How to Recover Data from a Dead iPhone (With or Without Backup) - 2026 Guide

Part 1: Is It Possible To Recover Data From a Dead iPhone?

Indeed, it is possible to recover data from a broken iPhone. It might seem like a dead or non-working iPhone is a hopeless case. However, there are methods available to extract the valuable information stored within it.

The two ways to get the data back from the dead iPhone are either using backup or data recovery software. Creating regular backups is always recommended. If you had created backups before your phone mishap, you could use this backup to restore data on the new device.

Part 2: How To Restore the Dead iPhone Data if Old Backup Is Available

Losing access to your iPhone doesn’t always mean your data is gone. If a backup exists, you can recover data from a dead iPhone through iCloud or iTunes/Finder. These backup options allow you to restore contacts, photos, and other important files to a new device without data loss.

Method 1: By Restoring Backup with iCloud

iCloud is the default cloud storage service for iOS devices. It enables you to set the automatic creation of your device's backup, which you can later access. With iCloud, you can create a comprehensive backup of your device data.

Since the backup files are stored in cloud storage, any mishap of your iPhone doesn't affect it. These are steps to recover photos from a dead iPhone:

• Step 1: Start by setting up your new iPhone or a temporary replacement iPhone. During the initial setup process, reach the "Apps & Data" screen. Here, select the option to "Restore from iCloud Backup."
• Step 2: Sign in to your iCloud account using the Apple ID associated with the backup. Following this, choose the most recent iCloud backup that contains the data you wish to restore.

• Step 3: Allow the restoration process to complete. The time required will depend on the size of the backup and your internet connection speed. Once the restore is finished, your new iPhone should have the data and settings from the old backup, making your important information accessible once again.

Method 2: Using iTunes/Finder

Another native option available for iPhone users to create phone backups is using iTunes/Finder. The advantage of backing up your device data using iTunes/Finder is that it is stored locally on your computer. You do not have to face limitations of iCloud storage space when creating a backup through iTunes/Finder. Explained below is the detailed process of using iTunes/Finder backup to get your data back:

• Step 1: Connect your new iPhone to the computer where you have the iTunes/Finder backup. Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and ensure that it recognizes your device. Now locate your device in iTunes or Finder and select it.
• Step 2: In iTunes, click the "Restore Backup" option from the "Summary" tab. However, you can choose "Restore Backup" from the General tab on Finder. Select the relevant backup from the list displayed. Ensure you choose the backup containing the data you want to restore.

• Step 3: Initiate the restoration process by clicking the "Restore" button. Allow the process to complete. Depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your computer, this may take some time.

Part 3: How To Perform Advanced and In-Depth Data Recovery on a Dead iPhone

When exploring how to recover data from a dead iPhone without a backup, Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (iOS) stands out as a reliable solution. This professional tool is designed for comprehensive dead iPhone data recovery, supporting the retrieval of more than 18 data types including photos, videos, messages, contacts, and documents. Dr.Fone ensures your recovered files maintain their original quality and integrity, making it a trusted option for users who need to restore important information from non-functional devices.

Wondershare Dr.Fone also permits you to recover data selectively. It means you are not forced to restore all the recovered data. Instead, you can simply choose the data you want and restore it.

Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (iOS)

World's 1st iPhone and iPad data recovery software

• Retrieve WhatsApp View Once messages & restore social app data.
• Recover 35+ data types: photos, messages, WhatsApp, iWork files & more.
• Extract and preview all content in iCloud/iTunes backup files.
• Selectively restore what you want from iCloud/iTunes backup to your device or computer.
• Compatible with the latest iOS versions and iPhone models.

Available on: Windows Mac

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Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

• Once the data has been recovered, preview each file before restoring it to confirm it is what you want.
• When it comes to data restoration, Wondershare Dr.Fone offers two choices. You can either restore the data on your device or your computer.
• Aside from recovering data from your iPhone, this tool can also recover data from iCloud and iTunes.

Steps To Recover Data From Dead iPhone via Wondershare Dr.Fone

By following these guidelines, you can learn how to recover internal data from a completely dead powerless iPhone:

• Step 1: Choose Data Recovery From the Toolbox

You'll need to begin with installing Wondershare Dr.Fone and launching it. Once it loads, click "Data Recovery" from the "Toolbox" and choose "iOS" on the next screen.

• Step 2: Start the Dead iPhone Scanning Process

You will come across multiple options for data recovery. From the Data Recovery screen, select "Recover Data from iOS Device" and connect your iPhone to the computer. After Wondershare Dr.Fone detects and loads the iPhone, tap "Start Scan."

• Step 3: Recover All the Data from the Broken iPhone

As the scanning progresses, you will see the recovered data appearing on the screen. Wait for the scan to complete, and preview the data. Now you "Recover to Computer" to get your data out of the broken iOS device.

Conclusion

When faced with a completely unresponsive iPhone, understanding how to recover data from a dead iPhone becomes essential. This article has outlined several effective techniques for dead iPhone data recovery, including using iCloud or iTunes backups, as well as professional data extraction tools. Each recovery method offers unique strengths and limitations, allowing users to choose the most suitable approach based on their device condition and data recovery needs.

Among the available solutions, Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (iOS) stands out as a trusted tool for dead iPhone data recovery. With advanced features, it enables users to recover data from a dead iPhone and restore essential files from devices that no longer power on.

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