Short answer
For iCloud, go to Settings › your name › iCloud › iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now on Wi-Fi. For a computer, connect the iPhone and use Finder or the Apple Devices app.
A backup is the difference between an annoying phone problem and a disaster. Make one before updating, repairing, selling or upgrading.
iCloud backup
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings › tap your name › iCloud › iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- Tap Back Up Now and keep the phone on Wi-Fi until it finishes.
Computer backup
- Connect your iPhone with a cable and unlock it.
- Open Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows.
- Select your iPhone and choose Back Up Now.
- Tick 'Encrypt local backup' to include saved passwords and health data.
Which should you use?
| iCloud | Computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Automatic on Wi-Fi | Manual |
| Storage | Counts against iCloud plan | Uses your computer's disk |
| Speed to restore | Depends on internet | Fast over cable |
Check that it worked
In iCloud Backup, the last backup date and time should be recent. On a computer, open Manage Backups to see the date.
Frequently asked questions
How much iCloud storage do I need?
The free 5GB is rarely enough. Many users need 50GB or 200GB.
Does a backup include photos?
If iCloud Photos is on, photos are stored there instead of in the backup.
Sources
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