How to Restore iPhone from iCloud

Erase iPhone

Consider backing up your iPhone to iCloud before continuing. Since you'll be erasing content on your iPhone and then retrieving the iPhone's most recent data record, backing up before erasing will ensure the data is updated as soon as you restore it. Once you complete this process, you can proceed to erase your iPhone.

You'll need to erase your iPhone from "Find My iPhone" before restoring from an iCloud backup.

Make sure the software is up to date. You can't restore from iCloud if you're not running the latest version of iOS. To check for updates:

Tap the Settings app to open it.

Click the "General" tab ("General Settings").

Click the "Software Update" option.

Click "Download and Install" if an update is available.

Return to the "General Settings" tab. If an update is required, tap the Settings app again to reopen Settings.

Press the "Reset" option ("Reset"). This option is at the bottom of the General Settings menu.

Click "Erase all content and settings". If your iPhone has a passcode, you'll need to enter it to continue.

Click "Erase iPhone". This item is at the bottom of the screen; will execute the delete command when pressed.

Wait for the iPhone to complete the reset process. This may take several minutes; Once done, you can start restoring your iPhone.

Restore iPhone

Swipe the words "Slide to unlock" on the phone screen to unlock it. The setup process will begin.

Tap your favorite language on the next screen. This will set the default language for your phone.

Tap your favorite region. This option is in the "Select Your Country or Region" section; The phone's default location will be set.

Select wifi network to connect. You can also skip this step.

Enter your Apple ID and password on the "Activation Lock" screen. These credentials must be the same as the ones you used to set up your iPhone.

You will have to press "Next" to continue.

If you've changed your Apple ID password since you set up your iPhone, use that password.

Select to enable or disable location services. If you're not sure what to choose, tap "Disable location services" at the bottom of the screen.

Enter the passcode of your choice, then re-enter it to confirm. You can also do this later if you want.

Tap "Restore from iCloud Backup" on the "Apps and Data" screen. This will start the recovery process.

Re-enter your Apple ID and password. This process is to check iCloud backup files.

Click "Agree" to continue. This item is in the lower right corner of the screen; You will be prompted to select an iCloud backup date after tapping "Agree."

Enter your favorite iCloud backup date to start the backup process. Note that restoring from iCloud will take a few minutes.

Wait for your iPhone to complete the restore process. This process may take a few minutes.

Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. The phone and its data will be restored. Note that you will need to wait a while to allow phone apps to update and return to their pre-deleted state.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 01 November 2023