Phones get lost, stolen, dropped in water or simply stop working. If that happens, a recent backup can save your photos, messages and settings. This guide shows how to back up your iPhone in two easy ways: with iCloud and with a computer.
Menu names may differ slightly depending on your iOS version, but the steps are very similar.
Which Backup Method Should You Choose?
Both methods work well. Here is a simple comparison:
- iCloud backup: automatic, works over Wi-Fi, and needs no cable. But free iCloud space is limited.
- Computer backup: uses your computer’s storage, so you are not limited by iCloud space. You need a cable and a computer.
For the best protection, you can use both.
Method 1: How to Back Up Your iPhone With iCloud
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- Tap Back Up Now.
Stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes. The first backup can take a while.
Make It Automatic
When iCloud Backup is on, your iPhone backs up automatically, usually when it is locked, charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Leave your phone plugged in overnight to let it run.
What If You Run Out of iCloud Space?
Apple gives you a small amount of free iCloud storage, which is shared with photos, files and other data. If your backup is too large, you can buy more storage, or remove items you do not need. Check the price for your country before you upgrade.
Note that a full phone and a full iCloud are two different problems. If your phone itself is almost full, our guide on how to free up space on iPhone without deleting photos can help.
Method 2: How to Back Up Your iPhone to a Computer
On a Mac
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable.
- Open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
- If asked, tap Trust on your iPhone and enter your passcode.
- Click Back Up Now.
On a Windows PC
- Install Apple’s Apple Devices app, or iTunes, from the Microsoft Store or Apple’s website.
- Connect your iPhone with a cable and tap Trust if asked.
- Select your iPhone in the app.
- Choose Back Up Now.
Encrypt Your Backup
When you make a backup on a computer, you can choose Encrypt local backup and set a password. This lets the backup include more sensitive data, such as saved passwords and health data.
Write the backup password down and keep it safe. If you forget it, you may not be able to restore the encrypted backup.
How to Check That Your Backup Worked
- iCloud: go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup. You will see the date and time of your last successful backup.
- Computer: in Finder or the Apple Devices app, you can see the date of your latest backup under your iPhone’s General tab.
Check this from time to time, especially before you update iOS or trade in your phone.
What Gets Backed Up?
An iPhone backup normally includes app data, device settings, messages and the layout of your Home screen. But some items are stored in other ways. For example, photos that are already stored in iCloud Photos are not included again in the iCloud backup, because they are already saved in iCloud.
The details can change with new iOS versions. For the latest list, check Apple Support.
Protect Your Apple Account
Your backups are tied to your Apple Account. If someone gets into your account, they may reach your data. Use a strong password and turn on two-factor authentication. Our guide on what two-factor authentication is explains how it works.
Backup Tips
- Back up before updating iOS or repairing your phone.
- Do a fresh backup before you trade in or sell your iPhone.
- Keep at least one backup in a place other than the phone itself.
- Do not wait. Back up today, not after something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I back up my iPhone?
If iCloud Backup is on, it happens automatically. If you back up to a computer, do it at least once a month, or before big changes.
Does an iCloud backup include photos?
If you use iCloud Photos, your photos are stored there already. If you do not, your Camera Roll is usually included in the backup, which can use a lot of space.
Can I back up my iPhone without Wi-Fi?
iCloud backups need Wi-Fi. A computer backup does not need Wi-Fi, only a cable.
How do I restore my iPhone from a backup?
When setting up a new or reset iPhone, choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC and follow the steps.
Conclusion
Backing up your iPhone is simple. Use iCloud for automatic backups, and a computer for extra protection and more space.
Take two minutes now to turn on iCloud Backup and check the date of your last backup. Your future self will be thankful.