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 may also lose important images, videos, and other data (like custom widgets ), especially if you don’t regularly 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 iTunes or Finder can be encrypted and password-protected for extra security.
- 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 iTunes backups and computer backups to safeguard your data.
| Feature | iCloud Backup | Computer (Mac/PC) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High (Automatic/Wireless) | Manual (Requires Cable) |
| Storage Limit | Up to 12TB-14TB (Paid) | Limited only by Disk Space |
| Speed | Depends on Wi-Fi | Fast (Wired Connection) |
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, click on your name.
You can do a few things once you’re in the iCloud space. First, you can look at your available storage and current data usage. You can also turn some 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
- Voice memos
- Home and health data
- Passwords and payment methods
- Backup files and documents
- Other third-party backup folder types
- Other local backup data
Beyond the encrypted backup data you can store via iCloud, you can also use iCloud Find My features to locate lost devices or share your location amongst household members or friends. You can also share your backup iPhone data, folders, and documents through iCloud Drive. Lastly, you can establish a backup that enables you to share your photos and videos in the drive.
How to back up your iPhone to iCloud
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to the Settings app > tap your name > tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup, then turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- Tap Back Up Now. Make sure that your Wi-Fi connection is stable while the backup process is completed.
- 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 either System Settings or System Preferences.
From there, click 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 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 OS X 10.9 or later. For PC, it should be Windows 7 or newer.
- 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 will require an adapter if you don’t have a compatible USB 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
Initially, your device comes with 5GB of free iCloud storage included. However, if you upgraded to iCloud+, you’ll have different data availability. You can quickly check how much available data you have left on your device 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 Backup or the iCloud option. 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 iTunes
iTunes can create a backup when you connect your device to a compatible computer if automatic syncing is enabled. On iOS 10.3 and later, iTunes offers the option to encrypt your backup data. You must manually enable this feature by selecting ‘Encrypt Backup.’
Start by connecting your device to a computer you already sync with. Next, open the iTunes window. In the top left of the application screen, look for the Device button. Click it and then select Summary. Then, click Back Up Now, listed below Backups.
To encrypt a backup, select Encrypt Backup, type a strong password, and then set the password.
Back up using Finder on Mac
You can perform an iCloud backup using the Finder window on your Apple Mac device. First, connect your iPhone and your Mac with the appropriate cable. If you’re using a newer iPhone, this will be a USB cable. Select the Finder sidebar on your Mac and navigate to your iPhone.
Remember that to use Finder to back up your iPhone, you need to have a device compatible with macOS 10.15 or newer. Otherwise, you’ll need to back up your iPhone using the iTunes application.
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 file information. Once you’re ready, select Back Up Now and wait for the process to complete.
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. Simply price your device ahead of time to generate a drop-off code and bring it with your device to any ecoATM kiosk.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone backup taking forever?
Common reasons for slow backups include:
- Data-Heavy Apps: Mobile games and apps with large local files.
- Media Volume: High-resolution videos and thousands of photos.
- Unstable Connection: A weak or slow Wi-Fi signal.
- First-Time Backup: Initial backups take significantly longer than subsequent incremental updates.
How do I back up my entire iPhone?
You can back up your entire iPhone in two primary ways:
Method 1: iCloud Backup
- Go to Settings > tap your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- Tap Back Up Now, and keep your iPhone on Wi-Fi until the backup finishes.
Method 2: Computer backup (Mac or PC)
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC with a cable.
- On Mac (macOS 10.15+), open Finder and select your iPhone. On Windows (or older macOS), open iTunes (or Apple Devices where available) and select your iPhone.
- Select the option to back up to the computer, then start the backup.
Will an iPhone backup save everything?
An iPhone backup captures most device settings, app data, and information stored on your iPhone, but it does not save everything. For example, Face ID/Touch ID data and some Apple Pay information are not included in backups, and some content may already be stored in iCloud separately (such as items that sync via iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive) rather than inside the backup file.
How do I back up my iPhone to a computer?
On Mac (Finder, macOS 10.15 or later)
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable.
- Open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
- Click General, select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac,” then click Back Up Now.
On Windows (iTunes or Apple Devices)
- Connect your iPhone to your PC with a cable.
- Open iTunes (or the Apple Devices app, if available), then select your iPhone.
- Choose Back Up Now and wait for the process to complete.
Can I back up my iPhone without iCloud?
Yes. You can create a local backup to a Mac or PC using Finder or iTunes/Apple Devices. If you only need a copy of specific files (such as photos and videos), you can also transfer that content manually to a computer using a cable and the appropriate import tools.
How do I know which cloud service to use?
Pick the cloud service that is built into your operating system—this guarantees the smoothest, most complete backup and the easiest restoration later. The cloud service you select is dependent on the device you use. For example, iPhone users can use iCloud, Samsung phone users can use Samsung Cloud and Pixel owners can use Google Drive.
I ran out of cloud storage. How do I get extra space?
On iPhone, go to Settings > tap your name > iCloud > Manage Account Storage (or Manage Storage) > Change Storage Plan (or Upgrade to iCloud+). Choose a plan, then follow the prompts to confirm the purchase with your Apple ID.
How do I restore my personal data for a new device?
Once you’ve upgraded to a new phone or device, you can sign into your preferred cloud service with a login and password on your new phone and reinstall your personal data.
