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The Attempting Data Recovery message showing on the screen after connecting the iPhone to a computer makes most users worried about their device and the data on it. Luckily, this common Apple iPhone error has easy fix solutions and it is possible to salvage every photo, document, music library, and contact list.
The Attempting Data Recovery screen means iTunes is trying to recover data from your device, but it cannot do so.
The good news is that you can solve it quickly and restore your device to its normal state.
How the Attempting Data Recovery error can happen
- Disconnecting the iPhone from the computer or Mac when updating via iTunes
- Downgrading the current iOS to an older version
- Update iOS after jailbreak
How to fix Attempting Data Recovery on iPhone
SalvageData experts compiled six ways you can try to fix your iPhone and remove the Attempting Data Recovery screen from your iPhone.
1. Force the iPhone to reboot
If you are stuck in the Attempting Data Recovery loop, you can try force restarting your iPhone.
To do this on iPhone 8 and all the recent versions, you’ll have to:
Step 1. Press and fast-release the Volume Up button.
Step 2. Press and fast-release the Volume Down button.
Step 3. Press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
Source: support.apple.com
To force iPhone 7 and 7 Plus to restart, you’ll have to:
Step 1. Press the power button and volume down button at the same time.
Step 2. Keep holding the side buttons until the Apple logo appears
Source: support.apple.com
To force the earlier iPhones to restart, press and hold the Home button simultaneously with the Power button. Hold them until the Apple logo shows on the screen.
Source: support.apple.com
Sometimes, the easiest solution is the right one. Pressing the Home button and waiting for the update to complete will lead to the iPhone returning to its previous state.
However, if it starts to take too long, then move to the next solution or call for professional help.
3. Restart the computer
Try restarting your computer and then connecting your iPhone to it again.
4. Connect to another computer
Try connecting your iPhone to another computer. This will help you determine if the issue is with your iPhone or with your computer.
5. Put the iPhone into the Recovery Mode
You’ll likely lose your data after this action. Therefore, make sure you have a backup to restore your iPhone data.
Step 1. Close iTunes and then connect your iPhone to the computer.
Step 2. Hold the restart buttons from the first solution (the buttons depend on which iPhone version you own).
Step 2.a. Don’t release the buttons when the Apple logo appears. Wait until the message “Connect to iTunes” is shown.
Step 3. Open iTunes and let the program run. A pop-up will appear. You can choose the Update, which prevents data loss. But, if it doesn’t work, you can click on Restore, which will erase your files while restoring the device.
Source: support.apple.com
6. Update iTunes on your PC or Mac
Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. You can check for updates by opening iTunes and going to Help > Check for Updates.
Summary: Most solutions to fix the Attempting Data Recovery issue won’t cause data loss. You can reboot your iPhone, and see if the problem is with iTunes or with the computer. But, when your options end, you’ll restore your iPhone and then will need a data recovery solution or a backup.
How to recover data in case Attempting Data Recovery fails
If you had to click on Restore, or if any other mistake happens during the process leading to data loss, there’s still hope to recover your iPhone data.
You have three options to restore your iPhone data:
- From iCloud
- From iTunes
- With data recovery software
Restore iPhone data from iCloud backup
After fixing the attempting data recovery issue, you’ll reset your iPhone. As soon as the Apps & Data screen appears, select “Restore from iCloud Backup”.
From there, you can restore the data by signing into your Apple ID and selecting the latest backup.
Restore iPhone data from iTunes backup
With the iPhone connected to the computer, open iTunes. Select your device and then click on “Restore Backup”. Then you choose which backup you want to restore, click on it, and follow the on-screen instructions.
See how you can back up your iPhone and keep your data secure in our in-depth article.
Restore iPhone data with recovery software
Data recovery software is useful when you don’t have a recent backup to restore data from.
Download the iPhone data recovery software, launch it, and follow the instructions to recover the data. It will ask you to choose the files and folders you want.
Make sure to back up your iPhone regularly. This will guarantee that no matter what happens to your device, you’ll always have access to your data.
If you need any help to recover your iPhone data, contact SalvageData experts. Our team is ready to assist you at any moment.