7 Best iPhone Data Recovery Software of 2024
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Although you can use native iPhone recovery methods like iCloud, sometimes it just isn’t enough. I tested many iPhone data recovery software solutions and narrowed down 7 of the best.
These are useful when regular iCloud or iTunes backups fail. It is especially true following virus attacks, accidental deletion, hardware damage, iOS update corruption, and other problems.
Using iPhone data recovery software can help you retrieve lost or deleted data, minimizing the impact of unexpected issues.
So, let’s dive in…
Best iPhone Data Recovery Software: Top 7 Tested Tools
I ranked the following 1-7 based on features, compatibility, ease of use, and pricing:
1. Stellar iPhone Recovery – Editor’s Choice
As a Windows user with an iPhone, my current go-to recovery software is Stellar iPhone Recovery. Of course, it’s also compatible with Mac.
Depending on your device’s condition, the powerful tool is able to recover the full range of data. This encompasses your app library, contacts, call history, text messages, photos, videos, documents, Notes, Voice Memos, Safari data, and more.
You can even rescue media from third-party apps like WhatsApp, Photo Stream, Viber, Tango; you name it. If it was on your device, you have a strong chance of getting it back.
While I focused on iPhone, you’ll be pleased to know Stellar also recovers iPad (Air, Mini, Pro) and iPod Touch data. It supports iOS 18 through 12 and earlier, so data is still recoverable whether you have the latest Series or an older device.
It doesn’t matter if you accidentally deleted something, are experiencing iOS update issues, or factory reset the phone. Stellar uses your computer to comb through the storage to find the data iOS won’t display on the handset.
What’s more, it can pull deleted data from iCloud and iTunes. I like that it offers a full restore from backup and the ability to choose exactly what you want.
Moreover, even if the iTunes backup is encrypted, Stellar gets the job done.
Simply launch the software, choose iPhone, iTunes, or iCloud, and check what data to look for. Scanning is some of the fastest I’ve tested, and you get to preview the contents before proceeding.
Unlike other tools, you have the option of a fast or deep scan. The latter recognizes file signatures even if the data is corrupted. E.g., I got some photos back without the filenames or metadata, that may have ordinarily been missed.
It also offers a full toolkit version, i.e., Stellar Toolkit for iPhone that comes with a permanent data eraser and the ability to remove your Apple ID, even if you’ve forgotten the password.
Furthermore, you can repair iOS problems, such as crashes, reboot loops, black screen, and white screen. It recovers the OS while still maintaining the data.
Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is one of the few that offers free functionality, allowing you to connect your iPhone, Scan data for recovery and Preview the recovered data.
It’s also one of the most affordable, starting at just $39.99 for 5 devices or $49.99 for the Toolkit which have additional functionalities like repair iPhone iOS, remove Apple ID, iPhone data eraser along with the iPhone data recovery.
| Pros | Cons |
| Most affordable | Requires iTunes to use the software |
| Comprehensive iOS support | |
| Deep scan recovers all conceivable data | |
| Lots of extra Toolkit features |
2. Disk Drill iPhone Data Recovery
The Data Recovery software from Disk Drill is another powerful solution for retrieving lost or deleted data. It covers iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices, and is compatible with Windows and Mac.
Disk Drill can scan your iPhone’s internal memory and recover data directly from the device.
Moreover, it extracts and recovers data from iTunes and iCloud backups without having to erase the existing data on your device.
If you don’t have an iTunes backup, it can restore your files by bypassing the iOS restrictions and creating one itself.
For iCloud, it can even recover files that have been permanently deleted after the 30-day recovery period.
I particularly like that it offers Recovery Vault and Guaranteed Recovery, which helps safeguard your data against future loss.
Disk Drill iPhone Data Recovery is visually appealing with a simple interface. You can preview files before recovery and pick and choose specific files to recover.
This includes call, chat, and text history, as well as photos, videos, contacts, app data, notes, and Voice Memos. It also restores media from other common apps like WhatsApp.
The free version only lets you preview what can be recovered. To actually recover iPhone data, you’ll need the $89 lifetime license, with an added $19 for lifetime upgrades. This supports one user and three devices.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive recovery options | Free version only previews recovery |
| Windows and Mac support | Pricey compared to others |
| Great interface with file preview | |
| Supports all common iPhone, iPad, and iPod versions |
3. FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery
Aiseesoft’s FoneLab is a solid choice for iPhone data recovery, as well as iPad and iPod Touch devices.
It’s capable of rescuing a comprehensive range of data. This includes photos, messages, contacts, music, videos, and even WhatsApp, LINE, and Kik attachments.
FoneLab offers three modes, digging deep into your device’s memory, iTunes backup, or iCloud backup. Plus, it runs on Windows and Mac.
I like its clean interface, with clearly labeled data types and large preview icons.
Moreover, it covers practically all iOS versions including iPhone 16, iOS 18 and countless earlier versions.
It also provides several extra features, such as iOS system recovery. I.e. when you’re experiencing system errors. It doubles as its own iPhone backup and restore tool. Then it offers its own dedicated WhatsApp transfer feature that transfers, backs up and restores WhatsApp data and attachments between devices.
FoneLab follows a familiar scan and preview process, which went smoothly for me. The free version is limited to previewing found data, while the paid version unlocks everything for $69.95.
If I have one complaint, my missing notes weren’t restored to the Notes apps. Instead, I got a HTML document, but it’s not the end of the world.
| Pros | Cons |
| Useful extra tools | Free version only previews recovery |
| Windows and Mac support | Notes are recovered as HTML |
| Supports all common iOS versions | |
| Recovers all phone data and common app attachments |
4. iMobie PhoneRescue
Another comprehensive data recovery tool is iMobie PhoneRescue. This powerful software not only recovers data directly from your iOS device, but also allows you to restore files from iTunes or iCloud backups.
Plus, it comes with handy tools like iOS system recovery and hidden data recovery, making it a versatile solution for any data disaster.
What’s more, PhoneRescue supports both Windows and Mac operating systems, and can handle a wide range of file types. This includes text messages, media files, contacts, notes, app data, messaging attachments, and more.
PhoneRescue takes just a few steps to recover data and has a good visual interface with previews.
First it scans for recoverable data and then thoroughly analyzes it. I found it slower than the likes of Stellar, but it still gets the job done.
If it wasn’t for the ability to fix iOS errors, such as the dreaded screen of death, it would be lower on the list.
Likewise, at $99.99 for a lifetime license, it’s quite pricey. Other plans include $65.99 for 3 months and $69.99 for 1-year.
The saving grace is that every plan allows you to recover unlimited iPhones and other supported devices.
Again, while you can preview what can be rescued for free, you’ll need to pay to actually recover it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Benefits from iOS error fixes | Pricier than most |
| Nice visual interface | Free version only previews recovery |
| Comprehensive recovery options | Runs a slow analysis process |
| Windows and Mac support |
5. FonePaw iPhone Data Recovery
With support for more than 30 file types, FonePaw’s iPhone data recovery software is certainly worth considering.
The Windows and Mac tool can bring your data back from current and old iOS devices. Plus, it supports iTunes and iCloud, with the ability to choose precisely what data you want.
I was able to salvage everything from audio files and Safari history to Voice Memos and Notes. It also supports third-party app data like WhatsApp, Kik, Line, Viber, Messenger, and Wechat messages and attachments.
The simple 3-step process involves selecting the recovery mode, waiting for the scan, and previewing the data before recovery.
In terms of speed, it falls somewhere in the middle. Not as fast as the top picks but not as slow as PhoneRescue.
Comparatively, its lifetime license is an affordable $66.47, which supports six devices and one PC. You can also opt for a one-month $49.95 plan. All plans come with upgrades and technical support.
It follows the preview before you buy model, so you can see what can be recovered before purchasing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Windows and Mac support | Not the fastest |
| Simple recovery process | Free version only previews recovery |
| Comprehensive iOS support | |
| Huge range of data file types |
6. Dr.Fone Data Recovery iOS
Wondershare offers a lot of tools for iOS and other devices, but for iPhone you want the Dr.Fone Data Recovery iOS version. This also supports iPad and iPod touch.
Its perpetual license is $79.95 and covers up to 5 mobile devices from one PC or Mac, with a 7-day money back guarantee.
Like FonePaw, it supports over 30 file types, which is essentially everything. You can also selectively choose what to restore.
Likewise, it can access your iPhone directly or draw from iCloud and iTunes backups.
Dr.Fone has one of the more visually appealing interfaces, boasting large previews with associated info.
It stands out thanks to extra features like iOS repair, remote screen unlock, and phone-to-phone transfer. Though if you don’t need these, cheaper options are available.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive data recovery | Free version only previews recovery |
| Visually appealing interface | Not the cheapest |
| Windows and Mac support | |
| Some useful extra features |
7. iMyFone D-Back for iOS
One of the most affordable options comes from iMyFone’s D-Back for iOS. This Windows and Mac software is just $49.99 for the full version, while you can scan and preview missing iPhone data for free.
It supports iOS going back to iOS 9, as well as iPod Touch 1-7, and the full range of iPads.
Although it has a modern interface and supports device, iTunes, and iCloud recovery modes, it can only recover about 20 types of data. This includes the most important files, app, and phone data, but lacks the depth of my top picks.
Nonetheless, it’s fast and easy-to-use, with a good preview feature and selective recovery. Simply scan, select, and recover.
Its standout feature is AI recovery. This can help piece back together corrupt images and videos that would usually not be recoverable.
I also found success when the iPhone is unresponsive, as long as the computer can still recognize it. Moreover, it can still find device data if it hasn’t been overwritten or still resides in the 30-day window.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing | Free version only previews recovery |
| Modern and easy to use | Not as advanced as top picks |
| AI recovery mode | |
| Windows and Mac support |
How I Chose the Best iPhone Data Recovery Software
The iPhone data recovery software you choose will depend on your needs. However, to make my rankings, I personally considered the following:
Compatibility – Not everyone with an iPhone uses Mac, so it’s important the software also works on Windows. Moreover, not everyone uses the latest iPhone and iOS, so I picked software with good backwards compatibility. In many cases, you can recover data from iPads and iPods too. Some even support Android, though this wasn’t my focus.
Number of Devices – Most iPhone recovery tools require a computer, but what if you have multiple mobile devices to recover? I chose software that supports more than one device, while some even serve unlimited phones.
Extra Features – I consider extra features to be a bonus, but many are useful. From data protection to stop data loss in the future to AI image and video recovery, a lot of software is starting to expand its functionality.
Ease of Use – If you can’t scan and recover in a few steps, then it’s best to avoid the software. Look for visual previews of recoverable data, and remember, it shouldn’t take forever for the process to complete.
Pricing – I picked software with pricing plans to suit all budgets. To make the rankings, the tool must at least let you preview its recovery options, so you’re confident it will work for you. Anything over $100 is not worth the price, as I found the best solutions rarely exceed this. A good tip is to weigh the pros and cons of a one-off lifetime license vs a cheaper monthly plan that you can cancel. It all depends on how likely you think you’ll need the software.
iPhone Data Recovery Tips
Successfully recovering data from your iPhone depends on the underlying problem. However, following these tips give you a better chance of the process going smoothly:
- Stop Use – If your iPhone is behaving strangely and you recognize files and data are gone, it’s wise to stop using it right away. There may be viruses on the device. Moreover, the nature of data storage means if you download anything new, it could overwrite the missing data completely. With that in mind, turn off your data and Wi-Fi connections for now.
- Charge your iPhone – Even though you will be connecting your iPhone to a computer, it’s wise to maintain a high charge so recovery isn’t interrupted and causes further data loss problems.
- Consider an Antivirus – Although iPhones are generally considered secure devices, they can still be infected with malware and viruses, leading to data loss. A reputable app like TotalAV Mobile or McAfee Mobile can neutralize any threats before you try data recovery.
- Not Everything is Recoverable – Depending on how much time has passed, level of corruption, and Apple’s strong encryption, not everything is always recoverable. I tested the best software, but you should still temper your expectations.
How to use Stellar iPhone Recovery
As my top pick, here’s a quick summary of how to get started with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.
1. Go to the official Stellar iPhone data recovery site and download the software for Windows (or Mac).
2. Purchase a plan or test the software first with a free scan.
3. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
4. Choose from Recover from iPhone, iTunes Backup, or iCloud Backup. Then check or uncheck the type of data you wish to recover.Â
5. For device recovery, click Next, check the right device is connected and click Scan.
6. Once complete, you will see a tree structure on the left of all the categories of recovered data, which you can expand and collapse. Previews of the data are shown in the main window.
7. If you are still missing data, click Deep Scan to see if it finds more.
8. Check what you want to recover, then click Save.
9. You can choose your desired location to save to your computer.
10. To recover an iTunes backup, repeat the process but click Recover from iTunes Backup.
11. You can choose the default iTunes backup or click Add Backup if it is not automatically listed.
12. For an iCloud backup, repeat the process but click Recover from iCloud Backup.13. Enter your iCloud credentials, select a backup from the list, and click Scan.
It’s that simple!
The Final Word on the Best iPhone Data Recovery Software
When you can’t get back your iPhone data, data recovery software is here to help. Based on its intuitive interface, deep recovery capabilities, and affordable pricing, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is my top choice. Its Toolkit of extra features is a great bonus.
Nonetheless, all the other picks do the job well too. Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!
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