iTunes Restore iPhone VS Restore Backup |Which to Choose?

Things You Should Know About iTunes Restore iPhone VS Restore Backup

iTunes Restore iPhone vs Restore Backup refers to two different actions you can perform when managing your iPhone’s data and settings:

1. Restore Backup:

✔ When you choose Restore Backup in iTunes, you can select a backup from the list of available backups in iTunes and then proceed to restore that backup to your device.
✔ Restore Backup is typically used when you want to recover data, apps, and settings that were saved in a previous backup. It’s useful when you have a recent backup and need to transfer your data to a new iPhone or restore your current iPhone to a specific state.

2. Restore iPhone:

✔ When you choose Restore iPhone in iTunes, you are initiating a process that erases all the data and settings on your iPhone and returns it to its factory default state.
✔ Restore iPhone is usually used when you want to start fresh with your iPhone, resolve significant software issues or errors, or prepare the device for resale or transfer to another user.

In summary, Restore Backup is used to recover data and settings from a previously created backup, while Restore iPhone is used to erase all data and settings and reset your iPhone to its factory default state. It’s important to note that restoring your iPhone erases all the content and settings on the device, so you should backup iPhone to iPad or other device if you’re sure you want to erase everything.

# How to Restore Backup to a New iPhone with iTunes

Before you try to restore iPhone backup to new phone, please make sure your PC contains the backup that you want to restore. To know whether the backup contains the data you want, you can use an iPhone backup extractor. Now let’s follow the steps to restore an iPhone from iTunes:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC where there are iTunes backups and tap Trust on your iPhone screen.

Step 2: Launch iTunes on the PC and click Summary on the left > Then, choose This computer and click Restore Backup.

Step 3: Choose a backup you want to restore. Next, you need to confirm the restore process by clicking Restore.

★Tip:

To avoid the “iPhone won’t restore” issue, please ensure that the destination device is newer than the backup device, as iTunes doesn’t support backup to an older device than the backup device.

# How to Restore iPhone to Factory Default State with iTunes

If you have some issues with your iPhone, you can make use of iTunes to restore iPhone to its factory default state to fix issues. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Open iTunes on your Windows PC, and connect your iPhone to the computer using the USB cable that either came with your device or is compatible with it.

Step 2: As soon as iTunes recognizes the connection, click an iPhone icon appearing at the top-left corner to access the Summary screen.

Step 3: Navigate to the right panel and select Restore iPhone... > It will take a few minutes to reset your iPhone, and when it is over, click Done.

Once the restoration is done, your iPhone will automatically restart and synchronize with iTunes on your computer. It’s important to refrain from disconnecting your iPhone until you see the iPhone icon reappear in the top-left corner of iTunes.

Bonus: How to Backup iPhone Without iTunes [FoneTool Recommended]

While iTunes is a handy backup tool, it has one limitation, as it only keeps the most recent backup and overwrites previous backups. If you need to maintain multiple backups at the same time, a robust iOS data management solution such as FoneTool - a free and safe iPhone backup tool. It is an excellent iTunes alternative to back up and restore your iPhone.

Benefits of Using FoneTool to Backup iPhone Without iTunes:
No Overwriting of Backups: Unlike iTunes, FoneTool ensures that your existing backups are not overwritten, allowing you to maintain multiple backup versions.
Selective Backup and Restore: With FoneTool, you can preview and choose specific data to back up or restore, providing more control over your iPhone.
Fast Backup and Restore: FoneTool offers efficient and quick backup and restore processes, saving you time and ensuring minimal disruption to your workflow.
User-Friendly Interface: FoneTool offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to backup iPhone.

Part 1. Make a Full or Selective Backup of your iPhone

Step 1: Free download and install FoneTool on your PC > Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable, and tap Trust on your iPhone screen.

Step 2: Launch FoneTool to its main interface > Select Phone Backup > Full Backup (or Selective Backup to preview and select the desired files to back up) and click Get Started.

Step 3: Enable Backup Encryption to safeguard your privacy > Designate a backup storage location on your PC and then click Start Backup to initiate the process.

Part 2. Restore from FoneTool’s Backup Without Erasing

Step 1: When you need to restore your backup files, connect your device using a USB cable and launch FoneTool.

Step 2: Navigate to the left menu bar and select Backup History and then click the Restore button to access the restoration interface.

Step 3: In the restore interface, you can handpick the specific items you wish to restore and choose the target device. Once your selections are made, simply click Start Restore to restore iPhone backup without iTunes.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about iTunes Restore iPhone vs Restore Backup. Now, if you need to manage your iPhone, you can choose a corresponding method to accomplish this task. But if you are still confused with the iTunes difference between Restore iPhone and Restore Backup, you can try to use FoneTool to selectively or fully back up and restore your iPhone. With the help of FoneTool, you can encrypt backup for iPhone to protect private data.