Does updating the iOS wipe iPad contents?

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Level 1

8 points

Does updating the iOS wipe iPad contents?

Hi,

First time posting here so hopefully in the right place!

I'm out of the country for a few months as of next week and as many are eagerly awaiting 4.3 on the iPad. My concern is if I update using an iTunes account that is not mine (on a friends or public computer) will it wipe the contents of my iPad? I travel light bringing my laptop isn't an option and I have photos and movies I wouldn't want to be without.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Ryan

iPad MacBook pro iBook, iOS 4

Posted on Mar 2, 2011 3:29 PM

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Answer 1

Chris CA

Level 10

82,440 points

Mar 2, 2011 3:37 PM in response to Ryansteer

Does updating the iOS wipe iPad contents?

No.

My concern is if I update using an iTunes account that is not mine (on a friends or public computer) will it wipe the contents of my iPad?

Yes.

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Answer 2

yettie41

Level 1

15 points

Mar 2, 2011 8:14 PM in response to Ryansteer

Hi Ryansteer:

I might suggest using Mobileme if you are not able to take your laptop. Just like any computer, the Ipad should have a backup of your important files.
This way, if you are away from your computer you will have a cyber backup wherever you go.

I think they are having a free trial.

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,440 points

Mar 2, 2011 8:44 PM in response to yettie41

I might suggest using Mobileme if you are not able to take your laptop. Just like any computer, the Ipad should have a backup of your important files.

This way, if you are away from your computer you will have a cyber backup wherever you go.
You need iTunes and a computer to backup your iPad.
You cannot backup or copy the iPad data via MobileMe.

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Answer 4

yettie41

Level 1

15 points

Mar 2, 2011 8:50 PM in response to Chris CA

Hey Chris:

Unless I'm mistaken, does your ipad calender and contacts sync wirelessly with mobilme in the cloud. I think they also have some sort of web based photo program.

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Answer 5

Chris CA

Level 10

82,440 points

Mar 2, 2011 9:10 PM in response to yettie41

Yes and it's good idea but it's not what the original poster was looking for.

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Answer 6

Ryansteer Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 3, 2011 3:20 AM in response to Chris CA

Thank you for the responses.

I did a quick experiment. Connected my iPad to my wife's iTunes. It came up with the normal 'iPad can only be synced with one iTunes etc' message, I choose sync purchases with this this iTunes NOT 'Erase and sync'. Pressed cancel on a few more dialog boxes and then had my iPad in the devices section of her iTunes, unsync'd, with an option to update software so looks like it may be possible.

Before I leave I'm going to downgrade my ios and try and actually update that way, will post the results. If it all gets wiped a least I can re sync with my itunes before I leave home.

Good idea about the MobileMe, will have a look at that as well.

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Answer 7

Oct 13, 2011 9:24 AM in response to Ryansteer

In my experince - YES, regardless of what account you are using, the IOS5 upgrade completely wipes out everything on your iPad, sets it to factory settings, than asks if you want to restore form a backup. be sure to back up your current contents, config, apps, data, etc,to iTunes. if you don't, you will have a very expensive coaster.

thanks Apple, nice job, at least you could have warned or automactially backed everything up.

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