Recover iPhone

2 Methods to Recover iPhone Contatcs, Photos, SMS, etc. from iTunes Backup

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2020-03-19 / Update for  iPhone Data

No matter you lost iPhone data consciously or unconsciously, it would definitely leave you in a shocking situation especially when iPhone gets black screen of death or physically damaged. Then you are in an urgent need to recover iPhone data from iTunes backup.

Basically, there are two methods to retrieve iPhone data from iTunes, either recover lost iPhone Data with iTunes supported by Apple or recover through third party software, as we recommend UltData here.

2 Methods to Recover iPhone Files from iTunes Backup: Comparison

Frankly speaking, I'd like to point out that neither can you look through the backed up data before restoring it to the iPhone nor are you able to restore only certain iPhone files (like contacts, messages, notes and so on) and keep the remaining data intact if you choose to have the iPhone files restored from iTunes backup which is proposed by Apple.

However, UltData enables you to preview and recover as many as 11 types of iPhone files selectively. Namely, you can restore only the files you need instead of restoring the whole iTunes backup to your iPhone. The following table briefly summarizes the differences between the two methods.

iTunes Proposed by Apple UltData
File Types Contacts/Safari/Voice Memos/Call History/Reminders/Text Messages/SMS Attachments/Camera Roll/Calendar
Notes
Photos Partly ( only photos in camera roll ) All ( Besides photos in camera roll, including photos in App, like Instagram, Facebook, etc. )
Network
Configuration(Wi-Fi/VPN/Cellular Data Networking/DaiLi Service)
Other Configuration(Input Method Editor/System-preferred Interface Language)
Others Recovery Mode Basis All or Nothing Selectively
Find iTunes Backup Files Automatically
Get stuck in the recovery mode
iPhone data failed sync to iTunes backup
iTunes failed upgrade
iTunes won't recognize iPhone

How to Recover iPhone Lost Data from iTunes Backup Files

Method 1: Restore iPhone from iTunes Backup (Supported by Apple)

It is quite easy to recover iPhone lost data within this method. Just following the steps below:

  • Step 1: Make sure your iPhone is well-connected with PC and check whether you have backed up your iPhone before. Then you can view the specific time when iTunes backed up. retrieve iphone data from itunes
  • Step 2: Click the specific backup file or right click the device name of your iPhone. extract iphone data from itunes
  • Step 3: Click "OK" and wait some time. recover lost iphone data

Method 2: Recover iPhone Lost Data through UltData

There's no better word than "effective" to describe this method if Method 1 doesn't work for you since your iPhone can't connect with PC well. Following are the detailed steps.

  • Step 1: Firstly, download UltData and launch it, you need to select the backup you need and click "Start Scan". start scan itunes backup
  • Step 2: After scanning, you'll see all backup files well-listed in category. Preview those you need. extract iphone data from itunes
  • Step 3: Check what you need to retrieve, click "Recover" and choose a path to save the extracted photos, text messages and other types of files on Mac. retrieve iphone data from itunes

Suggestion

In addition to recovering iPhone data from iTunes backup, you can try UltData to extract and recover lost iPhone data provided that you haven't backed up your iPhone with iCloud. With this software, you can also recover iPhone data from your iPhone directly.