The backup can't be restored because the software is too old, How to Fix

Part 1. Can I Restore iTunes/iCloud Backup Made in iOS 14 (beta) to an iOS 13 Device?

Apple do not allow restore a backup from iPhone on a higher iOS version to a device on an earlier iOS version as some data files are different from iOS version to version. In simple terms, if you make a backup of your iPhone that runs iOS 13, you can restore the backup on an iPhone running iOS 14 but you cannot restore that backup on an iOS 12 running device.

• If you're restoring an iCloud backup from a newer version of iOS to an earlier version of iOS, you might be prompted to update your software.

• If you're restoring an iTunes backup from a newer version of iOS to an earlier version of iOS, you might see an error that your backup can't be restored because the software on your device is too old or you must update the iPhone to the latest version of iOS before it can be restored from this backup.

  

But you can use a tool like UltData to extract data from iTunes/iCloud backup and selectively restore data to your iPhone to get rid of the backup cannot be restored to this iPhone because the software on the iPhone is too old error.

Part 2. The Easiest Way to Restore a Backup from A Newer iOS version of to an Older iOS

There is a workaround to get past that limitation and to be able to restore just about any backup on your iPhone. This involves using a tool called Tenorshare UltData that allows you to extract content from your iTunes or iCloud backup and restore that content on your iPhone. This works regardless of what iOS version you used to make the backups. The following is how you can use it on your phone.

• Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
• Download and install the aforementioned software on your computer.

• Click on Recover from iTunes Backup File at the top. Then, select the backup that you want to retrieve contacts from in the list and click on the button that says Start Scan.

  

• Once the scan is finished, you will see the previews of the files that can be restored on your iPhone. Select all the files that you want to restore and click on Recover at the lower-right corner of your screen.

  

• You will get a prompt asking where you would like to restore the data. Click on the option that says Recover to Device to restore the data on your iPhone.

  

You are all set. Your backup has been successfully and selectively restored on your iPhone.

Part 3. Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS and Restore iTunes

Get the error "You must update the iPhone to the latest version of iOS before it can be restored from this backup"? Another way to get around the backup iPhone cannot be restored to this iPhone because the software on the iPhone is too old issue is to update the iOS version on your iPhone and then restore the backup.

This only requires you to have an Internet connection and the iTunes or Finder app running on your computer.

• On your iPhone, head to Settings > General > Software Update and update your device.

  
• Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.

• Launch the iTunes or Finder app, click on your iPhone, and select Restore Backup.

  
• Choose the backup and it will be restored on your iPhone.

Part 4. Update Your iPhone and Restore iCloud backup

If you restore an iCloud backup from a newer version of iOS, you might be asked to update your software. You can choose to download and install the update; your device will automatically update your software and then restore your backup.

• Click on Download and Install when you be asked to update your software.
• Enter the passcode and download the software.
• Tap Install Now to install the latest version of iOS to your iPhone.

• After updating, the iPhone will start to restore from iCloud backup.

  

Summary

If you get the backup cannot be restored to this iPhone because the software on the iPhone is too old issue, our methods above will fix the issue and let you restore the backup without any issues. UltData is highly If you get errors when try to restore iPhone from previous backup. If you have any quick questions about iPhone back restore, the following will answer them for you.

FAQs on iPhone Backup Restore

1. Can I restore a backup from a newer iOS?

If you are running an earlier iOS and you want to restore a backup from a newer iOS, you cannot do it. However, you can restore a backup from an earlier iOS to a newer iOS.

2. Does restoring from backup change iOS version?

Restoring data from a backup does not change the iOS version.

3. Can I Restore my iPhone from iCloud after setting it up as a new phone?

Yes, you can choose to restore a backup from iCloud on the Apps & Data screen while setting up your iPhone as a new phone.