign in to your iCloud account and select the data you want.
- Lastly, click the Restore button to save all the related data back on the iPhone.
Method 02: Recover Data Using iTunes or Finder Backup
If you have backed up your iPhone to iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later), you can recover lost iPhone data after iOS update using your computer. All you have to do is:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes or Finder app.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click the Restore Backup option and select the most recent backup from the list.
- Go through on-screen instructions and wait till the process completes.
Tip: Ensure the backup file is recent to avoid losing important updates made since the last backup.
Method 03: Use iCloud.com to Recover Missing Files
You can even use iCloud.com to access and recover files that were backed up or synced with iCloud. iCloud stores data from apps like Photos, Notes, Contacts, and Files. To recover your lost iPhone data using iCloud.com, you need to:
- Open any web browser on your computer or another device.
- Visit iCloud.com and then log in with your Apple ID and password.
- Go to the Recently Deleted folder, then select the file you want to recover and click Restore.
- Once recovered, download the files to your computer.
Note: Files in the Recently Deleted folder are retained for 30 days after which they get permanently deleted.
Method 04: Use iPhone Data Recovery Software
If you don’t have any previously created backup, then third-party iPhone data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can be a lifesaver. You can use this tool to restore files lost from iPhone, iPad, or other iOS devices. Whether your data is deleted due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, or system failure, this all-in-one data recovery tool will be the best recovery option.
The Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software is known for several amazing features, including:
- It supports recovery of data from iPhone series 16/15/14/13/12/11/X and below.
- Allows you to recover lost files of various types, including photos, videos, documents, and many more.
- Simple and user-friendly interface for quick recovery
- Works seamlessly on both Windows and macOS systems
- Ensures safe recovery without overwriting existing data
- It performs an extensive scan to retrieve hard-to-recover files.
Here’s how to recover lost iPhone data after iOS update using the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone tool:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software from the official website on your computer. Also, connect your iPhone to that computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Launch the software and from the homepage, select Recover from iPhone and the file type you need to restore. Click Next to continue.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete; it may take a few minutes depending on the amount of data. Once done, preview the recoverable files and choose the ones you want to recover.
Step 4: Click the Save button to save the files to your desired location on the computer.
Tip: For the best recovery results, avoid using your iPhone after data loss to prevent overwriting deleted files.
Method 05: Use Apple Support
If all the above methods for iPhone data recovery after an iOS update fail, reach out to Apple Support for assistance. They may be able to help recover data or troubleshoot issues caused by the update or even any other reason.
How to contact Apple Support?
- Visit the Apple support website.
- Click Support from the menu bar located at the top.
- Select your issue from different categories and schedule a call or chat with a representative.
- If needed, visit an Apple Store for in-person assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I recover data after resetting my iPhone?
Yes, you can use any previously created backups to recover data after resetting your iPhone. However, if there is no backup, you can use iCloud, iTunes/Finder, or third-party recovery tools to restore your files.
Is data recovery software effective for lost data?
Third-party iPhone data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can be highly effective. The recovery success depends on factors like the duration since the data was lost and whether the space has been overwritten.
How long does the data recovery process take?
The exact duration of data recovery varies on the size of the lost data and the scanning process. A quick scan may take a few minutes, while a deep scan could take several hours.
Conclusion
Having sudden data loss on your iPhone after an iOS update can be stressful, but with the above-mentioned data recovery tools and techniques, you can recover your lost files. Always start by checking for backups via iCloud or iTunes/Finder, as these are the quickest approaches to recover lost files on any device. If you don’t have any backup, reliable iPhone data recovery software can be a valuable alternative. Finally, consider preventive measures like regular backups and careful update practices to avoid data loss in the future.
