Issue with latest version

Dated:  June 2026

Sadly, a recent update of the software resulted in the loss of photos for many users. The problem version is V2.7.28. It was released on June 1 and removed from the store June 2 about noon. There is a good version on the App Store now V2.7.29.

The problem is that when the app was opened by a user with 2.7.28 installed that it resulted in the loss of user images. No excuses can be given, it was a major blunder, unforseen, that caused the problem. We can only move forward and deal with the situation.

The good news is that it is possible to get the photos back if you act quickly. If you have iCloud backup set up on your phone, a restore from a recent backup will bring back the photos and get you onto the good working version of PotteryNotes.

I can only say that I am extremely sorry for the problem, any loss of images you have experienced, and for the inconvenience of having to do a restore of a backup onto your device.

If you do the restore I can assure that the Apple restore process is rock solid. Just be sure you have a backup to restore before you begin the process, have your wifi and Apple ID passwords handy. It will take about 15 minutes to go through the manual process, and then the restore of data continues over the course of a couple of hours or so in the background. Your phone does not need to be on once the restore has begun.

Following are the directions: Contact us by email if you have any questions. PotteryNotes@gmail.com

How to restore the iPhone

First, check to see that you have an iCloud backup.  Go into your settings app

1.  Open Settings app

2.  Go to where your name appears, the top item in the settings app.

3.  In there you will see iCloud.  Go there.

4.  In iCloud you will see an entry for iCloud Backup.  Go in there.  You should be able to see if iCloud backup is turned on, and if it is, when the last one was made.

5.  VERY IMPORTANT.  If you do nothing else today, turn "Back Up This Phone" off now.  The backup process only saves the last backup, and now that your photos are gone, you don't want to back that up.  You want to preserve the last good backup.  So turn it off so that no more backups are made for now.  You can turn it back on again after all of this is over.

How to do the actual restore and get your photos back:

To restore an iPhone from an iCloud backup, the device must be on the "Hello" setup screen. If your iPhone is already set up, you must erase all content first. During initial setup, select Restore from iCloud Backup on the Apps & Data screen, sign in, and choose a backup. [1] 

Have your wifi password and AppleID password handy.  You will need them.

1. Erase Your iPhone (If Already Set Up) 

If you have already set up your phone, you must erase it to reach the setup assistant. 

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. 

• Tap Erase All Content and Settings and confirm. 

• Wait for the device to restart to the "Hello" screen. [2] 

2. Restore from iCloud Backup 

• Turn on your device and follow the on-screen prompts until you reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen. 

• Tap From iCloud Backup. 

• Sign in with your Apple Account (Apple ID). 

• Select an available backup from the list, prioritizing the most relevant date and size. 

• Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power until the progress bar completes, as media and apps will continue to download in the background. [1] 

If you want to view your existing backups or verify that one was completed recently, use the View and manage iCloud device backups resource for exact steps. [2, 3] 

[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/118105

[2] https://blog.comodo.com/mobile-security/how-to-restore-iphone-from-icloud-backup/

[3] https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/icloud/mm122d3ef202/icloud

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments.