Restore from iCloud or iTunes?

[ProMod]

With the 8 and 8+ arriving tomorrow, maybe this is a question a lot of people have. Is it better to restore from an iCloud backup or an iTunes backup?

I realize the iTunes method will be quicker, but I'm curious which one is "cleaner" and brings over less junk from the old OS, etc. I backup to iCloud automatically every night, but also keep an up to date iTunes backup on my MacBook Pro.

I've always just setup as a new phone and manually reinstalled everything, because I'm OCD like that, but as I've gotten older and less fun, I will settle for a restore from backup this time!

 

[That70sGAdawg]

I would set it up as new, only sync the pictures & music in iTunes (all other basic info over iCloud) as Apps are not included in iTunes anymore to sync. It will be tedious to add back all your Apps & I would reference your iTunes files (or make a list) so you don't forget any.
If you use a Mac- that OS is TOTALLY changing (file system type & all) on Monday with High Sierra so I might even start fresh there too if you can . You don't want any bad file issues tagging along..

 

[Apple_Robert]

Make sure if you do iTunes backup, that it is encrypted so that your passwords and info are saved.

 

[earthdog]

Make sure if you do iTunes backup, that it is encrypted so that your passwords and info are saved.

100% the right answer!

 

[ProMod]

I do use encryption for the iTunes backup. I didn't realize iCloud backups do not restore passwords. That pretty much makes my decision for me.

 

[trusso]

Local backups/restores are a million times faster (in my experience) than iCloud. That, and I much prefer having my backups on hardware I own, rather than a server farm thousands of miles away.

 

[protoxx]

Beware of the latest version of itunes. It removed the app store so you backups won't have any apps in them.

 

[psac]

Beware of the latest version of itunes. It removed the app store so you backups won't have any apps in them.

To be clear on this for the OP, the app data is still backed up, and the apps will be redownloaded to the device and rematched up with the data.... as long as the app is still available. If it’s not, that app is toast. Between this and killing the 32 bit apps, Apple is obviously on a crusade to rid their ecosystem of old Non-updated apps. If you can’t get it New, they don’t want you to have it anymore.

 

[That70sGAdawg]

Apple is also bent on having you go to the App store now on your phone where they can "feature" apps that they got paid to do so..

 

[protoxx]

Apple wants to force you to pay monthly for icloud space for backups.

 

[Cloudsurfer]

I prefer the iCloud restore, may take longer but it's easier. You can use the phone while it's restoring without being tethered to a computer.

 

[zorinlynx]

I prefer the iCloud restore, may take longer but it's easier. You can use the phone while it's restoring without being tethered to a computer.

You can use the phone at the same point in the restore on both platforms. Once the phone reboots and you can get to the home screen and all the apps are loading, at that point you can unplug.