Do you have an older iTunes backup that you want to restore on your iOS device? Whether you have a new device or want to revert to an older backup, restoring your iPhone or iPad from an archived iTunes backup can be incredibly helpful. This article will guide you through the process of restoring your iOS device from an older archived iTunes backup.
What are Archived iTunes Backups?
When you make a backup of your iOS device using iTunes, the backup gets saved on your computer as a file. By default, the backup file gets saved in a folder on your computer’s hard drive. However, after multiple backups, these files can pile up and take a significant amount of storage space on your computer. To manage the storage space, iTunes offers an option to archive backups. When you archive a backup, iTunes makes a copy of the backup file and moves it to a new location on your computer while keeping the original one intact. Archiving a backup enables you to save multiple backups of your iOS device without taking up too much disk space on your computer.
How to Restore iOS Devices from Older Archived iTunes Backups
Restoring from a previous archived backup on iTunes is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer
Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure you trust the computer if it is the first time connecting your device.
Step 2: Open iTunes and Select your Device
Open iTunes and click on the device icon located on the top left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Choose the Archived Backup
Under the Summary tab, scroll down to the Backups section and select the ‘Restore Backup’ option. A list of available backups will appear, choose the archived backup you want to restore from.
Step 4: Restore Your iOS Device
Once you’ve selected the archived backup, click on the ‘Restore’ button to begin the restoration process. iTunes will prompt you to confirm the action. Click ‘Restore’ again, and the restore process will commence. It may take a few minutes to restore the backup, depending on its size. Make sure you don’t disconnect your device from your computer during the process.
Concluding Thoughts on How to Restore iOS Devices from Older Archived iTunes Backups
Restoring your iOS device from an archived iTunes backup enables you to recover lost data, including photos, apps, and settings on your iOS device. Archiving backups on iTunes is an excellent way to save multiple backups without taking up too much space on your computer. Following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can restore your iOS device from any previously archived backup.
FAQs about How to Restore iOS Devices from Older Archived iTunes Backups
1. How do I archive my iTunes backup?
To archive an iTunes backup, connect your iOS device to your computer, open iTunes, and click on the device icon. Select ‘Back Up Now’ from the ‘Manually Back Up and Restore’ section. Once the backup is complete, go to Preferences > Devices. Right-click on the backup you want to archive and select ‘Archive.’ iTunes will move the backup files to another location on your computer and create a copy of the backup.
2. Can I restore from an iCloud backup instead of an iTunes backup?
Yes. You can also restore your iOS device from an iCloud backup by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On the apps & data screen, select ‘Restore from iCloud Backup.’ Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the backup you want to restore from.
3. Will restoring an archived backup delete my current files and settings?
Yes. Restoring a backup will overwrite your current data, settings, and files on your iOS device. Ensure you back up your data before restoring from an archived backup.
In Conclusion,
Restoring from an older archived iTunes backup is an excellent way to recover lost data, retrieve your favorite apps, or revert to an old setup. It’s an easy process that takes a few clicks, and you’re done. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you restore your iOS device from an older archived iTunes backup.
