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How to Recover iPhone/Android Data After Factory Reset: Full Recovery Guide

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-12-01 / Data Recovery

If you've performed a factory reset on your iPhone or Android device and lost important data, you might be wondering if recovery is still possible. The good news is that in many cases, data can still be recovered after a factory reset, especially if you act quickly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple methods to recover your lost photos, videos, messages, and other important files from both iPhone and Android devices.

Part 1: Can Data Be Recovered After a Factory Reset? (iPhone & Android)

If you're wondering whether data can be recovered after a factory reset, you're not alone. Many users search for terms like "after factory reset can data be recovered iPhone" or "recover data after Android factory reset" because losing everything after a reset feels final. Luckily, a factory reset doesn't always erase data forever. On both iPhone and Android, deleted files often remain in internal storage until new data overwrites them — which means recovery is still possible if you act quickly.

Why Factory Reset Doesn't Permanently Erase Data

A factory reset wipes your system settings and clears file indexes, but the underlying data blocks usually stay intact temporarily. This is why deep-scan recovery tools can still extract old data. When you perform a factory reset, your device essentially removes the roadmap to your files rather than the files themselves. The actual data remains on the storage chip until it gets overwritten by new information.

Think of it like removing the table of contents from a book — the chapters are still there, you just need the right tool to find them again. This technical reality is what makes data recovery after factory reset possible, especially when you use professional recovery software like Tenorshare UltData.

How Internal Storage Handles "Deleted" Files on iPhone and Android

iOS and Android both treat deleted data as "free space," not immediately overwriting it. Unless the phone has been heavily used after the reset, a large amount of recoverable data may remain. Both operating systems use similar storage management principles where deletion marks storage blocks as available rather than actively erasing them.

On iPhone, the APFS file system maintains data integrity until those storage blocks are explicitly needed for new data. On Android, the ext4 or F2FS file systems work similarly. This means your photos, videos, messages, and app data could still be sitting in storage, waiting to be recovered with the right tools.

Factors That Affect Your Recovery Success Rate

Success usually depends on several key factors that determine whether your data can be successfully retrieved:

• How much the phone has been used after the reset — more usage means more data overwriting
• Whether the deleted blocks have been overwritten by new files or system operations
• Device model and storage type — newer devices with advanced storage management may be more challenging
• Whether backups existed before the reset — cloud backups provide an alternative recovery path
• Time elapsed since the factory reset was performed
• Whether encryption was enabled on the device before reset

Important:

Act fast — every minute of usage reduces the recovery chance. The best practice after an accidental factory reset is to immediately stop using the device and begin the recovery process as soon as possible.

Part 2: Try Backup Options First (iCloud, Google Backup, Local Backups)

Before attempting deeper recovery, check whether a backup already contains your files. Many users searching for "recover iPhone data after factory reset without backup" later discover they actually had iCloud or Google backups enabled unknowingly. Restoring from a cloud backup is always the safest first step and often the quickest way to get your data back.

Restore iPhone Data from iCloud, iTunes, or Finder Backup

If iCloud Backup was enabled before the factory reset, you can easily restore your data during the device setup process or by erasing and restoring your iPhone. Here's how to check and restore from iCloud backup:

• During initial setup after factory reset, select "Restore from iCloud Backup" when you reach the Apps & Data screen.
• Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password.
• Choose the most recent backup from the list of available backups.
• Wait for the restore process to complete — this may take several minutes to hours depending on backup size.

If your device is already set up, you can restore from iCloud by going to: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings → Restore from iCloud Backup

For computer backups created with iTunes or Finder:

• Connect your iPhone to the computer where the backup was stored.
• Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS versions).
• Select your device when it appears.
• Click "Restore Backup" and choose the most relevant backup from the list.
• Wait for the restore process to complete and your device to restart.

Restore Android Data from Google Drive or OEM Cloud Backup

Android users can check for automatic backups through Google services or manufacturer-specific cloud solutions. Google automatically backs up many types of data when backup is enabled. Here's how to restore:

• During initial setup after factory reset, sign in with your Google account.
• Select "Restore" when prompted to restore apps and data from backup.
• Choose the backup you want to restore from the available options.
• Wait for the restoration process to complete.

To check your Google backup settings or manually restore:

• Go to Settings → Google → Backup
• Verify that backup was enabled before the factory reset
• Check the backup details to see what data was included
• For brand-specific services, check Samsung Cloud, Mi Cloud, or other manufacturer backup services

What to Do If Your Backup Is Incomplete or Missing

If the backup is old or doesn't include the files you need, you will need to attempt recovery directly from the device using deep-scan tools. Sometimes backups may be outdated, corrupted, or simply don't contain specific file types you need. In these cases, professional data recovery software becomes necessary.

Common scenarios where backups fail to help include:

• Backup was disabled or not set up properly before the factory reset
• The most recent backup is too old and missing recent photos or messages
• Specific app data wasn't included in the backup (some apps don't back up automatically)
• Backup file is corrupted or incomplete
• You need to recover data that wasn't included in standard backups

Part 3: How to Recover Data After Factory Reset Without Backup (iPhone & Android)

If you have no backup, you can still recover lost files. Many users search for "recover iPhone data after factory reset without backup" or "recover data Android after factory reset" when traditional options fail. The good news: recovery without backup is possible because the internal storage often retains deleted data until overwritten.

Why Recovery Without Backup Is Still Possible

A factory reset clears system references but not the raw data blocks. Professional tools can read these blocks and reconstruct photos, videos, WhatsApp data, and other files. The technical process involves scanning the device's storage at a low level, bypassing the operating system's file management to access data that the system considers "deleted."

Modern recovery tools like Tenorshare UltData use advanced algorithms to identify and reconstruct file fragments, even when file system metadata has been removed. This is possible because:

• Storage devices don't immediately erase data at the physical level
• File signatures and patterns can be detected even without file system indexes
• Recovery software can piece together fragmented data blocks
• Many files remain intact in storage sectors marked as "available"

Best Solutions When You Don't Have a Backup

If cloud backups don't help, your choices are:

• Deep device scanning using a data recovery tool like Tenorshare UltData
• Checking synced app data (e.g., WhatsApp cloud backup, Google Photos sync)
• Recovering from SD card (Android only) if external storage was used
• Consulting professional data recovery services for critical data
• Using manufacturer-specific recovery options if available

Features of Tenorshare UltData:

• Recovers data directly from device without backup required
• Supports both iPhone and Android platforms
• Retrieves photos, videos, messages, WhatsApp data, and more
• Deep scan technology for maximum recovery success
• Preview files before recovery to select what you need
• Safe and secure with no data overwriting during scan

When You Should Use Professional Recovery Tools

Use a recovery tool when:

• The reset was accidental and you need urgent data recovery
• The device failed during an update leading to data loss
• Important photos or app data were never backed up
• You need to recover multiple file types at once
• Cloud backups are unavailable, incomplete, or too old
• Specific app data like WhatsApp messages need to be recovered

This leads into the most effective solution — using Tenorshare UltData, which provides comprehensive recovery capabilities for both iPhone and Android devices even when no backup exists.

Part 4: Step-by-Step Guide to Recover iPhone/Android Data After Factory Reset with UltData

Tenorshare UltData offers the most reliable method for recovering lost data on both iPhone and Android, especially when there is no backup. Below are clear, practical steps for each platform to help you recover your valuable data after a factory reset.

Recover iPhone Data After Factory Reset (Step-by-Step)HOT

Follow these simple steps to recover your iPhone data after factory reset using Tenorshare UltData:

• Download and install Tenorshare UltData (iOS) on your Windows or Mac computer. Launch the software after installation completes.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Make sure to trust the computer when prompted on your iPhone.Select "Recover Data from iPhone/iPad Data Recovery" from the main interface. This option allows direct recovery from the device without requiring a backup.

• Choose the file types you want to recover (photos, videos, messages, contacts, WhatsApp, etc.) and click "Scan". The software will begin scanning your device for recoverable data.

• After the scan completes, preview all recoverable files. You can filter by file type and select specific items you want to restore.Select the files you want to recover and click "Recover to PC". Choose a location to save your recovered data and wait for the export process to complete.

Recover Android Data After Factory Reset (Step-by-Step)HOT

For Android users, Tenorshare UltData for Android provides similar powerful recovery capabilities. Here's how to use it:

• Install Tenorshare UltData for Android on your computer and launch the application.

• Connect your Android device to the computer via USB cable. Enable USB debugging on your Android device by going to Settings → About Phone → tap Build Number 7 times → then go to Settings → Developer Options → enable USB Debugging.Once connected, choose "Recover Lost Data" option from the main menu.Select the data categories you want to recover (photos, videos, WhatsApp, documents, messages, contacts, etc.). Click "Start" to begin the scanning process.

• The software will run a deep scan to search for deleted but unreplaced files on your Android device. This may take several minutes depending on your storage size.Preview all recoverable items and select the files you want to restore. Click "Recover" to export them securely to your computer.

Note:

For Android devices, root access may be required for deeper scanning and maximum recovery success. The software will guide you through the rooting process if necessary.

Why UltData Offers the Fastest and Most Reliable Recovery

Tenorshare UltData stands out as the premier choice for data recovery after factory reset for several compelling reasons:

• Deep storage sector scanning that retrieves data normal apps cannot access
• Works effectively even when no backup exists on either platform
• Supports comprehensive data types: photos, videos, WhatsApp, messages, contacts, and more
• Preview functionality allows selective recovery, saving time and storage
• Safe scanning process that doesn't overwrite existing data
• Compatible with latest iPhone and Android devices and OS versions
• High success rate with proven recovery algorithms
• User-friendly interface suitable for both technical and non-technical users

UltData scans deep storage sectors, retrieves data that normal apps can't access, and works even when no backup exists. It supports both iPhone and Android, covers photos, videos, WhatsApp, and more — making it the best all-around recovery solution after a factory reset.

UltData - The Mostly Professional Data Recovery Software

The most comprehensive data recovery solution for iPhone and Android. Recover lost photos, videos, messages, WhatsApp, and more after factory reset with the highest success rate.

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Part 5: FAQs About Data Recovery After Factory Reset

Conclusion

Experiencing data loss after a factory reset can feel overwhelming, but your files are often far from gone. Whether you use backups or scan your device directly, there are reliable ways to restore lost data on both iPhone and Android. For situations with no backup — or when traditional methods fail — Tenorshare UltData offers the strongest chance of retrieving your photos, videos, messages, and app data. Remember to act quickly, avoid using the device extensively after the reset, and always maintain regular backups to prevent future data loss scenarios.

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