Backups keep your iPhone data safe by saving a copy of your device’s settings, app information, messages, photos and more so you can restore it if something unexpected happens. Apple’s official support explains that you can use iCloud to back up automatically or connect your device to a Mac or Windows computer to create a local backup you control. Daily automatic backups with iCloud occur when your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, plugged into power and locked. Manual backups can be started at any time.
Why Backing Up Your iPhone Matters
Backing up ensures you won’t lose important personal content or settings if your iPhone is replaced after damage, theft or accidental reset. iCloud backups store device preferences, app data and layout for easy restore on a new device. Local backups on a Mac or Windows computer give you another copy you can keep as extra protection. Apple’s support site shows how both methods work and why keeping backups current is essential.
Settings > Open Settings on your iPhone > Your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup
Back Up Your iPhone With iCloud
Settings > Open Settings
Settings > Tap Your name at the top > iCloud
Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup
Settings > iCloud Backup > Turn Back Up This iPhone on
Settings > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
Once iCloud Backup is enabled, your iPhone will back up daily when it is on Wi-Fi, connected to power and locked. Tapping Back Up Now starts a backup immediately. If iCloud storage is full, your iPhone will prompt you to manage or upgrade your storage so backups can complete.
Back Up Your iPhone With a Computer
Creating a local backup means your iPhone stores a full copy on your Mac or Windows PC.
Settings > Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable
Settings > On a Mac with macOS 10.15 or later: open Finder and select your iPhone
Settings > On Windows or older macOS versions: open iTunes and select your iPhone
Settings > Locate the Backups section in Finder or iTunes
Settings > Choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac/PC
Settings > (Optional) Encrypt local backup to protect sensitive data
Settings > Back Up Now
Encrypted backups require a password and let you include additional data like health and activity information. This method is especially useful before major updates or device replacements.
What Backups Include and Exclude
iCloud backups include your device’s settings, app data and Home Screen organization. Backups may not duplicate information already stored in iCloud like iCloud Photos or messages synced across devices. Computer backups include most device data but may exclude some purchased content; Apple’s support pages outline full differences.
Verify and Manage Your Backups
After backing up, check when the last backup occurred and how much space is being used so you can plan future backups:
Settings > Settings app
Settings > Your name > iCloud > Manage Storage
Settings > iCloud Storage > Backups
On a computer, Finder or iTunes shows local backups and lets you delete older ones to free space. Using both iCloud and computer backups ensures maximum protection for your content.
Keeping your backups up to date protects your most important iPhone content and gives peace of mind knowing you can restore your information after accidental loss, damage, software updates or when upgrading to a new device.
