15 Best iPad/iPhone (iOS) Data Recovery Tools in 2023

Losing important data stored on your iPhone or iPad can be devastating. Photos, messages, contacts, notes – years of precious memories and information gone in an instant.

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Fortunately, by using iOS data recovery software, it‘s often possible to get that data back. Being prepared with a robust recovery solution can give vital peace of mind in today‘s mobile-centric world.

This comprehensive guide will empower you to deal with any iOS data loss eventuality. First we‘ll look at the most common ways mobile data is lost and criteria for choosing recovery software Next, we‘ll dive into reviews of 10 top-rated iOS recovery apps. We‘ll wrap up with step-by-step directions for using data recovery tools to rescue your valued iPhone or iPad data.

How Data Loss Happens on iPhones & iPads

Before examining recovery solutions, it‘s helpful to understand exactly how mobile data vanishes in the first place. Some common data-erasing scenarios include:

Accidental deletion: An inadvertent tap wipes out your photos or you delete messages not realizing you‘ll want them later.
System crashes or errors: Bugs, outdated software or hardware failure leads to data disappearances.
Physical damage: Water exposure or a smashed screen destroys access to data, even if it still exists behind the glass.
Theft: The loss of a device means loss of all local data, unless backed up elsewhere.
Software issues: Jailbreaking gone wrong and other software mishaps corrupt or eliminate data.
Forgotten passcodes: Device encryption protects data but locks you out at the same time.

As you can see, iOS data can vanish for a wide variety of reasons. The good news is specialized recovery apps can rescue your files after many types of loss scenarios.

Choosing the Best iPhone & iPad Recovery Software

With crucial memories and information at stake, it‘s important to select reliable iOS recovery software trusted to retrieve your lost files. Here are key criteria to consider when evaluating options:

Broad data type support: The best recovery apps can rescue virtually all iOS data types including messages, contacts, notes, call logs, photos, videos and application data.
Backward and forward compatibility: Choose software compatible with legacy and the latest iOS versions so you can recover old and newly lost data alike.
Multiple recovery methods: The tool should give device, iTunes backup and iCloud recovery options to cover various scenarios.
Simple interface: When data emergencies strike, you need recovery even your grandma could figure out. Prioritize usability.
Budget-friendly pricing: While some tools charge over $100, quality budget iOS recovery apps also exist for cost-conscious consumers.
Strong customer support: Inevitably, questions and issues crop up during recovery jobs, so responsive technical assistance is a must.

Next, we‘ll explore reviews of 10 top contenders for best iOS data recovery software based on these criteria and user experiences.

10 Best iPhone & iPad Data Recovery Apps

1. Tenorshare UltData

This iOS data rescue application earns top marks for flexible recovery options combined with an intuitive interface. Users praise Tenorshare for quickly restoring lost iPhone and iPad data of all types after accidental deletions, iOS problems, forgotten passcodes and more catastrophic data loss events.

Key Features:

Broad data type support spanning 30+ file categories like photos, messages and WhatsApp data.
Backs up and restores iOS data and backups from iTunes and iCloud.
Recognizes and restores data from all iPhone and iPad models and iOS versions.
Rated highly for straightforward interface plus outstanding customer service support.

Tenorshare UltData accommodates a wide span of experience levels and data loss circumstances. Seasoned tech vets appreciate its robust feature set while novices benefit from its simplified menus tailored to recovering specific data categories like messages or camera photos.

Overall, UltData earns its status as a premier iOS recovery tool equally equipped to handle minor oops deletions and severe large scale data catastrophes.

2. Disk Drill

While many mobile data recovery apps focus solely on phones and tables, Disk Drill also restores lost or deleted files from hard drives, memory cards and other storage media Windows, Mac and Linux computers. Its broad compatibility and features made it a recovery suite worthy including among the iOS elite.

Highlights include:

Restores 150+ data types encompassing all common iOS and computer files.
Scans internal and external connected storage media for optimum recovery flexibility.
High marks for streamlined interface navigable by Average Joes and IT pros alike.
Above average data recovery success rates according to customer reports.

Overall, versatile cross-platform data recovery power lands Disk Drill on this leaderboard. Those that only need phone and tablet help may find it overkill. But for one-stop file recovery, Disk Drill empowers you to restore deleted data from virtually all devices and formats with confident expertise.

3. iMazing

This iOS file rescue tool earns top marks for elegantly intuitive design tailored specifically for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. The name says it all – iMazing amazes with data recovery ease spanning messages, documents, VOIP data and 25+ other mobile file formats.

Standout strengths users rave about include:

Granular selections of exactly which data to restore from backups.
Capable recovery from iOS devices, iTunes or iCloud backups.
Competitive pricing starts lower than leading alternatives.
Stellar reviews praise iMazing as quick, easy and reliable.

While a narrow focus on Apple devices means no Android or USB drive recovery shown by some competitors, iMazing is purpose built to excel at the core mission of iOS data recovery. The result is restored memories with joy and reduced stress, according to 5-star user reviews.

4. PhoneRescue

As the name hints, PhoneRescue can successfully save and recover stranded data from dying or unresponsive iPhones and iPads. This iOS recovery software is specialty designed not just for retrieving files from normal devices but also resuscitating phones suffering from crashed operating systems, smashed screens, water damage or other critical failures.

Specific kudos users give PhoneRescue for excelling at tough data disasters include:

Rescuing data from non-responsive touch screens.
Restoring data despite iOS system crashes.
Recovering from forgotten device passcodes.
Flexible file exports to device or computer.

This tool‘s forte clearly lies in reclaiming data other recoveries might give up for dead. So while PhoneRescue covers the iOS data recovery basics too, its fortified toolbox particularly shines by saving files from devices hanging on by a connector cable.

5. EaseUS MobiSaver

As the most budget-friendly paid solution on our list, EaseUS MobiSaver beats most competitors on pricing while still delivering solid iOS data recovery capabilities. Highlights include:

Restores 20+ lost iOS data formats including messages, notes, videos, contacts and images.
Recognizes all iPhone and iPad models plus iOS 10 through the latest OS.
Retrieval from local device storage or iTunes and iCloud backups.
Clean interface displaying scan results by file type.

For under $50, MobiSaver definitely delivers ample professional-grade recovery power for the price. Compromises like less personalized customer support keep costs down. But for straight forward iOS rescue capabilities without premium frills or pricing, MobiSaver keeps quality high while keeping wallet impact low.

6. iSkysoft Toolbox – iOS Data Recovery

This jack-of-all-trades mobile toolbox packs a staggering range of device management capabilities beyond just data recovery. Across Android and iOS, it can backup phones, retrieve forgotten lock screen passcodes, completely erase devices and much more.

We focused our evaluation specifically on its iOS recovery performance where highlights include:

Capable recovery from iOS devices as well as iTunes and iCloud backups.
Previews found data to allow selective file recovery.
Restores common data types like messages, notes, contacts, photos and videos.
Recognizes all iPhone and iPad models.

While light on bells and whistles, iSkysoft Toolbox provides all the essential iOS data recovery features from an established tool provider known for Android expertise as well. The range of extras like lock screen bypass and phone cloning add additional unique value for your toolbox.

7. Disk Drill

Another broad data recovery suite crossing multiple platforms, Disk Drill deserves a spot on mobile leaderboards too for quality iOS capabilities. Both memory cards and internal devices enjoy strong support.

Specific areas where Disk Drill shone for iOS devices in testing and reviews include:

All common iOS data types covered: documents, photos, videos, messages, contacts and more.
Intuitive dashboard-driven interface and workflow.
Free recovery option up to 500MB for those on tight budgets.
"Recovery Vault" feature allows post-deletion file preservation.
Recognizes all iPhones and iPad.

Like a few other, ahem, drills on our list, this recovery tool covers all the basics at high quality. While light on advanced features and mobile-exclusive touches, reliability and support earn it our recommendation.

8. Primo iPhone Data Recovery

As the name suggests, Primo iPhone Data Recovery specializes in rescuing lost iOS data from iPhones and iPads. A streamlined interface prioritizes simplicity by auto detecting device details and matching appropriate recovery options.

Additional strengths powering thousands of successful iOS recoveries include:

Restores photos, messages, call logs, contacts, videos, notes and other lost data.
Recognizes all iPhone and iPad models.
Retrieves data from local device storage or iTunes backups.
Above average success rates according to user reviews.
Budget-friendly pricing, especially for multi-device family licenses.

If you value no-hassle iOS data recovery that flat out works from an app devoted solely to that purpose, Primo warrants your short list consideration. The reliability feedback is stellar from users of all experience levels.

9. UltData – iPhone Data Recovery

From backup management all-rounder Tenorshare comes an iOS rescue suite wholly focused on salvaging lost iPhone and iPad data. Beyond classic recovery scenarios, specialized strengths suit it to more challenging cases likes jailbroken devices, factory reset overrides and phone screen passcode recovery.

Additional highlights:

Covers all data types: messages, contacts, notes & 30+ more.
Recognizes every iPhone and iPad.
Retrieves data from devices or iTunes & iCloud backups.
24/7 technical support via web ticket and email.

In the UltData lineup, this is Tenorshare‘s flagship for tackling tricky iOS data scenarios like locked passcodes and data loss post-factory resets. Novices will also find it easy to use. But we recommend it particularly for high value data recoveries requiring deep technical capabilities.

10. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

Rounding out our list sits respected data recovery titan Stellar Data Recovery – now with specialized iPhone expertise! Beyond essentials like messages, Safari data and camera roll media recovery, Stellar offers a few bonus bells and whistles like:

File preview of all scanned recoverable data.
Rescue photos, notes or other data even without backup.
Repair corrupt photos and videos with Media Repair features.

We also commend Stellar for constant app updates delivering the latest iOS 15 compatibility for iPhone 13 models and associated iOS versions as new Apple devices get announced.

As expected from top-tier provider, Stellar Data Recovery nails all the fundamentals of quality iOS data recovery. While pricier than some competitors, specialized repair strengths and reliable updates partially justify higher costs for those looking cutting-edge recovery capabilities.

Step-By-Step Guide to iOS Data Recovery

While every iOS recovery apps works slightly differently, most follow this general device data restoration process:

Step 1: Install and launch the program

Download and install your preferred recovery app on your Windows or Mac desktop computer. For optimal results, install the latest available software version supporting current iOS releases powering your iPhone or iPad.

Once installed, complete any required registration steps before running the program.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone or iPad

Use the cable provided with your device to connect it to computer running the recovery software. Be sure to unlock your phone if passcode protected so the recovery tool detects the device.

For recovery of iTunes backups on your computer, you can skip device connectivity during this step.

3: Select recovery mode

Within the program, specify whether you want to recover deleted data from the connected iOS device itself or from an iTunes or iCloud backup stored on your computer or Apple servers.

If given the option, select recovery direct from the device for most recently deleted data since the last backup sync.

Step 4: Scan device storage

Click Scan, Recover or similarly labeled command. This initiates a thorough review of either device data or backup looking from recoverable deleted files of all supported types.

Wait patiently as scanning generally takes several minutes to a few hours for full completion. Some tools offer the option to first run a quick or partial scan for efficiency.

Step 5: Select files and Recover data

With the scan complete, the tool displays all recoverable files it located. Use file type filters or search tools provided to isolate data of interest.

Once located, check boxes allow you to select specific files or entire categories to restore. Click a Recovery or Restore button to retrieve selected data either back to your device or exported to a folder on your computer.

Celebrate the recovery of your precious data you once thought might be lost forever!

Tips for Successful Data Recovery

To achieve maximum recovery success and minimum stress, keep these best practice recommendations in mind:

Initiate recovery ASAP after data loss before new data overwrites deleted files.
Avoid using device or restoring replacements from backup until after recovery efforts complete.
Wi-Fi disable your phone to avoid incoming messages complicating recovery.
Expect full data recovery scans to take hours in some cases based on storage size.
If your original device is stolen or broken beyond repair, restored the data to a replacement phone or export it instead of attempting doomed device-centric recovery.

Stay calm, be patient and trust in data recovery success!

Conclusion

Losing precious memories and information can be devastating. Fortunately specialized iOS data recovery software makes it possible in many cases to successfully rescue these vanished files.

Choosing advanced tools like Tenorshare UltData equipped for the widest range of recovery scenarios ensures you have the best shot at data salvation. Even lower cost quick recovery options can retrieve recently deleted files with ease in limited situations.

Beyond recovery, don‘t forget the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be sure to regularly run device backups to minimize reliance on post-disaster options. But rest assured that this guide equips you with the top data recovery apps money can buy to handle whatever data disasters life throws at you!