Symptoms
- Home screen has empty spaces or placeholder icons after restoring
- Apps show as installing but never finish
- Some apps restored, others didn't
- App icons appear but open to a blank or error screen
Likely causes
- CommonApps still downloading in the background over a slow connectionA full restore can take a long time to redownload every app, especially over weaker Wi-Fi.
- CommonNot signed into the app store account yetApps can't download without being signed into the account used originally.
- PossibleAn app was removed from the store since your last backupDiscontinued apps won't reinstall automatically and may need to be found manually if still available.
- PossibleRegional app store differencesAn app available in one country's store may not restore if your account region changed.
- PossibleInsufficient storage for all apps to reinstallA large app library restoring onto limited storage can stall partway through.
What to do
- Confirm you're signed into the correct app store account.
- Connect to strong Wi-Fi and let the phone sit and finish downloading, which can take hours for many apps.
- Check storage space and free up room if apps are stalling due to space.
- Manually search the app store for any specific app that didn't restore automatically.
- Restart the phone if downloads appear stuck.
- Check if a missing app has been discontinued or renamed by searching online.
- Reinstall manually one at a time for any apps that consistently fail to auto-restore.
When to call a pro
No professional repair needed for this; if a paid app won't restore due to being discontinued, contact the app store's support about your purchase history.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.