You can restore your iPhone directly from iCloud without having to connect it to your computer via iTunes. Unfortunately, in this case the iPhone will be initialized, which implies deleting all data stored on the device and then restoring it using an iCloud backup. This is a process that takes a great deal of time to complete.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Initialize the iPhone
Step 1. Consider backing up iPhone to iCloud before continuing
Since the initialization procedure will delete all the data on the device, and then restore it with the latest version, performing the backup first will allow you not to lose any personal or important information on the iPhone. After making the backup, you can proceed with the initialization of the device.
Before you can restore your iPhone using an iCloud backup, you'll need to turn off the "Find My iPhone" feature
Step 2. Make sure the device's operating system is up to date
If you don't have the latest version of iOS installed, you won't be able to restore your data using an iCloud backup. To check if a new version of iOS is available, follow these instructions:
- Launch the Settings app;
- Select the "General" item;
- Choose the "Software Update" option;
- Select the "Download and Install" item if there is a new update.
Step 3. Go back to the "General" tab of the menu
If you have had to install an update, you will first need to launch the Settings app again to be able to access the "General" menu.
Step 4. Select the "Restore" option
It is visible at the bottom of the "General" menu.
Step 5. Choose the "Initialize content and settings" item
If you've set up a passcode to unlock your iPhone, you'll need to enter it before you can continue.
Step 6. Select the "Erase iPhone" option
It is located at the bottom of the screen. This will initialize the iPhone.
Step 7. Wait for the iPhone initialization procedure to finish
This step will take several minutes to complete. At the end, you can proceed to restore your data.
Part 2 of 2: Reset an iPhone
Step 1. Swipe your finger over the "Swipe to Unlock" text displayed at the bottom of the screen
This will unlock the iPhone screen and you can go through the initial device setup procedure.
Step 2. Select the language you want to set
This is the default language of the iPhone.
Step 3. Select the country where you reside
You can do this via the "Select your country or area" screen. This will set the default geographic region of the iPhone.
Step 4. Choose the Wi-Fi network to connect to
If you wish, you can skip this step.
Step 5. Enter your Apple ID and corresponding password on the screen that appears
These credentials must be the same ones you used to set up your iPhone the first time.
- Press the "Next" button to continue.
- If you changed your Apple ID password after the first iPhone setup, you will need to use it now to sync.
Step 6. Choose whether to enable or disable location services
If you don't know what to choose, select the "Disable Location Services" option visible at the bottom of the screen.
Step 7. Set a security code, then type it a second time to confirm it is correct
If you wish, you can perform this step later.
Step 8. Select the "Restore from iCloud Backup" option listed on the "Apps & Data" screen
This will start the recovery process.
Step 9. Re-enter your Apple ID password
This is a protection system that prevents malicious people from accessing backup files stored on iCloud.
Step 10. Press the "Agree" button to continue
It is located in the lower right corner of the screen. This will ask you to select the iCloud backup to use for restoring.
Step 11. Select the backup file date to use to start the restore process
Remember that the iPhone restore process via an iCloud backup file will take several minutes to complete.
Step 12. Wait for the iPhone reset to complete
This step will take several minutes.
Step 13. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
The iOS device will be restored using the indicated backup file. Your personal data will also be restored. Note that you will have to wait a few more minutes to allow the device to update the apps and restore them to the state they were in when they were backed up.
Advice
- If you don't have enough storage space on your iCloud account to back up, you can always use iTunes for both data backup and restore.
- You can also erase the iPhone from the iCloud website if you need to do this remotely.
