How to Restore iPhone from iCloud

Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and Jack Lloyd

You can restore your iPhone directly from iCloud without ever having to plug it in to iTunes! Unfortunately, you'll need to completely erase all of your iPhone's data and settings--a time-consuming procedure--and then restore from a previous iCloud backup.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Erasing Your iPhone

1
Consider backing up your iPhone to iCloud before continuing. Since you'll be erasing your iPhone's contents and then retrieving the most recent record of your iPhone's data, backing it up before erasing will ensure that your data is as up to date as possible when you restore it. After you complete this process, you can proceed with erasing your iPhone.^{[1]
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- You'll need to remove your iPhone from "Find My iPhone" before you can restore from an iCloud backup.
2
Make sure your software is up to date. You won't be able to restore from iCloud if you aren't running the latest version of iOS. To check for an update:
- Tap your Settings app to open it.
- Tap the "General" tab.
- Tap the "Software Update" option.
- Tap "Download and Install" if there is an update available.
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3
Return to the "General" tab.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.} If you had to update, you'll need to tap the Settings app again to re-open Settings.^{[3]
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4
Tap the "Reset" option.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.} This will be at the bottom of the General menu.
5
Tap "Erase all content and settings".^{[5]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.} If your iPhone has a passcode, you'll need to enter it to continue.
6
Tap "Erase iPhone". This is at the bottom of the screen; tapping it will begin the erase process.
7
Wait for your iPhone to finish resetting. This may take several minute; once it's done, you can begin restoring your iPhone.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Restoring Your iPhone

1
Swipe the "Slide to unlock" text on your phone's screen to unlock it. This will begin the setup process.
2
Tap your preferred language on the next screen. This will set your phone's default language.
3
Tap your preferred region. This will be on the "Select Your Country or Region" screen; doing so sets your phone's default location.
4
Choose a wifi network to connect to. You can also skip this step.
5
Enter your Apple ID and password on the "Activation Lock" screen. These credentials must be the same ones you used to set up your iPhone.
- You'll have to tap "Next" to continue.
- If you've changed your Apple ID password since setting up your iPhone, use that password instead.
6
Choose to enable or disable location services. If you aren't sure of which one to choose, tap "Disable location services" at the bottom of your screen.^{[6]
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7
Enter a passcode of your choosing, then enter it again to confirm. You can also do this later if you wish.
8
Tap "Restore from iCloud Backup" on the "Apps and Data" screen. This will begin the restoration process.
9
Enter your Apple ID and password again. This is to check for iCloud backup files.
10
Tap "Agree" to continue. This is in the lower right corner of your screen; tapping "Agree" will prompt you to select an iCloud backup date.
11
Tap your preferred iCloud backup date to begin the backup process. Please note that a restoration from iCloud will take several minutes.
12
Wait for your iPhone to finish restoring. This may take several minutes.
13
Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This will restore your phone and its data. Please note that you will need to wait an additional amount of time to let your phone's apps update and resume their pre-erase status.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I wipe my iPhone before selling it?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

Go to the "general" tag under "settings." Click on the "reset" button, then select "erase all content and settings." Finally, press "erase iPhone."
Question

How do I find my Apple ID and password?

Community Answer

Go to your Apple ID account page and click Forgot Apple ID or Password. When you're asked to enter your Apple ID, click Forgot Apple ID. Enter your first name, last name, and email address. If you enter the wrong email address, you can try again with a different one.
Question

How do I restore my iPhone 6S Plus from iCloud?

Community Answer

iPhone 6s Plus can only be restored manually.