iPhone Data Recovery

• Full-Disk Encryption

  Unlike hard drives or flash drives, every iPhone uses full-disk encryption tied to the CPU. We can't read data from the NAND chip directly - the iPhone must power on and unlock to access anything. This makes component-level motherboard repair essential for all recoveries.

• CPU + NAND Pairing

  The CPU and NAND flash chip are uniquely paired on every iPhone. Your data cannot be accessed unless both components are present and functional. If either chip is cracked or destroyed, the data is permanently unrecoverable.

• No Partial Recovery

  iPhone recovery is all-or-nothing. Once the device boots and unlocks, we recover everything - photos, messages, notes, contacts, and all app data. There's no such thing as a partial extraction with iPhones.

• Logic Board Repair Required

  Every case requires iPhone microsoldering and component-level diagnostics. We use thermal cameras, oscilloscopes, and microscopes to locate faults, repair damaged traces, and restore the phone to a bootable state long enough to create a backup.

1. 1

   Submit a Quote & Ship Your iPhone

   Fill out our quote form or call us. We'll send you a free prepaid insured shipping label. Package your iPhone securely and drop it off at any UPS location. Your device typically arrives at our lab in 2-3 business days.

2. 2

   Logic Board Diagnostics

   Our technicians disassemble your iPhone and perform component-level diagnostics using thermal cameras, oscilloscopes, and microscopes. We test for short circuits, assess liquid damage, evaluate chip integrity, and determine the best recovery approach. This is covered by the $100 diagnostic fee.

3. 3

   Recovery Quote & Approval

   After diagnostics, we provide a detailed assessment and exact recovery quote. You decide whether to proceed - if you do, the diagnostic fee is applied toward the total cost. No surprises, no hidden fees.

4. 4

   Microsoldering & Data Extraction

   We perform motherboard repair to get your iPhone to power on and reach a usable state. Once the device boots and is unlocked, we create a full iTunes backup containing your notes, contacts, messages, photos, and app data. For severely damaged boards, we may transplant the CPU and NAND to a donor board.

5. 5

   Data Delivered

   We send proof of recovery before requesting payment. Your recovered data is delivered via our secure data delivery portal or shipped on an external drive. All data is securely wiped from our systems after you confirm receipt.

• Legacy

  iPhone 3GS / 4 / 5 Series

  The earliest iPhones we recover data from. The iPhone 3GS was the first model to introduce hardware encryption, and the iPhone 4 introduced the A4 chip with full-disk encryption. These older devices have simpler board layouts and larger components, making logic board repair somewhat more straightforward. However, sourcing donor boards for these vintage models can be challenging, which impacts turnaround time. Recovery pricing starts at $500-$800 for these models. Despite their age, we regularly recover precious family photos and messages from these devices - data that often spans back over a decade.

• Mid-Range

  iPhone 6 / 6s / 7 / 8 / SE

  These models represent the bulk of our recovery cases. The iPhone 6 era introduced larger logic boards with more complex power management systems, while the iPhone 7 removed the headphone jack and introduced a new Taptic Engine - changes that altered the internal layout significantly. The iPhone 7 and 8 series use more advanced packaging for the CPU, making pad repair more delicate. SE models (2020, 2022) share internals with other generations but in a compact form factor. Recovery for these models typically costs $1,500.

• Modern

  iPhone X / XS / 11 Series

  The iPhone X marked a major design shift with a stacked logic board - two PCB layers sandwiched together to make room for the larger battery and Face ID components. This stacked design means component-level repair requires separating and re-bonding the two halves, adding complexity to every recovery. The A11 through A13 chips in these models use more advanced packaging with finer pitch connections. Despite these challenges, our success rate remains excellent when the CPU and NAND are intact. Recovery costs $1,500 for these models.

  Learn more about iPhone 11 data recovery and what makes the A13 Bionic unique.

• Current

  iPhone 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 Series

  Apple's latest designs continue the stacked board architecture with increasingly miniaturized components. The iPhone 12 introduced 5G with the Qualcomm X55 modem, while the iPhone 13 brought the A15 Bionic and diagonal camera layout. The iPhone 14 Pro moved to the A16 Bionic with further packaging density, and the iPhone 15 switched to USB-C across the entire lineup. These newer models feature more advanced thermal management and more tightly integrated components, which means liquid damage can spread faster and affect more critical areas simultaneously. Recovery costs $1,500 for these models.

• Latest

  iPhone 16 / 17 Series

  The newest iPhone generations push component density and chip integration even further. The iPhone 16 uses Apple's 3nm A18 chip, the Camera Control button, and USB-C with Power Delivery - all of which create new failure points our lab is equipped to handle. Logic boards are engineered with virtually zero wasted space, and recovery requires the most advanced techniques and newest donor boards in our inventory. Due to the recency of these models and the higher cost of replacement parts, recovery pricing starts at $1,500. If your iPhone 16 or later needs data recovery, request a quote for a detailed assessment.

• Special

  iPhone SE & Mini Models

  The iPhone SE line reuses internals from flagship models in a smaller chassis - the SE (2020) shares the iPhone 8's logic board, while the SE (2022) is based on the iPhone 13 platform. iPhone Mini models (12 Mini, 13 Mini) pack full flagship hardware into a compact form factor. Recovery procedures for SE and Mini models follow the same approach as their full-size counterparts, with pricing based on the internal generation rather than the external design. The compact size of these devices doesn't affect recovery difficulty since the critical components are the same.

Not sure which iPhone model you have? Our technicians identify the exact model during diagnostics using the internal model number on the logic board. When you submit a quote request, just describe the phone as best you can (color, size, approximate year) and we'll handle the rest. Every iPhone model from the 3GS onward uses hardware encryption, which is why microsoldering is always required to access your data - regardless of the model.

We understand that losing access to your iPhone can be stressful. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, your data is still there. The CPU and NAND are remarkably resilient - our job is to repair the surrounding circuitry well enough to boot the phone one last time and extract everything. If you're unsure about your situation, call us at 732-933-7717 for a free phone assessment.

• iPhone vs. Android Recovery

  Android devices like Samsung Galaxy phones use a different encryption architecture. While modern Android phones also use full-disk encryption, the implementation varies by manufacturer. Some Android devices allow chip-off NAND reading with decryption, while others require a boot-and-backup approach similar to iPhones. The motherboard repair and microsoldering skills transfer directly. If you have an Android device that needs recovery, visit our cell phone data recovery page for details.

• iPhone vs. iPad Recovery

  iPad data recovery uses the same encryption architecture and boot-and-backup approach as iPhone recovery. The primary difference is physical: iPads have larger logic boards with more accessible components, which can simplify certain repairs. However, iPads are more susceptible to flex-related damage due to their larger glass surfaces and thinner chassis. If you need data from a damaged iPad, the same techniques we use for iPhones apply.

• iPhone Data Recovery vs. iPhone Repair

  These are two distinct services. iPhone repair makes the phone usable again - replacing screens, batteries, and cameras. Data recovery has a completely different goal: we repair the motherboard just enough to boot the device one time and extract a backup. The microsoldering techniques overlap, but the end goal is different. If your phone just needs a screen or battery, our repair service is faster and less expensive.

• Can Apple Recover Data from a Dead iPhone?

  No. Apple does not offer any iPhone data recovery service. Apple data recovery simply does not exist - if you bring a dead or water damaged iPhone to the Apple Store or Genius Bar, they will attempt basic troubleshooting - force restart, DFU restore - and if those don't work, they'll recommend purchasing a replacement. Apple does not perform motherboard repair, microsoldering, or chip-level data extraction. AppleCare does not cover data recovery. Their service model is to swap the entire device, which means your data stays on the old motherboard and goes in the bin. This does not mean your data is unrecoverable - it means Apple doesn't have the tools or business model to recover it. A specialized lab like MDRepairs can.

• Mail-In vs. Local iPhone Recovery

  Many people assume they need a local shop for iPhone data recovery, but very few local shops have the equipment or expertise for motherboard repair and microsoldering. Most will tell you nothing can be done or quietly ship your phone to a specialist lab - adding cost and delay. Our nationwide mail-in program connects you directly to the lab doing the work. We provide free insured UPS shipping labels, your device arrives in 2-3 business days, and you get the same expert service whether you're in New Jersey, California, Texas, or anywhere else in the country.

Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, or another mobile device, MDRepairs has the component-level expertise to recover your data. Our cell phone data recovery service covers all major brands and models. If you're not sure which service you need, submit a quote with a description of your device and the problem, and we'll point you in the right direction.

• How much does iPhone data recovery cost?

  Pricing depends on the iPhone model and the extent of damage. Standard motherboard repairs for data recovery range from $500 to $1,500 depending on your model. Advanced CPU/NAND chip swaps for severely damaged boards are $2,500 flat. Our $100 diagnostic determines the exact issue, and we provide a firm quote before you commit.
• Can you recover data from a completely dead iPhone?

  Yes. As long as the CPU, NAND, and EEPROM are intact, we recover all your data - messages, photos, contacts, notes, and app data - even if the iPhone is completely dead, shows no signs of life, or won't respond to charging.
• Can Apple recover data from a dead iPhone?

  No. Apple does not offer data recovery services. The Apple Store and Genius Bar will attempt basic troubleshooting and then recommend replacing the device. Apple does not perform motherboard repair or microsoldering. For actual data recovery from a non-functional iPhone, you need a specialized lab like MDRepairs.
• Can you recover data from an iPhone without a backup?

  Yes. iPhone data recovery without backup is our core service. We don't need an existing iCloud or iTunes backup - we repair the motherboard to boot the device and create a new backup directly from the phone. As long as the CPU and NAND are intact, we extract everything regardless of whether you ever backed up to iCloud or a computer.
• Can you recover photos from a broken iPhone without a backup?

  Yes. We specialize in iPhone data recovery without backup - recovering photos, videos, messages, and app data from iPhones with no iCloud or iTunes backup, even when the phone won't turn on. We repair the motherboard to get the phone to boot, then create a full backup directly from the device.
• My iPhone won't turn on - can you still recover data?

  Absolutely. iPhone won't turn on data recovery is one of our most common cases. A non-responsive iPhone usually has a failed power component - not destroyed storage. We diagnose and repair the specific component failure, get the phone to boot, and extract a full backup of all your data.
• Can you recover data from a water damaged iPhone?

  Yes. Water damage is one of our most common recovery scenarios. We recover data from liquid-damaged iPhones every day, including severe corrosion, saltwater damage, and rusted components. Avoid powering on a wet iPhone and send it to our lab as soon as possible.
• How long does iPhone data recovery take?

  Standard turnaround is approximately 4-5 weeks. Rush Service (+$250) puts your device at the front of the queue, starting within 1-5 business days. Urgent Rush (+$500) and Emergency Same-Day (+$1,000) options are also available.
• Cracked screen iPhone data recovery - is it possible?

  Yes. A broken screen does not affect your ability to recover data as long as the internal components - CPU, NAND, and EEPROM - are still functional. We can repair the board and extract data regardless of screen condition.
• Can you recover deleted data from an iPhone?

  No. iPhones use full-disk encryption, and once data is deleted, it becomes permanently inaccessible - even with advanced tools. Unlike hard drives, there's no undelete option. Our service recovers data from damaged or non-functional iPhones, not from intentional deletion.
• Do you provide mail-in iPhone data recovery?

  Yes. We serve all 50 states through our secure mail-in program with free prepaid insured shipping labels. Fill out our quote form, ship your iPhone to our Lincroft, NJ lab, and we handle the rest.
• What happens if you can't recover my data?

  You only pay the $100 diagnostic fee. During diagnostics, if we determine the CPU or NAND is damaged beyond repair, we'll explain our findings and return your device at no additional cost.
• Can you recover WhatsApp messages from an iPhone?

  Yes. We can recover full WhatsApp conversations, attachments, and media stored on the device, even without a cloud backup. Once the iPhone boots and is backed up, all app data including WhatsApp is included.
• What if my iPhone has been opened or repaired before?

  We can still recover data from previously opened devices. However, failed repair attempts - especially poor CPU removal - can increase the difficulty and risk. Please let us know if your phone has been worked on before so we can factor that into our diagnostic approach.
• Do you recover data from iPhones with Stolen Device Protection?

  Yes, but we will need to back up your data to your iCloud account. When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, Apple requires Face ID or passcode authentication to create a local backup, so we cannot transfer data to USB or external storage.
• Will my data be kept private and secure?

  Absolutely. Your data never leaves our facility, and we never access, view, or copy any of your private information. All recovery work is performed in-house with strict chain-of-custody protocols. Data is securely wiped from our systems after you confirm receipt.
• Can you recover data from an iPhone that was in saltwater?

  Yes, though saltwater causes the most aggressive form of corrosion. Salt accelerates oxidation on the logic board, and the damage spreads rapidly - often reaching critical components like the CPU and NAND within days. If your iPhone was submerged in saltwater (ocean, pool with salt chlorination), time is critical. Do not rinse it with fresh water, do not try to dry it, and do not charge it. Send it to our lab as quickly as possible. We've successfully recovered data from iPhones that spent extended time in the ocean, but earlier intervention always yields better results.
• Can you recover data from an iPhone with a cracked screen?

  A cracked screen alone does not prevent data recovery. The screen is an output and input device - it doesn't store any data. What matters is the condition of the logic board and its critical components (CPU, NAND, EEPROM). We regularly recover data from iPhones with completely shattered screens. In fact, if the internal components are undamaged, a cracked screen is one of the simplest recovery scenarios we handle. The phone doesn't even need a working screen for us to create the backup.
• Do I need to know my iPhone's passcode for recovery?

  Yes. Due to Apple's encryption, we need the device to be unlocked to create a backup. This means you must provide your passcode, and for devices with Face ID, we may need to get the device to a state where Face ID works or where the passcode can be entered. We cannot bypass iPhone passcodes or Apple's security features - nor would we attempt to. If you've forgotten your passcode, there may still be options depending on your specific situation. Contact us to discuss.
• Can you fix an iPhone stuck in a boot loop?

  Yes. A boot loop - where the iPhone repeatedly shows the Apple logo and restarts - is usually caused by either a software corruption or a hardware fault on the logic board. We diagnose the root cause: if it's a hardware issue like a failing NAND chip or marginal solder joint, we repair the board. If it's a software issue, we may be able to extract data without board-level work. Either way, the goal is the same - get the phone to a stable booted state and create a full backup.
• How do you deliver my recovered data?

  We deliver recovered data through our secure data delivery portal as a downloadable iTunes backup file. You can also request delivery on a USB flash drive or external hard drive shipped to your address. The iTunes backup can be restored to a new iPhone directly through iTunes or Finder, or you can use tools like iMazing to browse and extract individual files (photos, messages, etc.) without restoring to a device.
• Can I restore the backup to a new iPhone?

  Yes. The backup we create is a standard iTunes backup - the same format Apple uses. You can restore it to any compatible iPhone using iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac. When you restore from our backup, your new iPhone will have all your photos, messages, contacts, notes, app data, settings, and everything else from the recovered device. It's like picking up exactly where you left off. For help with the restoration process, check our guide on how to transfer data to a new phone.
• What's the difference between data recovery and iPhone repair?

  Standard iPhone repair is designed to make the phone usable again for daily use - replacing screens, batteries, cameras, and other components. Data recovery has a different goal: we repair the logic board just enough to get the phone to boot one time and create a backup. The phone may not be suitable for continued use after recovery - we're focused on extracting your data, not returning a working device. If your phone just needs a standard repair (screen, battery, charging port), our iPhone repair service may be more appropriate.
• Is it possible to recover data from an iPhone that's been in a fire?

  It depends on the severity of the fire damage. If the motherboard is charred, warped, or the CPU/NAND chips are visibly damaged from extreme heat, recovery may not be possible. However, if the phone was exposed to smoke, moderate heat, or a brief fire and the motherboard is still structurally intact, we can often recover the data. The CPU and NAND are remarkably heat-resistant for short exposures. Send us photos of the device and we'll provide an assessment before you ship it.
• Can you recover data from an iPhone that another shop couldn't fix?

  Yes - this is actually a significant portion of our caseload. Many customers come to us after one or more local shops have told them the phone is unrecoverable or after a repair attempt made things worse. Most phone repair shops don't have the equipment or training for motherboard-level microsoldering. We regularly recover data from devices that other shops failed on. However, if a previous repair attempt caused physical damage to the CPU pads or NAND, recovery becomes more difficult and may require a CPU/NAND transplant.
• Do you work on Samsung Galaxy and other Android phones too?

  Yes. While this page focuses on iPhone recovery, we provide cell phone data recovery for all major brands including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, LG, Motorola, and other Android devices. Android recovery techniques differ from iPhone recovery due to different encryption implementations, but the component-level repair skills are the same. Visit our cell phone data recovery page for details on Android recovery.
• Is there iPhone data recovery near me?

  Unless you happen to be near one of the few labs in the country with actual motherboard microsoldering capability, the best option is our mail-in service. Most "iPhone data recovery near me" results are shops that outsource the work anyway, adding cost and delay. With MDRepairs, you ship directly to the lab performing the repair - free insured shipping, 2-3 day delivery, and the same expert service whether you're local to New Jersey or across the country.
• My iPhone fell in water - what should I do?

  Whether your iPhone fell in a toilet, pool, lake, or ocean - the most important thing is to stop trying to power it on or charge it. Do not put it in rice. Each power-on attempt can worsen short circuits on the logic board. Keep the device powered off, store it in a dry place, and contact our lab as soon as possible. The sooner we receive a water damaged iPhone, the better the recovery outcome - corrosion spreads every day the phone sits untreated.
• How do I ship my iPhone for mail-in recovery?

  After you submit a quote form, we'll email you a free prepaid insured shipping label via UPS. Place your iPhone in a small box with padding (bubble wrap, paper, or even socks work fine) and drop it off at any UPS location. The package is fully insured during transit. Your iPhone typically arrives at our Lincroft, NJ lab within 2-3 business days. Visit our mail-in data recovery page for detailed shipping instructions and tips for packaging your device safely.
• Can you recover voicemails and voice memos from an iPhone?

  Yes. The iTunes backup we create includes all Voice Memos recordings, saved voicemails (if your carrier supports Visual Voicemail), and any audio files stored on the device. Voice Memos are especially common in business and legal recovery cases where clients have used their iPhone to record meetings, interviews, or personal notes. All audio files are included in the complete backup.
• What if my iPhone is physically bent or broken in half?

  A physically bent or broken iPhone is one of the most serious recovery scenarios because the logic board itself may be fractured. If the CPU and NAND are on opposite sides of the break, or if either chip is cracked, recovery requires a CPU/NAND transplant to a donor board - our most advanced and time-intensive procedure. If both chips are intact and undamaged, we can transplant them together. This is priced at $2,500 flat due to the extreme precision required.