Cannot restore because the backup was corrupt or not compatible

Solution: Update your iPhone to the latest version first, using iTunes. Then you should be able to restore the backup.

In case you get the "The iphone could not restore because the iphone disconnected." at random times during the restore, make sure, that there is no USB hub (e.g. external screen or docking station) in between the computer and the phone. Also, a new USB cable might be the solution.

Hard to believe how incredibly unhelpful those error messages are. No wonder >3000 other people have indicated here that they had the same problem.

I don't want to know what would have happened if my old phone, which I lost, would have been on a different version than the one that I bought new and the current version.

Thanks linfaTN and everyone else here for your help!

Oh, and it seems that the "sync over WiFi" option did not work, so I lost all data since the last USB based backup.

Thanks to all that have replied & tried to help.

To APPLE-I do not know how many times or how clear I can be! I am not updating a new phone from an old phone back-up (I wouldn’t waste the $1000+ on a v10 as it’s a crappy upgrade & embarrassing for you) I am & I repeat again simply trying to back up an existing v7.

You leave me with no choice-I will not pay a 3rd party to fix this issue so I will use the Apple code which is not so secret, break into my phone then ditch the 2 iPhones, 2 iPads, Mac & Apple Watch I have & switch to a better provider. End of-You’ve had months to help me & haven’t so I’ll fix it myself with your code & publicly disgrace you. APPLE is not bigger than 1 single customer.

Additionally you have deleted my posts in the past-Ones that don’t suit your image so let me be clear you can delete but I can put your code on social media & there is no legal restraint on me doing so. I’ve checked & it does not break any SOX or DPA laws in the country I live so good luck

I had the same problem as you, I changed the phone in the store and I returned home with my new equipment and the same error appears

you only have to update your new equipment to the version that is most recent and after you do it on iTunes it lets you load the backup copy that you had before

the error is due to ios compatibility

I hope I help you

🙂

I have the same issue! Going from an IPhone 6 to an iPhone 7+. I’ve spent the past 6 hours trying to get all my apps from one phone to another using my Mac iTunes. All devices being used are on the lastest updates. I must have backed up my old phone about 6 times now and it’s still not working! You’d think after so long and so many issues Apple would do something to help. 7th time lucky maybe? If not then one of the devices will soon be going through a wall!

Thanks so much!!! I was just about to literally loose it!!!!!!

Yes. The setup as new phone step actually sets up iTunes and doesn't change anything on the device.

tt2

Considering there are at least a few responses here that could help people fix this problem, you'd think Apple would come up with a better response than simply "sorry 'bout your luck."

Restoring from an iTunes or iCloud backup when a later version of iOS is required - Apple Support

Restoring from an iTunes or iCloud backup when a later version of iOS is required - Apple Support

How do I update my new iPhone 7 if it's not even fully set up? Do I set it up as a new phone, and then update the software, and then restore it?

Thank you! Restored with no issues after updating the software.

My software is up to date on both devices and that hasn't solved the issue.

Also faced the same issue re: corrupted backup. Ended up having to purchase Decipher Backup Repair to solve the problem as well. Outrageous that Apple isn't able to help on this one.

Don't buy any 3rd party software. Most of the time this can be fixed with updating both devices.