This is a review of Syncios iOS Data Recovery, an iPhone data recovery tool.
I’ve worked in tech for decades, writing software reviews and offering training and support. I’ve taken an in-depth look at Syncios iOS Data Recovery to let you know how likely it is to recover your lost iPhone data.
Unfortunately, until there’s an update it won’t work on most Macs. I’m also reluctant to recommend it to Windows users due to mediocre user reviews.
In this Syncios iOS Data Recovery review, I’ll explore the types of data the application can restore, how long this is likely to take and weigh up your chance of success.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Syncios iOS Data Recovery Overview
Syncios iOS Data Recovery recovers lost data from iOS devices, including contacts, messages, photos, and more. The software runs on your Windows or Mac computer and scans your phone once it is connected with a cable.
Two versions are available:
- Syncios iOS Data Recovery for Windows: $69.95 (currently $39.95)
- Syncios iOS Data Recovery for Mac: $69.95 (currently $49.95)
The normal prices are at the high end of the spectrum while the discounted prices are quite competitive. A free trial will show you if your files can be recovered before paying for the application and once you purchase the app there is a 30-day refund policy.
Unfortunately, I was unable to test the software on my iMac running macOS Big Sur 11.1 because it needs to be updated by the developer. Apple is unable to check it for malicious software so will not allow it to run.
The official website says the software will work on macOS 10.9 – 10.15. The lack of an update makes me question the company’s commitment to this product.
As a result, this review, we will focus on the Windows version. Windows 7 and above are supported, a 1 GHz CPU is required, and 1 GB of free drive space is recommended.
Recovery Features
Data recovery is possible because when you delete an item from your iPhone, the data is not actually removed. It’s simply marked as deleted so the operating system knows that space is available, and in time it will be overwritten by new information.
Methods of data recovery offered:
- Recover data from iOS devices: directly scan your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to recover lost data
- Recover data from iTunes: extract the iTunes backup to selectively retrieve lost data
- Recovery data from iCloud: access iCloud data to selectively restore to your computer or iOS device
Devices supported:
- iPhone models 4S to 12 (including mini and Pro)
- iPad models iPad 2 to current models
- iPod touch generations 5-7
Supported data types: PhotoStream, app photos, app videos, Messages and Message attachments, WhatsApp messages, Kik, Viber, music, contacts, call history, notes, calendar, reminders, Safari bookmarks and history, books, camera roll, voice memo, app documents.
User Experience
On Windows, setup and installation are simple, though additional components needed to be installed once I started using the software. Data recovery is done in five easy steps:
- Connect your iOS device to your PC
- Unlock it and tap Trust if prompted
- Launch Syncios IOS Data Recovery on your PC
- Scan your connected iOS device
- Preview and recover the lost data that was found
Effectiveness
I’ve never found an iOS data recovery tool that consistently restores every type of file. How effective is Syncios iOS Data Recovery?
Consumer ratings are average: some users are happy and others are totally dissatisfied. Sixteen users on Trustpilot gave the app 3.5 stars [1] while seven users on CNET gave it 3.7 stars [2]. That’s not terrible, but significantly lower than the alternatives I recommend below.
Positive reviews state the users were able to recover their data, including contacts, photos, messages, and more. They appreciate the design of the app and one-click restore.
Negative users complained of failed recoveries, slow scans, and unresponsive customer service. Some users reached out to Syncios to take advantage of the 30-day refund policy and 100% satisfaction guarantee but never heard back.
How long does the recovery process take? On my 128 GB iPhone 12 mini, the initial analysis took almost an hour and a half. After that, the data was scanned. I didn’t wait at my desk while that happened, but I know it was less than an hour. So, the total time taken was over two hours in total.
After the scan, the app showed me a combined view of the existing items on my iPhone plus the deleted items it had located. Most iOS data recovery apps do that.
Fortunately, Syncios iOS Data Recovery offers to display just the deleted items to make the job of finding the items you want to recover easier.
Once you select the files you want, you can choose to recover them to your PC or directly back to the phone.
Customer Support
The Syncios Support Center [4] offers program manuals, video tutorials, registration FAQs, product FAQs, and the refund policy. Support can be contacted via email and usually reply within 48 hours.
FAQs
Is Syncios iOS Data Recovery safe?
Yes. Scanning for lost data won’t cause any damage to your computer or phone, and recovery won’t overwrite any other data. A scan with Bitdefender Virus Scanner found no malware.
Is Syncios iOS Data Recovery free?
No. You can scan your phone using the free trial version to determine which lost files can be found, but you need to purchase a license to recover them.
Can you use Syncios iOS Data Recovery on Android phones?
No, only iOS devices are supported and a separate Android product is not offered.
Alternatives
If Syncios iOS Data Recovery isn’t right for you, here are some alternatives I recommend.
Aiseesoft FoneLab offers fast and effective scans as well as support for rooted Android devices. Windows and Mac versions are available.
Tenorshare UltData can recover a range of data types from iOS and rooted Android devices and allows you to choose the types of data to recover to minimize the scan time. It runs on your PC or Mac.
Wondershare dr.fone is a third reputable alternative and offers versions for Windows, Mac, and Android. Its scans are quite slow but it doesn’t require you to first root your Android phone.
Final Verdict
Most Mac users can’t use Syncios iOS Data Recovery and I’m reluctant to recommend it to Windows users. The developers are slow to update the product and user ratings are not inspiring.
Syncios iOS Data Recovery may rescue your lost files. Many users had success and it certainly located deleted items on my own iPhone. But according to my experience with iOS data recovery apps, you can’t expect it to be successful 100% of the time.
My recommendation is to use one of the highly-rated alternatives I recommend above. They will maximize your chances of success.
References
