How to Backup Your iPhone

Common scenarios like accidental drops, lost devices, or unintended hard resets can result in the need for a replacement phone. These events can mean you need a new phone altogether, and you might also lose important images, videos, and other data (like custom widgets); it’s also the case if you don’t use iCloud backups.

Key Takeaways

• iCloud is Easiest: Automatic backups are the most convenient “set it and forget it” option.
• Computer Backups: Using a Mac or PC can be faster and is limited only by your hard drive space.
• Storage Limits: Apple provides 5GB of free storage; upgrades to iCloud+ are available for larger data needs.
• Security: Local backups via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC) can be encrypted and password-protected for extra security. Note that Safari data, Health data, and Keychain passwords are only backed up if encryption is enabled.
• Backup Gaps Are Common: According to a Handy Recovery Advisor survey, only about 33% of digital users back up their data regularly - and 35% of mobile users report experiencing backup trouble.
• Preparation: Always back up and wipe your data before selling your device to services like ecoATM.

So, if you don’t back up your iPhone regularly, how do you do it? And can you back up all the data or do you have to choose specific backup settings?

Which backup method is best? iCloud, Mac/PC, or other options

For most people, iCloud is the best first-line backup because it runs automatically when your iPhone is charging, locked, and on Wi-Fi; choose a Mac or PC backup instead if you need a complete, offline copy or have limited cloud space. Beyond iCloud backups, several other methods exist for backing up your iPhone or iPad. On top of iCloud backups, you can use computer backups through Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on PC) to safeguard your data.

It’s worth noting that Safari data, Health data, and Keychain passwords are only backed up if backup encryption is enabled - something many users overlook. And while backing up is widely recommended, a Handy Recovery Advisor survey found that only 33% of digital users back up regularly, with 27% doing so only a few times a year and nearly 20% rarely backing up at all. Among iPhone owners specifically, just 36% back up their data on a regular basis, and 35% of mobile users report running into trouble with backups at some point.

How to access iCloud settings

Accessing iCloud on your device follows a straightforward process. Go to your device’s Settings app to access your iCloud backup settings. From there, tap on your name at the top of the screen.

Once you’re in the iCloud settings, you can do a few things. First, you can view your available storage and current data usage. You can also toggle iCloud features on and off, such as iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, and iCloud Backup.

What does iCloud back up?

Depending on how you back up your iPhone, your iCloud plan can store dozens of different backup file types. Apple currently supports iCloud backups and sharing for several key files, including:

• iCloud photos and videos
• Map favorites
• Text messages
• Contacts, Notes, Reminders, and Calendars
• App data (since iOS 9, this includes user data within apps, but not the apps themselves)
• Voice memos
• Home and health data
• Passwords and payment methods
• Backup files and documents
• Other third-party backup folder types
• Other local backup data

It’s worth noting that certain sensitive data - including Safari data, Health data, and Keychain passwords - are only backed up if backup encryption is enabled. If privacy and security are a priority, enabling encrypted backups is strongly recommended. For a deeper look at protecting your personal information, see The Smartphone User’s Guide to Data Privacy.

Beyond the encrypted backup data you can store via iCloud, you can also use iCloud’s Find My features to locate lost devices or share your location with household members or friends. You can also share backup files and documents through iCloud Drive, and store and share photos and videos through iCloud Photos.

Each iCloud account comes with 5 GB of free storage by default, with additional storage available for purchase through Apple’s iCloud+ subscription plans. Given how quickly device backups can fill that free tier, many users find it necessary to upgrade their storage plan or selectively manage what gets backed up.

Despite how important backups are, many people still don’t back up consistently. A survey by Handy Recovery Advisor, launched on the PollFish platform in October 2024, found that while about 78% of digital users back up their data, only 33% do so regularly. Another 27% back up only a few times a year, and nearly 20% do so rarely. Among mobile users specifically, 36% of iOS owners and 34% of Android owners reported backing up regularly - and 35% of mobile users reported experiencing backup trouble at some point.

How to back up your iPhone to iCloud

1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to the Settings app > tap your name > tap iCloud.
3. Tap iCloud Backup, then turn on Back Up This iPhone.
4. Tap Back Up Now. Make sure that your Wi-Fi connection is stable while the backup process is completed.
5. On this same screen, you’ll be able to see the date of your last back up and any alert that you may need to purchase more iCloud storage.

Can you buy more iCloud storage with iCloud+?

Depending on your current iCloud plan, you can upgrade your phone and access higher storage tiers via iCloud+. If you want to protect more of your precious data, you can designate iCloud photos, back up contacts, store health and activity data, and protect local app data.

When you’re ready to upgrade to iCloud+, you can do it through various Apple devices or on a Windows PC. We’ll take you through each method.

Buy more iCloud storage on iPhone or iPad

On an iPhone or an iPad, go to the Settings application and tap your name or Apple ID. Then, tap iCloud, followed by Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage, depending on your device and iOS. You can also scroll down and tap Upgrade to iCloud+.

Finally, you’ll choose an iCloud plan that can handle all of your iPhone backups and follow the displayed instructions to upgrade your account.

Buy more iCloud storage on Mac

Start by clicking on the Apple icon on your Mac. This will bring up a list of options, but you’re looking for System Settings.

From there, click your name or Apple ID. In the Apple ID menu, you’ll then click on iCloud followed by Manage. Or, you can scroll down and select Upgrade to iCloud+.

Once you’re on the next page, select either Change Storage Plan or Buy More Storage. This will provide you with several different storage options. Choose one that can effectively back up your iPhone and select it to continue.

At this point, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID and password to confirm the changes.

Buy more iCloud storage on Windows PC

On a Windows PC, navigate to your iCloud for Windows application. If you don’t already have this installed, you’ll need to download it from the Microsoft Store before proceeding.

Once inside the iCloud for Windows app, look for the Storage option. Click on this and then select Change Storage Plan. Choose the amount of iCloud space that best suits your needs and click Next.

Finally, enter your Apple ID and password, and then click Buy.

Connecting your iPhone to the computer

• Operating system: For Mac, you should be on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later. For PC, Windows 10 or newer is recommended for the best compatibility with iCloud for Windows.
• Cable/adapter: Connect your iPhone via the charging cable that came with your device. Plug it into your iPhone and an available USB port on your computer. You may require an adapter if you don’t have a compatible USB-C or Lightning cable.

Finally, once you’re connected, your device may ask you whether or not you trust the new computer you just plugged in. Select Trust to proceed.

How to check your iCloud backup size

By default, each iCloud account comes with 5 GB of free storage space. However, if you’ve upgraded to iCloud+, you’ll have a higher storage tier available. You can quickly check how much storage you have remaining directly from the Settings menu.

Find iCloud size on iPhone or iPad

On an iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings menu. Select your name and then tap iCloud. At this point, you should see a bar graph that depicts how much storage you’ve used across several categories.

Find iCloud backup size on Mac

On macOS 13 or later, click the Apple Menu icon, click System Settings, select your name, and then click iCloud.

On macOS 12 or earlier, click on the Apple Menu icon, choose System Preferences, and then click iCloud. The storage bar will show you how much space you have available compared to how much has been used up.

Back up iPhone using Finder on Mac

On modern Macs running macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later, iTunes has been replaced by Finder for iPhone backups. To get started, connect your iPhone to your Mac using the appropriate cable and open a Finder window. Your iPhone should appear in the Finder sidebar under Locations - click on it to proceed.

At the top of the Finder window, click General. Then, select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.”

Select “Encrypt Local Backup” if you want to encrypt and password-protect your backup. This is worth enabling, as Safari data, Health data, and Keychain passwords are only included in a backup when encryption is turned on. Once you’re ready, select Back Up Now and wait for the process to complete.

Back up iPhone using iTunes on Windows

If you’re on a Windows PC, iTunes remains the primary method for creating a local iPhone backup. Download iTunes from the Microsoft Store if you haven’t already, then connect your iPhone via cable and open iTunes.

In the top left of the application screen, click the Device button and then select Summary. Click Back Up Now under the Backups section. To protect sensitive data, check Encrypt Local Backup, set a strong password, and click Set Password before starting the backup.

Note that since iOS 9, iCloud and iTunes/Finder backups include user app data but not the apps themselves, which are re-downloaded from the App Store when you restore.

Selling your phone with ecoATM

Once you’ve backed up and deleted your personal data from your device, you’re ready to sell your device for instant payment.

With more than 7,000 locations across the country, ecoATM is a convenient and secure option for your used devices. Before you head out, it helps to understand how ecoATM evaluates your device’s value. Simply price your device ahead of time to generate a drop-off code and bring it with your device to any ecoATM kiosk.