[Fixed] iTunes Cannot Restore Backup to iPhone Error

Summary: iTunes may fail to restore backup to your iPhone due to insufficient storage space. To fix the issue, erase all the content on your iPhone, use iCloud backup, or try an iPhone data recovery software. Continue reading the blog for detailed solutions.

iTunes has been useful for its extensive library, centralized media player, and backup properties. Although Apple discontinued iTunes for Mac in 2019 and replaced it with different apps for music, podcasts, etc., many users with Windows and older Mac devices (iPad, iPhone, or iPod) still use it.

iTunes is good for managing certain media types and backups. However, it is not immune to errors and bugs. Sometimes, you may face errors, such as ‘iTunes Cannot Restore Backup to iPhone.’

The error mostly affects iPhone models 5, 6, 7, and beyond. It occurs when these models try to switch between differing iOS versions or use encrypted backups. Continue reading this blog to learn more about this error!

iTunes Cannot Restore Backup to iPhone Error – An Overview

‘iTunes cannot restore to iPhone’ issue may occur for many reasons, including outdated iTunes, insufficient space available on the iPhone, or a corrupted backup. Users reported that when encountering this issue, they received an error message: “The ‘iPhone 15’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred.” Many users have sought solutions on Apple and Reddit forums for this error. If you’re also facing this issue, try the following fixes.

Methods to fix iTunes Cannot Restore to iPhone Error

Method 1: Check Remaining iPhone Storage

Insufficient storage on your iPhone will restrict you from restoring your data. You need at least twice the overall space required by the backup on iPhone or iPad. That space should be free and available to restore the backup. To check whether you have enough space available to restore backup to your iPhone, follow the given steps:

Method 2: Erase Existing Data and Restore Backups

iCloud and iTunes support data restoration only for brand-new iPhones. If your iPhone is already in use, or you have a second-hand iPhone, you must erase all the existing data and try restoring the backup. To do so, follow the given steps:

Method 3: Restore from iCloud

Other than the older iPhone versions, some iPhone 15/14 users have also received the ‘iTunes cannot restore backup to iPhone’ error while trying to restore backup to the iPhone. In this case, you can follow the given steps to restore iCloud backup to your iPhone:

Method 4: Recover Data from iTunes Using iPhone Data Recovery Software

Your iTunes backup may be incomplete or corrupted. In such a situation, you’ll be unable to restore your iPhone backup. At that time, your best bet is iPhone data recovery software, such as Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

The software supports recovery of all lost and deleted contacts, Safari bookmarks, camera roll, photo stream, call history, voice memos, WhatsApp messages, etc. It is safe and supports all iOS versions and iPhone variants. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.

This software can save the recovered data at your preferred location. You can then choose the data you want to restore to your iPhone. This way, the software helps you recover selective data while keeping the existing iPhone data intact.

Note: You can scan an iTunes backup file for data only if you have synchronized your iOS device with iTunes earlier.

Follow the steps to restore data to your iPhone using this iPhone data recovery software:

Note: If your iPhone is not displayed in the list, it is not synchronized with iTunes. To continue the recovery process, you must browse the iTunes Backup location and add an iTunes backup file.

Note: If your backup is encrypted, a dialog box will open, prompting you to enter the password. Enter the password and click OK.

Conclusion:

To fix the ‘iTunes cannot restore backup to iPhone’ problem, check if your iPhone has adequate free space. A lack of space is the primary reason for this issue. If sufficient space is unavailable, erase your phone’s settings and content.

Fortunately, there is a way to preserve your iPhone content without erasing it. You can rely on Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software, which helps restore selective backup files to your iPhone while keeping your existing data intact. It is also useful when you encounter data loss from your iPhone and have corrupted or no backup.

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