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RESTORE FROM BACKUP does NOT restore everything. WHY APPLE?

I had a 3GS. I backed it up via iTunes.

Then I got a 4G. I restored from backup.

Guess what? All apps DID NOT RESTORE. WOW! I've heard this same thing happened to a coworker.

All the Apple employees, AT&T employees... WRONG. Apparantly, restore does not exactly work or it's not as simple as these folks say it is. This is really screwed up. I've heard 2 cases of this happening now. So why does the restore TO 4G, from a 3GS backup NOT working?

iOS 4

Posted on Dec 12, 2010 7:30 PM

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226 replies

Jan 25, 2017 11:26 PM in response to PBKaden28

Given that so many people are confused by the Apple usage of the term 'backup', and that the experts always answer a short question with an essay of links and paragraphs of text, should indicate that maybe, just maybe, the 'backup' process is a bit too non-intuitive. I think the general population tends to (rightly) think that a 'backup of the phone' is a complete backup of the phone, not just a backup of some settings, configuration and list of app placeholders.

Jul 13, 2017 9:20 AM in response to Minok

Right -- when the iTunes option to Backup to This computer says, "A full backup of your iPhone will be stored on this computer.", what else is the public to think but that a full aka complete backup will be made? My old iPhone has about 10GB of stuff stored on it, but the encrypted backup to my computer is about 1.3GB in size.


After wrestling with it for 2–3 hours, I'm still no closer to having my 470MB of old text messages or 273 MB of podcasts transferred to the new phone. Apple phone support couldn't help. The new phone just downloads fresh copies of my apps, with no accounts, much less passwords, included. Having to set them all up from scratch. Very disappointing.

Jul 13, 2017 2:35 PM in response to TheWho515

Indeed. I had to recently factory reset my iPhone 6 to follow the Apple support debugging policy to see if that would resolve the issue I was having. And not restore from backup.


The consequence is: I've lost a good amount of my Contacts - the version thats on the phone is a very old set of contacts. And the contact list I want back is probably destroyed to never be recoverable because iTunes only stores ONE backup on the system. I'd made a backup before doing the factory reset (which would have had the full contacts) - but given that iTunes did a backup after the restore to factory and as I was manually adding back in apps, that backup was overwritten and is now gone.


One lesson I've learned over and over again painfully is with Apple you absolutely cannot count on your data being backed up by any of its services; you need to backup and store separately your own copies of things : music, contacts, etc. so you can recover your data when you need to and the Apple process fails you (and it will).

Sep 2, 2017 4:17 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

I need help. I have an iphone5. The screen would display white and black lines then restart. After a month or two of it happening I got the battery replaced and within a few days the phone completely died. I can't start it. I have tried iTunes help, taken it to the Apple store, they say the hardware looks fine. I attempted to do the recover and the restore. Both didn't work. I want to recover data on my phone on a app called "voice recorder." I don't think the files were automatically saved to icloud. Is there anyway to recover the files on the phone?

Dec 12, 2010 7:57 PM in response to thespaciousmind

Hello.

CAPS is synonymous to SHOUTING. Your message is conveyed regardless of the size of the letters you type.

Please review [this support document|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766] that thoroughly explains iOS Backups. Navigate to About Syncing and Backups and expand the first section, "iTunes will back up the following information". It states that pretty much everything but applications themselves will be backed up.

Fortunately, if you own the applications and they are in your iTunes Library it is quite simple to re-sync them. Once they are back on you have the Application Data saved from your backups, so you'll be all set.

-SM

Dec 12, 2010 8:08 PM in response to thespaciousmind

No iTunes content on your iPhone is included with your iPhone's backup, which is updated by iTunes as the first step during the iTunes sync process - no music, movies, tv shows, podcasts, or 3rd party apps.

This link provides the data included with the iPhone's backup.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

All iTunes content on your iPhone - all music, movies, tv shows, and 3rd party apps should be in your iTunes library on your computer, so there is no reason to include 3rd party apps with the iPhone's backup. With Sync Apps selected under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes, which should be selected, after downloading an app with your iPhone the app will be copied to your iTunes library automatically the first time you sync your iPhone with iTunes after doing so. With all apps on your iPhone available in your iTunes library where all apps should be available, there should be no reason why all apps were not restored from your iTunes library. If not, simply reselect the apps under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences if not selected followed by a sync to reinstall the app or apps on your iPhone.

The same applies with music with Sync Music selected under the Music tab.

The only thing that is screwed up if all apps are not available in a user's iTunes library lies between the user's keyboard and chair. This is called garbage in = garbage out. Incorrect settings = incorrect results.

Dec 12, 2010 8:48 PM in response to Allan Sampson

This is more complicated than necessary. Can you please just answer the questions I've asked below. Usually the responses I get on the discussion boards are more confusing because the reponder doesn't answer the question, and instead tries to explain everything in a different way. Total confusion...

Here's how I use my iPhone:

I connect to the app store. I buy lots of apps.
After a while I'll connect to iTunes. I right-click and choose "Backup".
That's it.

So when I do this, NONE of my apps are getting backed up?
My apps are backed up during a "sync" process? If that's true, when does that occur?
Just before I do the backup? If this is the case, isn't "sync" = "backup"?

BTW, in my iTunes prefs->devices window, I have this box CHECKED:
"Prevent iPods, iPhones and iPads from syncing automatically".

I recall doing this because I don't want iTunes automatically doing anything as soon as I connect my iPhone. I don't trust iTunes. It's screwed me and just about everyone else I know who uses it.

So again, does "sync" = "backup my app data" = "copy app data to computer"?

When my wife goes from 3GS to 4G, I KNOW what will happen; everything won't get restored. Extra step needed to check off the apps that were not restored, and then resync, again. Folder and icon arrangement will get lost. It's very screwy, unreliable, and totally confusing. APPLE need to DITCH the term "sync" and just stick with the basic idea of "backup". Treating these as two seperate functions is really really confusing.

Dec 12, 2010 8:56 PM in response to thespaciousmind

A backup is performed during a sync. When you perform a sync apps purchased directly on the iPhone should be transfered to your computer and put into your iTunes library.

Do you see the apps in iTunes when you go to the apps section?

If you don't want iTunes messing with stuff then uncheck the box "automatically sync" with your iPhone connected.

Message was edited by: Randy Fast

Dec 12, 2010 8:54 PM in response to thespaciousmind

"After a while I'll connect to iTunes. I right-click and choose "Backup"."

Why? Itunes does this when you sync.

"So when I do this, NONE of my apps are getting backed up? "

Correct.

"My apps are backed up during a "sync" process?"

NO. Again, apps are NOT part of the backup.

" isn't "sync" = "backup"?"

NO. Different things. Allan gave you the link to explain backups.

You should be syncing your apps to itunes regularly. If the apps that you buy on the iphone don't go to itunes, the transfer them: File>Transfer Purchases

"I recall doing this because I don't want iTunes automatically doing anything as soon as I connect my iPhone. I don't trust iTunes. It's screwed me and just about everyone else I know who uses it."

I have never had an issue with itunes, nor has anyone I know.

"So again, does "sync" = "backup my app data" = "copy app data to computer"?"

So again and again. NO and NO. Backup is app data. Syncing/transferring is apps.

Nothing would be put on the new iphone that was not in itunes already. In itunes=in iphone. not in itunes=not in iphone.

Make sure that everything is in itunes. Very simple.

Dec 12, 2010 9:20 PM in response to thespaciousmind

So when I do this, NONE of my apps are getting backed up?


No, which I provided with my previous post.

My apps are backed up during a "sync" process? If that's true, when does that occur?


Apps are not "backed up". As I already provided with my previous post.

+With Sync Apps selected under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes, which should be selected, after downloading an app with your iPhone the app will be copied to your iTunes library automatically the first time you sync your iPhone with iTunes after doing so.+

This occurs when syncing your iPhone with iTunes if Sync Apps is selected under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes, which should be selected. You do know what syncing your iPhone with iTunes means?

Just before I do the backup? If this is the case, isn't "sync" = "backup"?


No. You can manually backup your iPhone with iTunes without syncing your iPhone with iTunes, but the iPhone's backup is updated automatically as the first step during the iTunes sync process. The actual syncing or the transfer of iTunes content including 3rd party apps is done after the iPhone's backup is updated automatically as the first step during the iTunes sync process.

This link provides the data that is included with your iPhone's backup, which doesn't include ANY iTunes content. The iPhone's backup does not include music, movies, tv shows, podcasts, or 3rd party apps. All iTunes content on your iPhone - all music, movies, tv shows, and 3rd party apps should be in your iTunes library on your computer so there is no reason to include any iTunes content including 3rd party apps with the iPhone's backup.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

"Prevent iPods, iPhones and iPads from syncing automatically".


This is to prevent any iPod, iPhone, or iPad from syncing automatically when connected to iTunes on your computer. This does not prevent you from manually selecting Sync for your iPhone when connected.

I don't trust iTunes. It's screwed me and just about everyone else I know who uses it.


I've never had a bit of trouble with iTunes, which was available and I've been using before the first iPod was released.

So again, does "sync" = "backup my app data" = "copy app data to computer"?


This is the first time you asked this question. If you read the info included with the link provided, all data on the iPhone that is included with the iPhone's backup is listed. No iTunes content on the iPhone is included with the iPhone's backup including 3rd party apps. 3rd party app settings and data created and stored by a 3rd party app is included or should be included with the iPhone's backup.

The term sync is used with iTunes but all data included with the iTunes sync process is not kept synchronized by the true definition of the word. Contacts, calendar events, notes, and Safari bookmarks are kept synchronized with a supported application on your computer per the definition of sync, but iTunes content is a transfer process, and the same for photos on your computer selected to be transferred to your iPhone, which is selected under the Photos tab for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes.

The iTunes sync process is not a "backup" process. It is a combination of syncing some data between your iPhone and a supported application on your computer, and transferring some data such as iTunes content and photos. iTunes updates the iPhone's backup as the first step during the iTunes sync process with the data included with the iPhone's backup included with the link provided.

Dec 12, 2010 9:22 PM in response to roaminggnome

I have NEVER used this: "File>Transfer Purchases"

So HOW were the APPS restored to the 4G?

If I never used "File>Transfer Purchases", then you are saying the APPS would never have been backed up from my 3GS, hence they would have never have been restored to the 4G. But they were (most of them)! How did these apps appear in my iTunes lib if I never did this "File>Transfer Purchases"?

I can sync, sync, sync... this is what most people do. But to backup the apps to which this data belongs to, I have to do this: "File>Transfer Purchases"? If I don't, all that data I backed up using "sync" can't be restored to another device because there's no way to restore the APPS.

Sync should backup everything. So if I lose my phone and want to restore, everything, including APPS, gets restored. This would be simple.

Dec 12, 2010 9:32 PM in response to thespaciousmind

Allan you said this: "the iPhone's backup is updated automatically as the first step during the iTunes sync process."

Well, I have a checkbox set to prevent iTunes from automatically syncing. Should I UNCHECK this?

The only time I ever use iTunes is to backup my iPhone. If I have that checkbox CHECKED, then I'm sort of screwing myself because I'm not backing up my APPs, correct?

Sounds like I have to UNCHECK that box, so iTunes will automatically sync, so it will backup my apps. Then when I select "backup", the app data will be backed up. Correct?

Dec 12, 2010 9:40 PM in response to thespaciousmind

iTunes transfers purchases as part of the normal syncing process. Selecting this function from the File menu only forces it to do something in an isolated manner, which would have already been done under a normal sync.

So HOW were the APPS restored to the 4G?

The APPS were restored to your new iPhone 4 because they were already in your iTunes Library.

If I never used "File>Transfer Purchases", then you are saying the APPS would never have been backed up from my 3GS, hence they would have never have been restored to the 4G.

As many have restated multiple times, APPS are not included in back up process. It's just that simple. Application Data is, but not the APP itself. Perhaps the APPs were transferred under the normal process like I mentioned above and then restored?

But they were (most of them)! How did these apps appear in my iTunes lib if I never did this "File>Transfer Purchases"?

They appeared for the same reason as the first answer in this reply.

I can sync, sync, sync... this is what most people do. But to backup the apps to which this data belongs to, I have to do this: "File>Transfer Purchases"?

No, of course not. This is only used when you want to force the process of transferring APPS from your iPhone to your iTunes library.

If I don't, all that data I backed up using "sync" can't be restored to another device because there's no way to restore the APPS.

Huh? Apps are restored because they are in your library already, not because they are included in a backup package.

Sync should backup everything. So if I lose my phone and want to restore, everything, including APPS, gets restored. This would be simple.

It is this simple. APPS are not stored in the backup file as they are already in your library. Upon restore, it transfers the data and then syncs the APPS over from your library to your phone.

-SM

Dec 12, 2010 9:45 PM in response to thespaciousmind

thespaciousmind wrote:
Allan you said this: "the iPhone's backup is updated automatically as the first step during the iTunes sync process."

Well, I have a checkbox set to prevent iTunes from automatically syncing. Should I UNCHECK this?

It depends if you want it to sync when you plug it in or not. This is unrelated to backing up as it just applies to when the sync process begins (automatically or manually), not what is involved in the process.
The only time I ever use iTunes is to backup my iPhone. If I have that checkbox CHECKED, then I'm sort of screwing myself because I'm not backing up my APPs, correct?

No. It is referring to who initiates the sync. The computer or the user. It has nothing to do with backing up.
Sounds like I have to UNCHECK that box, so iTunes will automatically sync, so it will backup my apps. Then when I select "backup", the app data will be backed up. Correct?

Not quite. Leave it checked or unchecked and it won't make a difference. The backup will occur when you sync it. When the sync will occur depends on whether or not that is checked. And again, backing up is automatic within the Sync process. Not something you have to do separately.

-SM

Dec 12, 2010 9:45 PM in response to thespaciousmind

Well, I have a checkbox set to prevent iTunes from automatically syncing. Should I UNCHECK this?


No, not unless you want your iPhone to sync automatically when connected to iTunes. I don't have this selected - I never have even with my first iPod which was the 2nd generation iPod since sometimes I may want to make a change before syncing, or just charge my device without syncing.

With your iPhone connected, select your iPhone under Devices in the iTunes source list. With any tab selected for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes, there is a Sync button at the lower right of the main iTunes window. When you are ready or want to sync your iPhone with iTunes, select Sync.

Under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes, you should have Sync Apps selected. If this is not selected at the present time and all apps on your iPhone are not in your iTunes library, at the iTunes menu bar go to File and select Transfer Purchases From - the name of your iPhone. After confirming all apps currently installed on your iPhone are in your iTunes library, select Sync Apps under the Apps tab and make sure all apps currently installed on your iPhone are selected below. Select Apply. With this selected, after downloading an app with your iPhone the app will be copied to your iTunes library automatically the first time you sync your iPhone with iTunes after doing so. This also allows for downloading an app with iTunes on your computer and installing the app on your iPhone via the iTunes sync process. And this allows for removing an app from your iPhone without deleting the app by deselecting the app under the Apps tab followed by a sync. To re-install the app again later on your iPhone, reselect the app under the Apps tab followed by a sync.

When you manually select Sync for your iPhone, your iPhone's backup will be updated as the first step during the iTunes sync process followed by a sync with iTunes based on your selections under the various tabs for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes.

To add some new photos from your computer, select this under the Photos tab for your iPhone sync preferences. To install a new app on your iPhone that was downloaded with iTunes on your computer, make sure the app is selected under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences. To add or remove any music, check/uncheck your selections under the Music tab for your iPhone sync preferences. Make your selections/changes as desired under the various tabs for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes and when finished, manually select Sync and the rest will be automatic with your iPhone's backup updated as the first step.

RESTORE FROM BACKUP does NOT restore everything. WHY APPLE?

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