Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

First decide what “restore” means for your iPhone: Restore Backup puts saved data back from a computer backup, while Restore reinstalls the iPhone software and erases the phone’s information and settings. On Windows, use Apple Devices if it is installed; iTunes is the fallback. On a current Mac, use Finder—not iTunes. iTunes applies to Macs running macOS Mojave or earlier.

Choose the restore you need

Your goal Choose What happens
Recover data saved in a computer backup Restore Backup The selected backup’s saved information is returned to the iPhone.
Reset the iPhone by reinstalling its software Restore The iPhone’s information and settings are erased as its software is restored.

These are different actions. If you want your photos, messages, settings, and other saved information back, choose Restore Backup, not Restore. Apple warns that restoring software deletes all information and settings; make a backup first if you need to keep data on the phone. Apple’s iTunes for PC guide documents the software restore path.

Which app to use on your computer

Restore an iPhone from a computer backup on Windows

  1. Open Apple Devices. If it is not installed, open iTunes.
  2. Connect the iPhone to the PC using a compatible cable. If a prompt appears on the iPhone, enter its passcode or tap Trust This Computer.
  3. Select the iPhone in the app. In iTunes, click the device button and open Summary; in Apple Devices, open the device’s general settings.
  4. Choose Restore Backup. Select the backup you want, checking its date, then follow the onscreen prompts.
  5. If the backup is encrypted, enter its backup password. Apple says an encrypted backup cannot be restored without that password.
  6. Keep the iPhone connected while it restarts and synchronizes, following any remaining instructions on the computer.

Apple’s complete Windows steps are in its iPhone backup instructions. A backup date helps identify the right snapshot; choose the one that contains the information you want to recover.

Restore iPhone software in iTunes on a Windows PC

Use this only when you intend to erase the iPhone and restore its software—not when you merely want to load a saved backup.

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#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
  1. Back up the iPhone first if you need to preserve its information.
  2. Connect the iPhone to the PC with a compatible USB or USB-C cable. Respond to any passcode or trust prompt on the phone.
  3. In iTunes, click the Device button near the top-left corner, then choose Summary.
  4. Click Restore and follow the onscreen instructions. This erases information and settings as part of restoring the software.

See Apple’s iTunes restore instructions for the documented Windows path.

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Restore a computer backup on a Mac

On a current Mac, connect the iPhone and use Finder to select it and choose the option to restore a backup. Apple’s restore-from-backup guide covers the Mac workflow. If the Mac runs macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes instead. An encrypted backup still requires its password.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$405.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

If the iPhone or backup is not available

  • The computer does not recognize the iPhone: Check that the cable supports a data connection and fits both the iPhone and computer ports. Try another compatible cable or port if available, and accept the phone’s trust prompt. Cable type depends on the specific phone and computer.
  • You cannot find Restore Backup: Confirm that the device is selected and that you are looking in Apple Devices’ general settings or iTunes’ Summary area. Make sure you are using the app appropriate to your computer.
  • The backup is encrypted and you do not know its password: Apple states that the backup cannot be used without that password. Do not confuse it with the iPhone passcode; they are separate credentials.
  • You are on a current Mac and cannot find iTunes device controls: Use Finder for the iPhone workflow. Apple directs current Mac users to Finder, reserving iTunes instructions for macOS Mojave or earlier.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.