Title: iPhone Can't Be Updated in iTunes or Apple Devices? What to Do Before Restoring URL Source: https://www.gbyte.com/blog/iphone-cant-be-updated-in-itunes-or-apple-devices Published Time: 2026-08-24T08:26:17.000Z Markdown Content: If you're a **Windows user** and **iTunes** or the **Apple Devices** app says: **"Your iPhone can't be updated; you must restore it to factory settings."** don't rush to choose **Restore** if you don't have a recent backup. **Restore erases the data** currently on your iPhone, so it is worth checking whether you can protect your data or try a non-erasing option first. ![Image 1: screenshot-your-iphone-cant-be-updated-you-must-restore-it-to-factory-settings-in-itunes.webp](https://resource.gbyte.com/20260824/large/screenshot-your-iphone-cant-be-updated-you-must-restore-it-to-factory-settings-in-itunes.webp) If your iPhone still starts, unlocks, and connects normally, you may be able to back it up before restoring. If it is stuck in Recovery Mode, on the Apple logo, or unable to start normally, creating a new backup may no longer be possible. In that case, what you try **before Restore** matters more. **_Note:_**_If your iPhone isn't detected by iTunes or Apple Devices at all, you're dealing with a different connection problem. See our guide to_[_iTunes not recognizing iPhone_](https://www.gbyte.com/blog/itunes-not-recognizing-iphone)_for USB, driver, Trust, and Windows service checks._ **Quick Answer:** If you already have a recent backup—or can create one now—Restore is a reasonable option if the iPhone still can't be updated, since you can [restore your iPhone from the backup](https://www.gbyte.com/blog/restore-iphone-from-backup) afterward. If you don't have a usable backup and can't create one, try the non-erasing fixes first. Start with a force restart and make sure iTunes or Apple Devices is up to date, then retry the update and troubleshoot any accompanying error. If the iPhone still can't be updated, consider a data-preserving iOS system repair such as **Gbyte Repair** before moving to a factory restore. ## What Does **"Your iPhone can't be updated; you must restore it to factory settings"** Mean? When you connect an iPhone with a software or startup problem to a Windows PC, **iTunes or Apple Devices** may give you two recovery options: **Update** and **Restore**. **Update** attempts to reinstall iOS while keeping your personal data. **Restore**, on the other hand, erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS. If you want to learn how these two processes work step by step, see our guide on how to [update or restore an iPhone with iTunes](https://www.gbyte.com/blog/update-restore-iphone-via-finder-itunes-guide). If you see "Your iPhone can't be updated; you must restore it to factory settings," it means the Update process could not be completed and Apple's recovery path is now directing you to Restore. The message itself does not tell you exactly **why** the Update couldn't be completed. The underlying issue may involve the connection, the update environment, an accompanying error, or an iOS system problem. That's why it is worth ruling out these possibilities before choosing Restore—especially if you don't have a recent backup. ## Will Restoring Your iPhone Erase Your Data? Yes. Choosing **Restore** in iTunes or Apple Devices erases the data currently stored on your iPhone and reinstalls iOS. If you already have an iCloud or computer backup, you can restore the backed-up data after the iPhone is set up again. However, anything that was not included in that backup will not be recovered from it. That's why your backup status matters before you choose Restore. If you don't have a recent backup, the next question is whether your iPhone is still working well enough to create one. ## Before Restoring: Check Whether You Can Back Up Your iPhone Before choosing Restore, first check whether you already have a recent backup. If not, see whether your iPhone still works normally enough to create one. If your iPhone can **start, unlock, and connect normally** to your Windows PC, back it up before proceeding: * **Apple Devices:** Select your iPhone >**General**>**Backups**>**Back Up Now**. ![Image 2: back-up-now-in-apple-devices.webp](https://resource.gbyte.com/20260824/large/back-up-now-in-apple-devices.webp) * **iTunes:** Select the iPhone icon >**Summary**>**Backups**>**Back Up Now**. ![Image 3: back-up-now-in-itunes.webp](https://resource.gbyte.com/20260824/large/back-up-now-in-itunes.webp) If the backup completes successfully, you have a safer fallback if you eventually need to restore the iPhone. However, if your iPhone is **stuck in Recovery Mode, on the Apple logo, in a boot loop, or unable to start and unlock normally**, you may not be able to create a new backup at this stage. In that case, any existing backup may not contain your most recent photos, messages, or other data. 🔴 Use your backup status to decide what to do next: * **You already have a recent backup:** Restore is a reasonable fallback if Update still doesn't work. * **You don't have a recent backup, but the iPhone still works normally:** Create a backup first. * **You don't have a usable backup and can't create one now:** Avoid Restore for the moment if your current data matters, and try the non-erasing fixes below first. ## Solution 1: Force Restart Your iPhone Start with a **force restart** if your iPhone is frozen, unresponsive, or stuck on the Recovery Mode screen. It is a simple, non-erasing step that can resolve a temporary iOS freeze or startup glitch before you move on to more advanced troubleshooting. The button combination varies by iPhone model. ➔ See how to [force restart](https://www.gbyte.com/blog/force-restart-iphone-explained) any iPhone model. After the force restart, reconnect your iPhone to iTunes or Apple Devices and check its status again. If Update is available, you can try it again before choosing Restore. You can also restart your Windows PC to clear a temporary communication or software issue before reconnecting the iPhone. **🎯 Best for:** A frozen or unresponsive iPhone, temporary startup problems, or an iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode. **⚠️ Data loss risk:** A force restart does not normally erase the data on your iPhone. ## Solution 2: Update iTunes or Apple Devices and Retry the Update Before trying Update again, make sure iTunes or Apple Devices is up to date. An outdated version can cause compatibility or communication problems during an iOS update, so this is a simple check before moving on to Restore. * **Apple Devices or iTunes from the Microsoft Store:** Open **Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates** and install any available updates. * **iTunes downloaded from Apple:** Open **iTunes > Help > Check for Updates** and install the latest available version. ![Image 4: itunes-downloaded-from-apple-check-for-updates.webp](https://resource.gbyte.com/20260824/large/itunes-downloaded-from-apple-check-for-updates.webp) Before reconnecting your iPhone, also check the basics: * Connect the iPhone directly to your Windows PC rather than through a USB hub. * Make sure the USB cable and port are working properly. * Make sure your PC has a stable internet connection. Then reconnect your iPhone. If Update is available, try it again instead of choosing Restore. **🎯 Best for:** A possible iTunes/Apple Devices compatibility, connection, or one-time update problem. **⚠️ Data loss risk:** Updating iTunes or Apple Devices and choosing Update does not normally erase the data on your iPhone. ## Solution 3: Check Any Error Code That Appears Sometimes "**Your iPhone can't be updated"** is not the only message you see. iTunes or Apple Devices may display a specific error code before or during the failed update, such as Error 9, 4005, 4013, 4014, or 3004. If you see an error code, troubleshoot that error before assuming that Restore is your only option. Different codes can point to different problems—for example, some are associated with USB or device communication issues, while others may involve the network, update process, or the iPhone itself. After trying the appropriate troubleshooting, reconnect your iPhone and check whether Update is available again. If the error persists or you still see the restore-required message, continue to the next option. **🎯 Best for:** An iPhone update accompanied by a specific iTunes or Apple Devices error code. **⚠️ Data loss risk:** Depends on the troubleshooting method. Start with non-erasing options before choosing Restore. ## Solution 4: Use Gbyte Repair Before Factory Restore If the previous steps don't work and iTunes or Apple Devices still says your iPhone must be restored, [**Gbyte iOS System Repair**](https://www.gbyte.com/ios-system-repair) gives you another option to try before erasing the device—especially if you don't have a usable backup and want to keep your existing data. ![Image 5: gbyte-ios-system-repair-interface.webp](https://resource.gbyte.com/20260824/large/gbyte-ios-system-repair-interface.webp) Gbyte Repair is designed to address **software-related iOS system problems** that can prevent an iPhone from updating, starting, or working normally. It is particularly worth considering when the update problem is accompanied by symptoms such as an iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode, stuck on the Apple logo, caught in a boot loop, or unable to start normally. Unlike a factory Restore, Gbyte Repair lets you choose **Keep Data** or **Erase Data** during the repair. If preserving your current data is the priority, choose **Keep Data** to try repairing the iOS system without immediately wiping the iPhone. For Win | 100% Clean & Secure To use Gbyte Repair: 1. Download and launch **Gbyte Repair** on your Windows PC. 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. 3. Let Gbyte detect your device and iOS information. 4. Choose the appropriate repair mode and select **Keep Data** if you want to preserve the data currently on your iPhone. 5. Download the required firmware package and start the repair. 6. After the repair finishes, check whether your iPhone can start and work normally again. **_Note:_**_After the repair, your iPhone will be updated to the latest official iOS version supported by the device._ **🎯 Best for:** An iPhone that still can't be updated after the earlier troubleshooting, particularly when you don't have a usable backup and the device also shows signs of an iOS system problem. **⚠️ Data loss risk:** Choose **Keep Data** when preserving your existing data is the priority. As with any system repair, keeping data cannot be guaranteed in every situation. **ℹ️ Limit:** Gbyte Repair is designed for software-related iOS problems and cannot repair physical hardware damage. If the problem is hardware-related, professional service may still be necessary. ## Solution 5: Restore the iPhone If the Other Options Don't Work If your iPhone still can't be updated after trying the options above, **Restore** may be the next practical step. This erases the data currently on your iPhone and reinstalls iOS, so make sure you understand the data-loss risk before proceeding. **🎯 Best for:** You have a usable backup, don't need the data currently stored on the iPhone, or the non-erasing options have not resolved the problem. **⚠️ Data loss risk:** High. Restore erases the data currently stored on the iPhone. If your iPhone **can't be updated or restored**, or the same error continues after basic connection and software troubleshooting, consider contacting Apple Support or having the device checked for a possible hardware problem. ## Gbyte Repair vs. Restore via iTunes or Apple Devices If your iPhone can't be updated, both Gbyte Repair and Apple's Restore option can be considered as next steps, but they take different approaches. The biggest difference is what happens to the data currently on your iPhone. **Gbyte Repair****Restore via iTunes/Apple Devices** **What it does**Repairs software-related iOS system problems Erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS **Data handling**Lets you choose Keep Data or Erase Data Erases data currently stored on the iPhone **Backup needed to recover current data**Not required when using Keep Data Yes, if you want to recover backed-up data after Restore **Cost**Paid repair features Free **Official Apple method**No Yes **Hardware repair**No No If you already have a recent backup and are comfortable erasing the iPhone, **Restore via iTunes or Apple Devices** may be the simpler choice. If you **don't have a usable backup and can't create one now**, but the data currently on your iPhone matters, **Gbyte Repair with Keep Data** gives you another option to try before accepting a factory restore. ## FAQs ### Why can't I update my iPhone through iTunes? Your iPhone may fail to update through iTunes because of a connection problem, outdated iTunes software, an update error, or an iOS system issue. If iTunes says the iPhone must be restored, try the non-erasing troubleshooting options before Restore if you don't have a usable backup. ### Why can't I update my iPhone anymore? Common reasons include insufficient storage, an unstable internet connection, an unsupported iOS version, an update error, or a software problem on the iPhone. The cause can also differ depending on whether you're updating directly on the iPhone or through a computer. ### Can an iPhone be too old to update iOS? Yes. Older iPhone models eventually stop supporting new major iOS versions. You can only install an iOS version that Apple currently provides for your specific iPhone model. ### Can I back up my iPhone before restoring it? Yes, if your iPhone can still start, unlock, and connect normally to iTunes or Apple Devices. If it is stuck in Recovery Mode or cannot start normally, you may not be able to create a new backup before restoring. ### Can I restore my iPhone without losing data? A factory Restore through iTunes or Apple Devices erases the data currently on the iPhone. If you don't have a usable backup, try non-erasing options before choosing Restore if preserving your current data is important. ### Is iTunes still available in 2026? Yes. iTunes is still available for Windows, although Apple also provides the Apple Devices app for managing, updating, backing up, and restoring iPhones on supported Windows PCs. On newer macOS versions, these device-management functions are handled through Finder. ## Final Take If iTunes or Apple Devices says **"Your iPhone can't be updated; you must restore it to factory settings,"** Restore may be Apple's next recovery step, but you don't necessarily need to choose it immediately. If you have a recent backup—or can create one now—Restore is a reasonable fallback. If you don't have a usable backup and your current data matters, try the non-erasing options first, including **Gbyte Repair with Keep Data** when the problem appears to be related to the iOS system. If those options don't work, you can then move to Restore knowing you've tried the available paths to preserve your data first.