Does it wipe what is already on your iPad when you set up as new in iTunes?

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Does it wipe what is already on your iPad when you set up as new in iTunes?

My son got an iPad awhile ago, and has an iCloud account on it, but never sync-ed it to his computer. Now he would like to sync it, but when he connects it, it only gives two choices: Set up as New, or restore from backup. We don't really want to restore from backup, since they are all for iPods, and he doesn't want to wipe off all the stuff he already has on his iPad. If we sync it using Set up as New in iTunes, will it erase what he already has on the iPad? If so, how do we sync it?

Thanks,

Ruth

iPad 2, iOS 8

Posted on Nov 15, 2014 11:26 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Nov 15, 2014 11:28 AM in response to RuthMcAm

Yes, unless you choose to install your latest backup when the Restore has finished. However, if you don't specifically choose the option when it finishes, then it will default to New.

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Answer 2

Nov 15, 2014 11:55 AM in response to RuthMcAm

Hi When you put your IPAD on charge it automatically syncs to iCloud If you restore IPAD and you use the same Apple ID & password you will get all your Apps & Data back I never use a PC since iOS 7 because now you can do everything over Wifi. Cheers Brian

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Answer 3

Nov 15, 2014 12:01 PM in response to Briansyddall

Briansyddall wrote:

If you restore IPAD and you use the same Apple ID & password you will get all your Apps & Data back I never use a PC since iOS 7 because now you can do everything over Wifi. Cheers Brian

Be careful here ... there are users who will blame you for the loss of their data if you say this ... AND ... some users WILL LOSE DATA even when doing everything exactly the way it's supposed to be done with iCloud Backup. iCloud Backup DOES NOT SAVE EVERYTHING and people need to be aware of that.

SO ... people ... be careful about your backups and KNOW what will be saved and what WILL NOT BE SAVED!

Choosing an iOS Backup Method (Should I Use iTunes or iCloud to back up ...)

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5262

Back up and Restore your iOS Device with iCloud or iTunes

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766

iTunes: About iOS Backups

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4946

Create and Delete iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch Backups in iTunes

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4946

iOS: Troubleshooting Encrypted Backups

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5162

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Answer 4

RuthMcAm Author

Level 1

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Nov 15, 2014 1:16 PM in response to RuthMcAm

Thanks guys, but none of these answered my question. This iPad has never been hooked up to the Mac before, so I can't do a restore, and I don't want to. I just want to now sync it to the Mac without losing everything that's already on it. So do I choose "Set up as New"? Or would that wipe out all the data on it? We do have it backed up to iCloud, but I'd rather not restore from that if we don't have to.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Nov 15, 2014 1:25 PM in response to RuthMcAm

If you don't want it completely erase, then don't set it up as New.

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Answer 6

Demo

Level 10

166,747 points

Nov 15, 2014 1:31 PM in response to RuthMcAm

Do NOT set up as new. That will erase the device completely. You need to transfer all iPad content into iTunes in order for the iTunes library to recognize this iPad as belonging to it, if that makes sense.

The starting point is to authorize the computer for iTunes content which I assume you have done already, then transfer the iPad purchases into iTunes. Read this very informative user tip for the information that you need to get started. A good deal of this may not apply, but read the whole thing before you begin.

Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive

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