What Does Restoring from iCloud Mean: Everything You Need to Know

If you get a new iPhone 15 and want to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone, that's feasible. You can restore from iCloud when you set up your new iPhone. This article will explore what does restoring from iCloud mean and how to restore from iCloud backup on a iPhone/iPad.

gloria
Gloria updated on Feb 22, 2024 | Home > iOS & Mac Topics

When you buy a new iPhone (like iPhone 15), you may want to backup your old iPhone to iCloud, and then restore from iCloud on your new iPhone. It's quite easy to understand iPhone backup, but what does restoring from iCloud mean? This article will explain what "restore from iCloud" means and how to restore your iPhone from iCloud step by step.

1. What Does Restoring from iCloud Mean

restore from iCloud

Restoring from iCloud means retrieving data from a backup file stored on Apple's iCloud storage service. This process allows you to recover and restore your device by downloading saved apps, photos, videos, music, and other content from iCloud. It's a handy feature in case your Apple device or data is lost, or damaged, or you need to set up a new device.

2. How to Restore iPhone from iCloud

And whether you need to restore from iCloud backup to the same device or another iPhone, you need to backup the original data first. Note that your targeted iPhone must be a factory-new device. If there are files stored on this device, you need to factory reset your iPhone first. If it's not a new iPhone, return your device to its factory settings and then restore iPhone backup from iCloud.

Before you back up iPhone to iCloud:

  • Make sure the available iCloud storage space is enough.
  • It also entails updating iOS to the latest version.

To back up iPhone first:

  • On your iPhone, open the Settings app > [your name]. Choose iCloud to proceed.
  • Select services and apps that you need to save to iCloud.
  • Select iCloud Backup > Back Up Now to backup iPhone to iCloud.

backup iPhone to iCloud

To restore from iCloud backup:

  • On the targeted iPhone, follow the on-screen instructions to set up.
  • When you see the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
  • Sign into your iCloud ID (Apple ID) and then choose the files you want to restore from iCloud to this device.

restore from iCloud

With iCloud backup, you don't need to worry about losing data. You can restore contacts from iCloud, iCloud photos, or other essential data.

Further reading:

3. How Long Does It Take to Restore from iCloud

For smaller files downloading, such as little apps and simple settings, the restoring process may only take a few minutes. However, for larger backups including large videos, and comprehensive apps coming with some widgets, the process can take several hours to complete. Therefore, it is recommended to connect your iPhone to a stable and strong Wi-Fi network and ensure enough battery power to prevent any interruptions during the restoration process.

Generally speaking, the time it takes to restore from iCloud can vary depending on factors, including:

  • the size of the backup
  • the speed of your internet connection
  • the device you are restoring to

In general, it would take from a few minutes to several hours to restore iPhone backup from iCloud without resetting on your new iPhone.

Final Words

In this post, you've learn what is iCloud backup and iCloud restoring, and how to restore iPhone from iCloud backup without losing your data step by step. The iCloud restore process is quite simple for every Apple user and requires no skills or tricks. Hope this post is helpful for you to fully understand iPhone restoring from iCloud backup.