If there is one job I wish more people did before disaster strikes, it is backing up their iPhone. Not after it has gone swimming. Not after the screen has died. Not after the passcode has been forgotten. Before.
Your iPhone probably holds your photos, messages, contacts, notes, app data, health information and a lot of little things you only realise mattered after they vanish. A backup is boring right up until the moment it saves your bacon. Then suddenly it becomes the best technical decision you ever made.
The two main ways to back up an iPhone or iPad
You normally have two sensible options:
- iCloud Backup: automatic, wireless and easiest for most people.
- Computer backup: backs up to a Mac or Windows PC using a cable.
For most people, iCloud Backup is the simplest option. For people who want a local copy, have poor broadband, or are about to do something major like erase or replace a phone, a computer backup is also worth considering.
How to back up with iCloud
To back up manually with iCloud:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to Wi‑Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
- Keep the device on Wi‑Fi until it finishes.
Once it completes, you should see the date and time of the latest backup under the Back Up Now button.
Turn on automatic iCloud Backup
Automatic backup is the bit that actually saves people, because nobody wakes up excited to manually back up their phone. Normal people have lives.
To turn it on:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone or Back Up This iPad.
Your device can then back up automatically when it is connected to power, connected to Wi‑Fi and locked.
What if iCloud says there is not enough storage?
This is extremely common. Apple gives a small amount of free iCloud storage, but modern photo libraries can eat that for breakfast.
If you see a storage warning, you can:
- Upgrade your iCloud storage plan.
- Remove old device backups you no longer need.
- Turn off backup for apps that do not matter.
- Move large photo/video libraries elsewhere, if you know what you are doing.
Be careful here. Do not randomly delete iCloud data just because a button looks inviting. That way lies regret and a very quiet cup of tea.
How to back up to a Mac
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later:
- Connect the iPhone or iPad to the Mac with a cable.
- Open Finder.
- Select the device in the Finder sidebar under Locations.
- If asked, choose to trust the device/computer and enter the device passcode.
- Choose Back Up Now.
If you want to save Health and Activity data, choose Encrypt local backup before backing up. Write down that password and keep it safe. If you forget the encrypted backup password, you cannot recover that backup. No, not even by looking sternly at the Mac.
How to back up to a Windows PC
On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app, or iTunes on older setups.
- Connect the iPhone or iPad with a cable.
- Open Apple Devices or iTunes.
- Select your device.
- Choose General or Summary.
- Choose Back Up Now.
Again, use an encrypted backup if you need Health and Activity data included, and keep the password somewhere safe.
Before replacing, repairing or resetting a phone
Before any major repair, replacement, reset or upgrade, check the backup date. Do not assume it backed up last night. Actually look.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Check the latest successful backup time.
Useful, reliable kit for this guide
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- Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter — a safe, reliable charger for keeping iPhone or iPad powered during backups.
- Apple USB-C to Lightning cable — for older Lightning iPhones and iPads.
- Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme portable SSD — good-quality external storage for Mac backups and copied files.
Avoid bargain-bin chargers and mystery backup sticks. With backups, reliable beats cheap every time.
Need help backing up safely?
If you are unsure what is backed up, whether iCloud Photos is involved, or whether your device is safe to reset, get advice before pressing the big scary buttons. Backups are simple in theory, but in real homes they tend to involve old Apple IDs, forgotten passwords, full iCloud accounts and at least one cable that only works when angled precisely.
Official Apple references: backup options, iCloud Backup, backup with Mac, and backup with Windows.