Restore an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that needs a newer version of iOS or iPadOS

If you're restoring your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch backup from iCloud or a computer that requires your device to have a later version of iOS or iPadOS, find out what to do.

If you're restoring an iCloud backup

If you're restoring an iCloud backup that requires a newer version of iOS or iPadOS, you may be asked to update your software. If you choose to download and install the update, your device will update your software automatically and then restore your backup.

If you're restoring from a computer

If you're restoring your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch backup from a computer that requires your device to have a newer version of iOS or iPadOS, you may see an error stating that your backup can't be restored because the software on your device is too old. Follow these steps to update your device and restore the backup.

Set up, update and erase your device

  1. From the Apps & Data screen on your device, tap Don't Transfer Apps & Data instead of Restore from iCloud Backup. If you've already tapped Restore from iCloud Backup, tap Back to return to the Set Up screen.

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  2. Follow the remaining steps. For now, you can skip the steps for Apple ID, Touch ID or Face ID, and passcode.

  3. After the setup process has been completed, update your device to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

  4. Allow the update to finish and wait for your device to restart.

  5. Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings to erase your device. After your device has been erased, it will restart and you’ll see the Hello screen in the Setup Assistant.

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You are now able to set up your device again and select a backup to restore from.

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