Q: Restore app data from both iTunes backup and iCloud backup
-
Jan 10, 2016 7:14 PMby LACAllen,I have seen this page which I read as a sign that App developers back up data the way they see fit. In other words, not always the same way.
I would imagine it's the same for iTunes.
My suggestion when I see this question is to contact each app developer and ask where their app data is stored, and will an iTunes or iCloud backup have it. Apple gives them the guidelines about what Apple's backup routine(s) capture, but I'll guess not every App developer complies.
-
Jan 10, 2016 8:22 PMby ewerx,I have iOS 9.2 on the new device. The iCloud backup was also made on 9.2, and the iTunes backup was made on 9.1.
I am unable to restore using the iTunes backup, due to the "corrupt or not compatible" error. This is my major problem now, as I suspect all the app data would be restored if I am able to access this (since it's a full backup of the device storage, so data should be restored regardless of how the app developers chose to store the data).
-
Jan 10, 2016 8:45 PMby LACAllen,I don't think you can make the assumption that your iTunes backup is of "the entire device"... that's not how the backup works. You are not cloning the entire filesystem. I believe they use the words "nearly all" because of what I pointed out to you. They tell the developers what they'll back up. Doesn't mean the developer will put your data in that path.
iTunes backups
From your Mac or PC, you can make a backup of your device in iTunes. Syncing your device with your computer isn't the same as making a backup.
An iTunes backup includes nearly all of your device's data and settings. An iTunes backup doesn't include:
- Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to iBooks (You can back up this content using Transfer Purchases in iTunes.)
- Content synced from iTunes, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
- Photos already stored in the cloud, like My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library
- Touch ID settings
- Apple Pay information and settings
- Activity, Health, and Keychain data (To back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup in iTunes.)
Learn how to make backups in iTunes, how to find them on your Mac or PC, and how to delete backups you no longer need.
-
Jan 10, 2016 9:14 PMby LACAllen,I don't understand why this only affected some apps but not all. Most apps that required an account login are no longer signed in, which makes me think their data was not properly restored either. I found one or two apps that had some settings restored properly, but the majority of my apps seem to be reset to a fresh install state.
In looking at this section of your post... Even if backed up, I don't believe your login(s) would be in a backup. Those would be held in volatile memory on your device and not in the filesystem. For security, you wouldn't want a 3rd party tp use your backup in order to access your login and password for any of your apps.
Have you logged in to some of those apps to see if your data is on their servers? It's possible the app developer does not rely on Apple for backing up app data at all, choosing to use their own method. What about the app developer's websites? Have they got any input on how your app data is stored?
Think of logging into Facebook... once authenticated, all your conversations and posts populate to your device.
-
Jan 10, 2016 9:32 PMby ewerx,So I followed the suggestion in the other thread you linked, and downloaded Decipher Tools Backup Repair. I ran it on my iTunes backup, and had to do the second pass "Advanced Repair" but finally iTunes was able to restore my iPhone using the repaired backup.
After this restore, all my data is there, including Google Authenticator and login credentials for most apps.
For example, when I launched the Twitter app after restoring from iCloud, it didn't know who I am and required me to login. After the iTunes restore, Twitter app was already logged in. Same story for most other apps that require login (Facebook, Uber, etc.)
Most apps would store login credentials in their own area in the iOS Keychain. I expected this data to be saved in iCloud backups too.
As for the other app, Hindsight, which stores historical event data, this stores the data in the app Documents folder. The iTunes restore also restored all the data for this app, whereas the iCloud restore hadn't.
Now the issue is, my iTunes backup was 1 month old, so I lost quite a bit of manually entered data in that app (I use it multiple times a day). If I could somehow access the iCloud backup and get the more up-to-date version of the app data that would totally solve my problem.
But in the end the iTunes backup repair and restore worked much better, so the $30US on the license for Decipher Tools was worth it. I'll call it a "win" while I cry over the cost of the iPhone.
Thanks for your help.
-
Jan 11, 2016 12:08 AMby LACAllen,Glad to hear you found most of your stuff... if you were using keychain, then it does make sense you'd get your logins back. Getting something stolen from you is maddening. Been there.
If you want to leverage "both" backups, you could do it but it's a bit of work. Essentially you'd have to figure out which backup has the most current data for each app. The only way to restore from the iCloud backup is to erase all content and settings and start over agin. This of course, will wipe out your iTunes restored stuff. So if you can move the iTuns restored stuff somewhere, then restore from iCloud and then move the iTunes restored stuff back... like I say... lost of work. This works better with stuff like contacts and photos. Not sure how Apps would work.
Does simply syncing your apps back up the data? You can sync iTunes with your phone to your heart's content.
Glad to help in some way...
