When you do a Restore using iTunes versus Erase All Contents and Settings, what's the difference? I do Tech Support and before issuing a Replacement device we are required to try and have the customer do a Restore using iTunes. What's the difference; what happens in the background?
Any links to add'l Apple resources would be outstanding..
Thanks for any assistance in advance.
iPhone 7, iOS 11.4
As was said, yes there is a slight difference. iTunes will install an up to date version of iOS during the process.
Doing it directly on the device will not.
They both result in the same thing. No data left on the device, and the device being ready to be set up.
Do note, that to erase the device directly from the device, Find My iPhone needs to be turned off, and it will request the lock screen passcode or the restrictions passcode if one is set before it can be completed.
If doing it through iTunes no passcode is required, but if Find My iPhone is not turned off, Activation Lock will kick in, and the iCloud Apple Id and password used to set up iCloud and turn on Find My iPhone will need to be provided before the device can be set up again.
Why thanks Lawrence. Leaving the Kernal intact does help me in understanding the processes a bit more.
Actually, I have used the DFU method (at least, I think). My instructions state that DFU mode allows the device to be Powered ON without the OS being loaded. I use this method for when the screen is frozen.
Also, I have used the Hardware Button to place in Recovery Mode but still using iTunes; I believe this method falls under number 2?
I'm so trying to understand all the differences from a technical perspective.
I really appreciate you taking the time.
Royal
Thanks again for your input. I will certainly continue researching. Actually, I'm the one who cares having a background as an Analyst (i.e., Business and Systems) and Programmer I'm curious and wish to know how the program (application) works.
Thanks LACAllen -
We have to complete the FDR (Factory Data Reset), as the last troubleshooting step, prior to issuing a Warranty Replacement and I was curious to understand, explicitly and in more detail, what the differences are.
So, if the issue remains, a replacement is provided.
If it stops, great and I have a happy customer.
If it returns, we issue the replacement.
One of the troubleshooting steps is to ask if they recently downloaded any apps or if they have the latest copy of the OS.
The goal, as you stated, is to remove the "glitch" causing the issue.
In my scenario, it's to determine whether or not to issue a replacement.
Again, thanks for increasing my understanding! 🙂
Royal
Yes, that's the way it works.
I don't know that Apple provides more details than are included in the documentation on how to restore the phone. What more details do you need?
I'm a programmer so I'm seeking the technical process -- hope this clarifies.
For you then, the simpler, faster erase all content and settings is not appropriate as it does not achieve your troubleshooting goals.
Correct!
Is there any documentation anywhere that describes what happens in more details or maybe should I post in the Development Community?
As has been said, the end result is the same.
The compelling reason, and this is not documented explicitly, but inferred, is that installing an new copy of iOS can be a troubleshooting step. If one just wants to set up the phone for a new user, using iTunes to replace iOS is perhaps, a step too far.
If a phone is behaving erratically, you can eliminate an iOS glitch as a cause by replacing iOS AND setting the phone up as a new device for a period of time.
- If the behaviour remains, you likely have a hardware issue. Seek Apple service.
- If the behaviour stops, you have now isolated the issue to software. Next step is to restore the user's backup.
- If the behaviour returns, it was/is something that was installed on their phone.
- If the behaviour now stops with the user's previous apps and data in place, you have resolved the issue by replacing iOS.
If the phone is simply changing hands, erase all content and settings is totally sufficient.
Difference Between Restores
