Question Quick Question about updating on iTunes

Nov 16, 2019
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0
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I need the data on my phone and I can't back it up so I'm trying to update it instead of restoring it. I plugged it in and downloaded the software via iTunes and after it extracted the software it said "Preparing your phone for restore".
I unplugged the phone as I don't want to restore it. Is this something it always says when updating? or was my phone actually trying to restore?
 

Ralston18

Titan
Moderator
What is the problem with backing up?

As I understand the circumstances, the phone apparently has lost data and needs to restore it.

And that may require some restoration before an update can even take place.

More details needed:

What model iPhone?

What software via iTunes did you download?

How is the iPhone currently being backed up and to where?
 
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Nov 16, 2019
3
0
10
What is the problem with backing up?

As I understand the circumstances, the phone apparently has lost data and needs to restore it.

And that may require some restoration before an update can even take place.

More details needed:

What model iPhone?

What software via iTunes did you download?

How is the iPhone currently being backed up and to where?
The phone is stuck on the plug into itunes screen. I didn't have it backed up before so i'm trying to update it to hopefully it'll turn back on and let me get the data.
It's a iPhone SE and just downloaded the update is what i'm talking about. ios 13.2.2 (I believe)
Also forgot to add but I have tried everything to get it out of the itunes screen.
 
Last edited:

Ralston18

Titan
Moderator
How did you get to that "Preparing your phone for restore" message?

Were you trying a forced restart?

If not, try a forced (soft) restart.

References:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/force-restart-iphone-iph8903c3ee6/ios

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559

https://thecellguide.com/how-to-force-restart-an-iphone-se-535

If none of the above links appear applicable or you are not comfortable taking those actions then go an Apple store to get help.

However, if you were indeed attempting a forced restart then that appears to have failed and that failure also warrants going to the Apple store.

The overall caveat being that anything you do may cause data loss. Only you can decide what level of risk you are willing to accept.

Note: Do you know if your data was being backed up to iCloud?
 
Nov 16, 2019
3
0
10
How did you get to that "Preparing your phone for restore" message?

Were you trying a forced restart?

If not, try a forced (soft) restart.

References:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/force-restart-iphone-iph8903c3ee6/ios

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559

https://thecellguide.com/how-to-force-restart-an-iphone-se-535

If none of the above links appear applicable or you are not comfortable taking those actions then go an Apple store to get help.

However, if you were indeed attempting a forced restart then that appears to have failed and that failure also warrants going to the Apple store.

The overall caveat being that anything you do may cause data loss. Only you can decide what level of risk you are willing to accept.

Note: Do you know if your data was being backed up to iCloud?
After the update downloaded in itunes and after it was extracting it said that at the top. I didn't know if that was something that it always says so I unplugged it. I've tried everything to get it out of the itunes screen. hard and soft reset. and nope not backed up to icloud