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bektur67
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Restore from iCloud on factory reset iPhone 16e not progressing.

I'm trying to Restore from iCloud on my factory reset iPhone 16e. It's stuck on "Time remaining: estimating..." with no progress. I've tried hard reseting and starting over. What else can I do to use my iCloud backup?

Posted on Sep 21, 2026 10:41 PM

1 reply

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Sep 22, 2026 12:18 AM in response to bektur67


If your iPhone 16e is stuck on "Time remaining: estimating..." during an iCloud restore and hard resetting has not helped, you can bypass the setup stall by using a clean setup and update method. 

Sometimes, a mismatch between the iOS version on the backup and the factory-installed iOS version on your new phone causes the setup assistant to hang.

Follow these steps to successfully apply your iCloud backup:


1. Set Up as a New Phone First

By bypassing the initial restore, you can update the system software, which often fixes the freezing issue.

  1. Force restart your iPhone 16e once more to get out of the loop (quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears). 
  2. When the phone reboots to the welcome screen, proceed through the setup steps but select "Don't Transfer Apps & Data" (or set up as a new iPhone).
  3. Skip signing into your Apple Account during this initial setup if it lets you, or sign in without restoring anything. Get to the home screen.


2. Update the iOS Software

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Download and install any available iOS updates. A clean, updated operating system handles backup restoration much more reliably.


3. Factory Reset and Restore Again

  1. Once the update is fully installed, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  3. When the iPhone 16e restarts back to the "Hello" screen, begin the setup process again.
  4. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and select Restore from iCloud Backup. Log in and select your preferred backup date.


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256362418