The two ways to back up an iPhone
You can back up your iPhone through iCloud (Apple's cloud storage) or through a computer running iTunes or Finder. iCloud backs up automatically over Wi-Fi if you turn it on; a computer backup requires you to plug in and start the process manually. Both methods save your photos, messages, app data, settings, and passwords — but they work differently and have different limits on how much you can store.
iCloud is simpler if you own only Apple devices and have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. A computer backup gives you more control and doesn't count against your iCloud storage limit, but it takes longer and you have to remember to do it. Many people use both: iCloud for daily automatic protection and a computer backup once a month or before a major iOS update.
Key Takeaways
- iCloud backs up automatically over Wi-Fi once you turn it on in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, but you get only 5 GB free and must pay for more storage.
- A computer backup through Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) saves everything without using iCloud storage, but you must plug in your phone and start the backup manually each time.
- Both methods encrypt your data, but a computer backup stays on your computer and is not stored in the cloud.
- Before you restore from a backup, make sure the backup is newer than the data loss or problem you are trying to fix.
How to set up iCloud backup
Open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Turn on the toggle next to "iCloud Backup" — it will turn blue. Your iPhone will now back up automatically whenever it is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.
The first backup can take an hour or more depending on how much data you have. After that, iCloud backs up only the changes since the last backup, so it runs faster. You can check how much iCloud storage you are using by going back to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and looking at the storage meter at the top. If you run out of space, iCloud will stop backing up until you delete files or pay for more storage — Apple offers 50 GB for $0.99 per month, 200 GB for $2.99, or 2 TB for $9.99.
iCloud backup includes your photos (if you have iCloud Photos turned on), messages, notes, reminders, calendar events, contacts, app data, home screen layout, and Face ID or Touch ID settings. It does not include photos or videos in your Camera Roll if iCloud Photos is off, music you bought from iTunes, or apps themselves — though your app data and settings are saved.
How to back up through a computer
Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer with a USB cable. On a Mac running Catalina or later, open Finder and click your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations. On a Windows PC or older Mac, open iTunes. In either case, you will see a summary screen for your device.
Look for a section labeled "Backups" or "Back Up." Choose "This Computer" instead of "iCloud." If you want to encrypt the backup (so passwords and health data are included), check the box next to "Encrypt local backup" and create a password you will remember. Click "Back Up Now." The backup will take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on your phone.
Your backup file is stored on your computer's hard drive, not in the cloud. You can see where it is saved: on Mac, it is in ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/; on Windows, it is usually in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\. Do not move or delete these folders unless you are sure you no longer need the backup.
What gets backed up and what does not
Both iCloud and computer backups save app data, settings, messages, notes, contacts, calendar events, reminders, voice memos, health and fitness data, home screen layout, and Face ID or Touch ID settings. They also save your Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.
Neither method backs up the apps themselves — when you restore from a backup, your iPhone will download the apps again from the App Store. If an app is no longer available in the App Store, you will not be able to reinstall it. Photos and videos are backed up only if iCloud Photos is turned on (for iCloud backup) or if you manually include them (for computer backup). Music, movies, and TV shows you bought from iTunes are not backed up, but you can redownload them from your purchase history. Text messages and iMessages are backed up, but only if you are backing up to iCloud or using an encrypted computer backup.
How to restore from a backup
If you get a new iPhone or need to erase and restore your current one, you can restore from a backup during setup. When you turn on a new iPhone for the first time, you will see the setup screen. Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Mac/PC" depending on which backup you want to use. Sign in with your Apple ID (for iCloud) or connect to the computer (for computer backup).
Select the backup you want to restore from — if you have multiple backups, choose the most recent one that is older than the problem you are trying to fix. For example, if your photos were deleted yesterday, restore from a backup from two days ago, not from today. The restore process can take 30 minutes to an hour. Your iPhone will restart several times and may show a progress bar. Do not unplug it or turn it off during this time.
After the restore finishes, your iPhone will look exactly as it did when that backup was made. Your apps will redownload automatically, and your messages, photos, and settings will be back. If you are restoring to a new phone, you may need to sign in to some apps again, but your data inside those apps will be there.
Comparing iCloud and computer backup
| Feature | iCloud Backup | Computer Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 5 GB free; $0.99–$9.99/month for more | Free (uses your computer's storage) |
| How often | Automatic daily over Wi-Fi | Manual; you start each backup |
| Where it is stored | Apple's servers in the cloud | Your computer's hard drive |
| Includes passwords | Yes, always encrypted | Only if you check "Encrypt local backup" |
| Includes health data | Yes, always encrypted | Only if you check "Encrypt local backup" |
| Can restore to Android | No | No |
When to back up before major changes
Back up your iPhone before you update to a new version of iOS, before you restore or erase your phone, or before you sell or give away your device. If something goes wrong during an update, you can restore from the backup and get back to where you were. If you are selling your phone, back up first, then erase it completely so the new owner does not see your data.
You should also back up if you are about to try a major change — like switching from one email provider to another, deleting a large number of photos, or installing a beta version of iOS. A backup takes only a few minutes and can save you hours of work if something breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both iCloud and computer backup at the same time?
Yes. You can have iCloud backup turned on and also do computer backups. They do not interfere with each other. This gives you two copies of your data in different places, which is safer than relying on one backup method alone.
What happens if my iCloud storage is full?
iCloud will stop backing up new data until you delete files or pay for more storage. Your existing backup stays in iCloud, but changes to your phone after the storage filled up will not be backed up. You can see what is using your storage by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and tapping "Manage Storage."
Can I restore from an old backup if my iPhone is broken?
If your iPhone is broken but still turns on, you can restore from a backup through Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then choose your backup during setup. If it will not turn on at all, you will need to take it to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop — they may be able to restore it for you, but this depends on the type of damage.
Does backing up to a computer include my photos?
Yes, if you choose to include them. When you back up through Finder or iTunes, you will see an option to include photos and videos. Check that box if you want them in the backup. iCloud backup includes photos only if iCloud Photos is turned on in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
What if I forget my encryption password for a computer backup?
You cannot recover an encrypted backup without the password. If you forget it, you will have to erase your iPhone and set it up as new, or restore from an unencrypted backup or iCloud backup if you have one. To avoid this, write down your encryption password or store it in a password manager.