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Have you ever deleted important messages accidentally or lost them due to a software malfunction? Losing important messages can be detrimental, which is why it’s crucial to have a backup system in place. In this blog post, we will be discussing four useful ways to restore only messages from iTunes backup. We understand that it can be frustrating to lose important messages and hope that these methods can help you retrieve them.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Restore Messages from iTunes Backup
There are many reasons why you might need to restore messages from iTunes backup. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- You have accidentally deleted messages.
- You cannot find old messages because they’re hidden among newer ones.
- A software update caused you to lose messages.
- You accidentally restored messages to an older version and need to recover them.
Method 1: Restore Messages from iTunes Backup Using iPhone Data Recovery
iPhone Data Recovery is a powerful tool that allows you to recover lost or deleted messages from an iTunes backup. Here’s how to do it:
- Download and install iPhone Data Recovery on your computer.
- Launch the program and connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Click on "Recover from iTunes Backup File" and select the backup file that contains your messages.
- Select "Messages" and click on "Next."
- Preview the message data and select the messages you want to restore. Once you have chosen the messages, click on "Recover" to restore them to your iPhone.
Pros:
- iPhone Data Recovery offers a free trial, so you can test the program before purchasing it.
- The program is easy to use and offers multiple recovery options.
Cons:
- The full version of iPhone Data Recovery can be costly.
- The program can take a long time to scan large backups.
Method 2: Restore Messages from iTunes Backup Using iBackup Extractor
iBackup Extractor is a program that allows you to extract data from an iTunes backup of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Here’s how to use it to restore messages:
- Download and install iBackup Extractor on your computer.
- Launch the program and select the backup that contains your messages.
- Select "Messages" from the list of available data and click on "Extract."
- Select a location to save the extracted messages and click on "Save."
Pros:
- iBackup Extractor offers a free trial.
- The program is easy to use and offers multiple recovery options.
Cons:
- The full version of the program can be costly.
- The program can take a long time to scan large backups.
Method 3: Restore Messages from iTunes Backup Using FoneLab
FoneLab is another program that allows you to recover data from an iTunes backup file. Here’s how to use it to restore messages:
- Download and install FoneLab on your computer.
- Launch the program and select "Recover from iTunes Backup File."
- Select the backup file that contains your messages and click on "Start Scan."
- Select "Messages" from the list of available data and preview the messages you want to restore.
- Click on "Recover" to restore the selected messages to your iPhone.
Pros:
- FoneLab offers a free trial.
- The program is easy to use and offers multiple recovery options.
Cons:
- The full version of FoneLab can be costly.
- The program can take a long time to scan large backups.
Method 4: Restore Messages from iTunes Backup Using iTunes
If you’re hesitant to try a third-party program, you can use iTunes to restore messages from an iTunes backup. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and launch iTunes.
- Select your iPhone from the list of available devices.
- Click on "Restore Backup" and select the backup file that contains your messages.
- Wait for iTunes to restore your iPhone with the backup file.
Pros:
- iTunes is a free program that’s already installed on your computer.
- It’s a simple process that doesn’t require any additional software.
Cons:
- Restoring from an iTunes backup will erase all data on your iPhone, making it a risky option if you only want to recover messages.
What to Do If You Can’t Restore Messages from iTunes Backup
If you’re having trouble restoring messages from an iTunes backup, here are some fixes you can try:
- Check your iTunes settings to ensure that messages are included in your backup.
- Make sure that you’re using the correct Apple ID and password to access your backup.
- Try using a different computer to restore your backup.
- If none of these fixes work, it’s possible that your backup is corrupt or incomplete, in which case you may need to try a different backup file.
Bonus Tip: Back Up Your Messages Regularly
The best way to avoid losing important messages is to back them up regularly. You can do this by connecting your iPhone to your computer and using iTunes to create a backup. Once you’ve backed up your messages, you can restore them using one of the methods we’ve discussed in this blog post.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I restore messages from an iCloud backup?
A: Yes, you can restore messages from an iCloud backup using the "Restore from iCloud Backup" feature in iTunes or by resetting your iPhone and selecting "Restore from iCloud Backup" during setup.
Q2: Will restoring messages from an iTunes backup erase my other data?
A: If you’re using a third-party program to restore messages from an iTunes backup, it should only restore the messages and not erase any other data. However, if you’re using iTunes to restore the backup, it will erase all data on your iPhone.
Q3: How long does it take to restore messages from an iTunes backup?
A: The time it takes to restore messages from an iTunes backup will depend on the size of the backup and the method you’re using to restore them. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Q4: Can I restore only specific messages from an iTunes backup?
A: Yes, most third-party programs that allow you to restore messages from an iTunes backup let you selectively restore specific messages rather than restoring the entire backup.
Q5: What should I do if I don’t have an iTunes backup?
A: If you don’t have an iTunes backup, there’s unfortunately no way to restore messages from it. However, you can use third-party data recovery software to recover deleted messages directly from your iPhone.
Final Thoughts
Losing important messages can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can restore messages from an iTunes backup and get back the messages you thought were lost forever. Remember to always back up your messages and other important data regularly to avoid data loss in the future.