The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
iCloud Backup saves device information and settings that are not already synced to iCloud; a Mac or PC backup stores almost all device data and settings, subject to Apple’s exclusions. If you make a local backup, turn on encryption to include additional sensitive categories such as Health and Keychain data—and keep its password, which Apple requires to restore it.
Apple’s iOS 27 guide describes both methods, but the basic distinction is not unique to iOS 27: syncing and backup serve different purposes, and the contents depend on your settings.
How iCloud Backup and a computer backup differ
| What to compare | iCloud Backup | Mac or PC backup |
|---|---|---|
| What it saves | Device information and settings not already synced to iCloud; selected app and other local data may be included. Apple’s iCloud backup overview | Almost all device data and settings, subject to Apple’s exclusions. Apple’s comparison of backup methods |
| Effect of syncing | Content already synced through services such as iCloud Photos or Messages in iCloud is generally not duplicated in the device backup. | Content already synced and stored in iCloud is excluded from the computer backup too. |
| Where it is stored | In iCloud. | On the Mac or PC; available computer storage limits how much can be stored. |
| How it is made | Apple’s iOS 27 guide says automatic daily backups occur when the device is connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi. iOS 27 iPhone user guide | Use Finder on macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, iTunes on older Mac systems, or Apple’s documented Windows procedure. |
| Encryption | Apple says iCloud backups are encrypted. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud Backup is end-to-end encrypted. | Local backup encryption is optional and off by default. It adds certain sensitive categories and requires a password. |
| Restore | Restore during device setup or after erasing the device. | Restore through Finder or iTunes as appropriate; an encrypted backup requires its password. |
Apple’s descriptions of iCloud backup contents, computer and iCloud backup differences, and iCloud data protection explain these distinctions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat does iCloud back up?
iCloud Backup is a snapshot of information on the device that is not already synced to iCloud. That means two people can back up the same model of iPhone and have different backup contents, depending on which services and apps they use.
#1 Best Overall
- MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive: This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 256GB capacity, easily free up space on your device
- 256GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick: The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces for USB/Usb C pcie port card compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry
- One Click Backup and One Click Sharing: You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- Automatic Storage and On-the-Go Playback: All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip
- High Speed Transfer and Data Encryption: This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience
Photos, messages, and app data depend on sync settings
- iCloud Photos on: Photos and videos sync to iCloud rather than being duplicated in the daily device backup. If iCloud Photos is off, photos and videos on the device may be included.
- Messages in iCloud on: Messages sync and are not included in the daily backup. If Messages in iCloud is off, messages may be included.
- App data: App data may be included when it is not already stored through iCloud Drive or another sync service. Data an app stores in iCloud Drive is stored there instead of in the device backup.
Apple also lists examples such as device settings, Home Screen layout and app organization, purchased ringtones, Visual Voicemail password (with the SIM or eSIM used at backup), and an Apple Watch backup. These are examples, not a promise that every user’s backup contains every category. Apple’s iCloud backup content list
What does a Mac or PC backup save?
Apple describes a computer backup as containing almost all device data and settings, not literally everything. The exclusions matter when deciding whether a local backup covers a particular item.
- Content from the iTunes and App Stores, and PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books
- Media synced from the computer
- Data already synced and stored in iCloud
- Face ID or Touch ID settings
- Apple Pay information and settings
- Apple Mail data
- Offline maps
Health, Activity, and Keychain data require an encrypted computer backup. Apple’s full comparison is available in its backup-method documentation.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Why encrypt a local backup—and what the password means
Local backups are not encrypted by default. Turning on “Encrypt local backup” allows the backup to include additional categories, including saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, and call history. Encryption does not remove Apple’s other backup exclusions: Face ID, Touch ID, and device passcode data still are not included.
Apple says an encrypted local backup cannot be recovered without its password. You must enter that password to restore the backup, so store it somewhere you can access during a future device setup. Apple’s instructions do not offer a way to recover the backup without it. See Apple’s encryption guidance and Mac backup instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to back up an iPhone or iPad with a Mac
- Connect the iPhone or iPad to the Mac with a compatible cable. Apple’s iOS 27 guide also notes that a wireless connection is possible.
- Open Finder on macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. On older macOS versions, use iTunes.
- Select the device in Finder or iTunes.
- In Finder, choose “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.” If you need Health and Activity data or other encryption-only categories, select “Encrypt local backup” and create a password.
- Click “Back Up Now.” Keep the password safe if you encrypted the backup.
Apple’s current procedure, updated October 5, 2026, is documented in How to back up your iPhone or iPad with your Mac. Match the cable to the ports on your device and Mac; the required connector varies by model.
Rank #3
- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
How to choose a backup method
- Choose iCloud Backup if you want a cloud-based workflow and automatic daily backups under Apple’s stated conditions. Remember that synced content is managed by its sync service rather than duplicated in the backup.
- Choose a computer backup if you want a local copy stored on your Mac or PC and have enough available computer storage. Encrypt it if you want the additional supported data categories.
- Use both when useful. The methods have different storage locations and workflows; neither changes which items are already synced or Apple’s exclusions.
Restoring is different from transferring directly
Apple supports restoring a new or erased iPhone from either an iCloud backup or a computer backup. An encrypted computer backup requires its password before restoration. Quick Start and direct device-to-device transfer are separate setup and migration options, not backups themselves; they can also coexist with restoring remaining information from a backup. See Apple’s Mac backup and restore guidance and the iOS 27 restore guide.
How iCloud backup encryption works
Apple’s security overview distinguishes standard data protection from Advanced Data Protection. Under standard data protection, the keys for iCloud Backup are secured in Apple data centers. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud Backup and the data inside it are end-to-end encrypted. This describes iCloud Backup specifically; it should not be generalized to every iCloud data category, which can have service-specific protections. Apple Platform Security: iCloud data protection
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
