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What Do All iOS Engineers Keep Forgetting?

iOS backups are usually reliable. You grab a new iPhone, sign in, and watch your data appear like magic. If you lose your phone, iCloud can restore photos, settings, and apps. A few taps, a bit of waiting, and everything feels normal again.

But some apps don’t handle this process well. Apple does its part, yet certain apps fail when data moves to a new device. Here are a few examples from well-known services:

  • Revolut. After a restore, you might need to go through extra verification steps. Not ideal when you’re in a hurry to check your balance.
  • Wolt. Sometimes your favorite restaurants or saved addresses vanish. You can re-add them, but it’s a chore if you order often.
  • Uber. Payment info can disappear, forcing you to re-enter it. That’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to book a ride.
  • YouTube. It may log you out. Logging back in is simple, but it’s still an extra hassle.

Why Do These Glitches Happen?

  1. Device ID Confusion. Some apps connect user data to a specific device ID. After a restore, the ID changes, and the app won’t recognize your data.
  2. Excluded Folders. Developers might exclude certain files from backup. This can protect privacy, but if done incorrectly, it causes data loss.
  3. Wrong Storage Spots. If apps store critical files in temporary directories, iOS won’t preserve them. After a restore, those files are gone.

How to Avoid Problems

  1. Test iCloud Restores. Use spare devices to see if your app survives the transfer.
  2. Manage Device IDs Wisely. Don’t rely too much on the physical device ID. Consider user-specific tokens instead.
  3. Pick the Right Folders. Keep essential files in iOS backup-friendly locations. If you exclude anything, be sure you have a good reason.

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A smooth restore isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a core part of the user experience. iOS does the heavy lifting, but apps need to keep up. Let’s make sure we don’t drop the ball when users trust us with their data.

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