How to Restore iPhone from iCloud in 2 Straightforward Ways
Updated by Lisa Ou / November 13, 2025 05:00Good day! I lost some of my iPhone files this morning. I wonder if there are ways to bring them back until I remember backing them up with my iCloud. Unfortunately, I do not have a background in the cloud-based storage restore process. Can you help me restore an iPhone from iCloud? Thank you!
iCloud is the built-in cloud storage service on Apple devices, including the iPhone. It is commonly used for backing up on these devices. These backups can be restored using iCloud to bring back your lost data. This article outlines 2 ways to restore your iPhone backups from iCloud. Their full details will be seen as you scroll.
Guide List
Part 1. How to Restore iPhone from iCloud Backup
iCloud offers 2 ways to back up your iPhone data. It can automatically back them up. The iCloud backup includes device settings, media files, some app data, and other content. One of the best features of iCloud is that it utilizes end-to-end encryption. It means that only you can access this backup. Even Apple cannot decrypt it.
It also offers an additional set of backup data protection, known as the Advanced Data Protection feature. However, this feature is only accessible to iOS 16.2 and earlier versions. Let’s restore iPhone from iCloud backup with the steps below.
Step 1If your iPhone has content and settings, please perform a factory reset first. Tap the Settings application from the screen to open it. Then, tap the General button from the first interface. Select the Transfer or Reset iPhone option from the next interface. Select Erase All Content and Settings, and tap Continue at the bottom of the screen. Authenticate the procedure to confirm.
Step 2Turn on your iPhone, and the Hello screen must appear. Then, imitate the on-screen instructions until you reach the Transfer Your Apps and Data screen. Please select the From iCloud Backup button from the options list. Sign in to your iCloud associated with the backup. Then, choose a backup and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the restore procedure from your iPhone's iCloud backup.
Part 2. How to Restore iPhone from iCloud Website
The previous method requires you to perform a factory reset on the iPhone before you can restore the iCloud backup. Good news! iCloud offers a website to help you restore data from your iPhone that has been lost or deleted. The advantage of this is that it allows you to restore data types individually. The steps below will guide you through the iCloud restore process on its website.
Step 1Open your web browser and search for the iCloud website. Tap Sign In from the main interface. After that, a new screen will appear on the main interface. The Email or Phone Number section will appear. Please fill out the needed information in this section and select the Arrow button to sign.
Step 2Please select the Multiple Dots button at the top right of the screen next to your profile. Then, a drop-down list of options will appear on the screen. Go to the More section afterward and select the Data Recovery button.
Step 3The screen will display options for recovering your iCloud backups. You can select the Restore Files button on the left. Select the files you want to restore. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to start restoring the files to your iPhone.
Part 3. How to Restore iPhone with FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery
A third-party tool, like FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery, can also restore iTunes backups from your iPhone. This software features a specific function that allows you to restore an iPhone from your iTunes. However, ensure that the computer where you download the tool is used to back up the iPhone with iTunes.
With FoneLab for iOS, you will recover the lost/deleted iPhone data including photos, contacts, videos, files, WhatsApp, Kik, Snapchat, WeChat and more data from your iCloud or iTunes backup or device.
- Recover photos, videos, contacts, WhatsApp, and more data with ease.
- Preview data before recovery.
- iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are available.
Furthermore, this tool can restore your data directly from your iPhone. Let’s discover how this tool works to restore your iPhone's iTunes backups or data using the steps below.
Step 1Pay a visit to the main website of FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery. Then, click the Free Download button on the screen. The download procedure will start immediately. Click the file afterward and set it up. Later, install and launch it on your computer to start the procedure.
Step 2The first interface of the tool displays 4 features. You need to click the iPhone Data Recovery button on the left. Ensure you click the correct button to avoid confusion with the procedure. The interface will display the primary tools that the software supports.
Step 3Click the Recover from iTunes Backup File button in the bottom left corner. You can also click the Recover from iOS Device button. For the iTunes backup, click Start and choose the backup you want to restore. On the iPhone direct recovery, select your desired data and click Recover. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Part 4. FAQs about How to Restore iPhone from iCloud
How long does it take to restore an iPhone from iCloud?
The iCloud restore process on your iPhone can be done in a few minutes or a few hours. The iPhone restore procedure varies depending on several factors that affect it. By default, it should only last for a few minutes. However, having a slow internet connection can make the restore process last an hour or more. That’s why it is recommended to have a strong Wi-Fi network during this session. Also, the larger the iCloud backup, the longer the restore procedure will take.
How many backups does iCloud keep?
The standard backups iCloud keeps are 2. When you create a backup exceeding these limits, iCloud will overwrite the previous backups made. It means that the old data from the backup will be replaced with the new one. The backed-up data from the old backup will not appear on the new one if it is deleted. This happens for most backup features or tools, including iTunes and Finder.
In conclusion, there are 2 convenient ways to restore an iPhone from iCloud backup. You can restore the cloud-based storage’s backup during the iPhone setup screen, from its website, and using a third-party tool. FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery is that tool! This software can also restore your data from your iPhone directly and iTunes backups. If you have any further questions, please let us know in the comments. Thank you!
