iPhone SE (2020) Before I Restore to Factory Settings...

[Narnianchick]

I know this is a long shot, but I have to ask... I tried a routine iOS update today, but got an error message halfway through. Now, it's telling me that my phone can't be updated and must be restored to factory settings. It's a tale as old as time computers: I have photos I haven't backed up yet. Before I take the plunge and hit "Restore", I just wanted to make sure there's nothing that can be done to retrieve what I had on there. And Apple's no help because I can't call or two-step authenticate because my Apple product's not working... Could a skilled tech person retrieve anything off of this device or is it all already gone?

 

[StarShot]

I let the experts tell you more, but I think if you've backed up your phone, you're good to go. Several times I've erased my phone back to factory standards and the restored to a new phone and EVERYTHING was there.