Q: Can I restore a backup from a newer version of iOS (e.g., iOS 10.x) to a device (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) using an older version of iOS (e.g., iOS 9.x)?
Related: How to back up your iOS device
A: No, iOS and iTunes does not support this. If you try this, you may see the following error messages:
- You cannot see or select the most recent backup from the list of available backups in iTunes or iCloud.
- iTunes displays the alert “The backup …. cannot be restored to this …. because of the software on the …. is too old.”
- iTunes displays the warning “No backups available.”
To resolve this issue, you need to update your iPad, iPhone or iPod to the latest version of iOS.
Related: How to update your iOS version: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch