Hi, I want to remake the “unboxing experience” with my almost 1 year old XR. I know, sounds stupid right. Anyway, the thing I want to know is:
- Are there any differences between restoring iOS in the Settings app (General->Reset) and restoring with iTunes that I should know of?
You aren't exactly
restoring iOS via Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You're erasing all
your content and then resetting all the system settings. When Apple says
content, they're usually referring to the
stuff the user consumes. This essentially deletes
your information and leaves the operating system intact. This isn't a true
restoration – it's still a reset.
A restore via iTunes (Finder in Catalina) wipes
everything from the iPhone, including the operating system and firmware. iTunes downloads the latest version of iOS as an IPSW file from Apple's servers, and erases the device, and it installs it on the blank device.
Follow these instructions but instead of the reset step – restore the device via iTunes
Use these steps to transfer information to your new device and, if applicable, remove your personal information from your old device.
support.apple.com
Restore instructions
Edit: I feel like you know this, but backup your phone too. Import all your photos/videos to your Mac's Photos Library or iCloud (if you pay for extra iCloud storage). You will lose your app data, so think of what apps hold data you need. If you have to sign-in to the app, it's unlikely you're losing much because usually your data is on their servers.
In iCloud settings, you'll see what is synced when you sign-in on your "new" device. Some apps still don't sync important data, like offline games that don't connect with Game Center or iCloud.
When I get a new iPhone, I usually keep the old one on the table – and use it as a guide for setting up my new phone. I think of what settings I liked, and what apps I can afford to delete and just sign-in again.
Since you only have the one iPhone, take the time to go through all your apps, your settings. If you restore, and forget that you left a particular setting or thing that you liked – you will be annoyed.
Turtle pace 🐢
