How to Recover iPhone Data After a Failed iOS Update?

The latest iOS updates enable you to enhance your iPhone's performance, strengthen its security, and also enhance your overall user experience. However, sometimes instances may occur when you find any file or folder missing from your iPhone after the latest iOS update. Whether due to network interruption, low battery, or software bugs, a failed iOS update can be frustrating—and worse, it can lead to data loss.

Fortunately, there are several iOS data recovery methods and third-party iPhone data recovery software tools available to recover files lost due to a failed iOS update. Just go with these methods one-by-one to get your files along with preventive measures to avoid such data loss instances in the future.

Common Reasons for Failed iOS Update

Understanding the exact cause of the failed iOS update can help you identify the exact recovery workaround. Here are some main reasons why data loss may occur on your iPhone after failed iOS update:

• Insufficient storage space: iOS updates require a certain amount of free space to download and install, and if your iPhone is low on storage, the update might fail.
• Unstable or Poor Internet Connection: There may be a poor internet connection at your end, which can interrupt the download process or cause corrupted update files.
• Low battery: Another main reason for a failed iOS update is low battery. Keep your device charged enough so it doesn’t get discharged during the update process.
• Software Glitches: iOS update process may also fail due to software glitches, such as existing bugs, corrupted system files, or compatibility issues with jailbroken devices.

How do I Recover iPhone Data after Failed iOS Update? [Quick Methods]

If your iOS update failed or important data gets deleted, don’t worry – here are some quick, effective methods to help you recover lost files, photos, and messages instantly:

Method 01: Check if the Data Is Still On the iPhone

Before you apply any data recovery method to restore lost data on your iPhone, check the current status of your iPhone. For this:

• Restart your iPhone by holding the Power + Volume Down buttons (or keep pressing the Power button for older models) until the Apple logo appears.
• If your iPhone boots up normally, try one-by-one accessing all its apps and files to check if the required data is present.

If you’re locked out of your phone or it's stuck in a boot loop, try other alternatives.

Method 02: Recover Files Using iTunes and Finder Backup

If you are good at maintaining backups on iPhone, then try these backups to restore lost files after a failed iOS update. Check if you have previously backed up your iPhone via iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later). To recover files using iTunes/Finder backup, follow the below steps:

• Firstly, connect your iPhone to a computer using a lightning cable.
• Launch iTunes or Finder.
• Select your device when it appears.
• Now, click Restore Backup.
• Select the most recent backup containing your deleted data.
• Click Restore and wait till the process completes.

Method 03: Restore via iCloud Backups

Along with iTunes or Finder, you can use iCloud to restore your files directly from the cloud. If you’ve enabled iCloud backup before the failed update, follow the below steps to restore deleted files:

• Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Now, when the phone restarts, go through the on-screen setup process.
• Select the “Restore from iCloud Backup” when asked.
• Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
• Select the most relevant backup and begin the restoration process.

Method 04: Use Third-Party iPhone Data Recovery Software [No Backup Required]

If you don’t have any backup of your lost data, use third-party iPhone recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to restore your lost files. This all-in-one data recovery software is designed to restore files deleted due to any reason, including accidental deletion, formatting, system errors, etc. You can use this tool to recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, and other types of files.

The Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software is available in multiple versions, varying in features and prices. You can check and compare these versions, then select the one that best fits your requirements. However, the steps to recover your lost files after failed iOS update will remain the same for all.

Key Features of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone Tool:

• Supports recovery of data from iPhone Series 16/15/14/13/12/11/X and below.
• Compatible with the latest iOS 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and below.
• It also allows you to recover from iTunes & iCloud backup.
• The Preview functionality allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device.

Here’s how to recover iPhone data after failed iOS update using the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software on your Windows computer or Mac from the official site. Also, connect your iPhone to that device using a USB cable.

Step 2: Launch the software and select "Recover from iPhone" (if you don't have a backup). Choose the type of file you want to recover and click Next to continue. 

Step 3: Wait till the scan process is completed. Once done, preview the recovered data and select the items you wish to restore.

Step 4: Click the Save button to save recovered data at the desired location on your device.

Pro Tips to Avoid Data Loss After iOS Update

Now that you are familiar with different iPhone data recovery methods to restore data lost after failed iOS update, it’s time to check some additional tips to avoid such instances in the future. For this, you can consider the following smart practices:

• Backup before Updating: Always back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes/Finder before initiating a software update.
• Ensure Stable Internet Connection: Update only when connected to a strong Wi-Fi network to prevent interruptions.
• Charge Your iPhone: Keep your iPhone at least 80% charged, or plug it in during the update.
• Avoid Jailbreaking: Jailbroken devices are more prone to update failures.

Conclusion

A failed iOS update can put you in trouble, especially when it causes data loss. If you find any data missing from your iPhone after a failed iOS update, don’t worry. But with multiple recovery options such as iPhone data recovery from iCloud backup or iTunes backup to advanced third-party software—you have a good chance of retrieving your lost data. If these options fail, try third-party iPhone data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, Tenorshare UltData, iMobie PhoneRescue, etc. Also, always make regular backups a habit—it’s your best defence against unexpected issues.