An iCloud backup preserves device settings and app data for a replacement iPhone or iPad. During initial setup, the new device can restore that backup over Wi-Fi to recover the saved data and configuration.
iCloud Backup contains settings and app data that are not already synced to iCloud. Content in iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive and Messages in iCloud returns separately through syncing when those services are enabled. Access to the backup requires the Apple Account used to create it and a Wi-Fi connection.
On iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, an iCloud backup is restored during setup of a new or erased device. Reaching the Home Screen does not mean everything has finished; apps, photos and other content can continue downloading in the background.
If the device is already set up, restoring an iCloud backup requires erasing its current content and settings first. The backup cannot be merged into the existing setup. Preserve a separate backup of any current data you need before using Apple's erase instructions to return to the Hello screen. Do not erase the old device that holds your only copy of the data.
Steps to restore a new iPhone or iPad from an iCloud backup:
- Turn on the new iPhone or iPad.
The Hello screen indicates that the device is ready for initial setup.
- Connect the device to power.
- Select your language during setup.
- Select your region.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Follow the onscreen setup prompts until the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen appears.
Setup prompts can include a passcode and Face ID or Touch ID, depending on the device.
- Tap From iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with the Apple Account that holds the backup.
- Review the date and size of the available backups.
If the expected backup is missing, Show All displays additional backups; Apple's restore help covers backups that still do not appear.
- Choose the most recent backup from your previous device that contains the data you need.
The backup date determines how recent its saved settings and app data are; the newest backup from a different device may not be the one you want.
- Install the software update if setup says the backup requires a newer version of iOS or iPadOS.
- Sign in to restore apps and purchases when prompted.
Purchases made with multiple Apple Accounts can trigger separate sign-in prompts. If a password is unavailable, Skip this Step allows setup to continue, but those purchases need sign-in later.
- Keep the charging device connected to Wi-Fi until the restore progress bar finishes.
The time required depends on the backup size and network speed.
- Finish the remaining onscreen setup prompts.
- Allow apps and content to finish downloading in the background with the device charging on Wi-Fi.
The Home Screen can appear before downloads finish, and some third-party apps retrieve data from their own services.
- Check the restore status in Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup.
A notice that the device is still being restored means the backup restore has not finished.
- Open an app whose saved data was included in the selected backup.
- Confirm that the restored settings and the app's saved data match what you expected from that backup.
The Home Screen layout and familiar app records provide checks beyond merely reaching the Home Screen. If data is still missing after downloads finish, Apple's missing-data guidance explains backup exclusions and separately synced content; photos appearing alone do not prove that app data was restored.