Before troubleshooting or handing your iPhone in for service, make a fresh backup and check that it completed. Apple says a device returned from an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider might have been erased. With a current backup, you can restore your information; without one, you may have to set up the iPhone as new.
Choose an iPhone backup method
Apple supports backing up to iCloud or to a Mac or Windows computer. Choose the method you can complete now, and verify its completion before service.
| Method | What you need | Useful to know |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud Backup | Wi-Fi and enough available iCloud storage | Start a manual backup and check the last-backup date and time in Settings. Automatic backups require the phone to be on power, connected to Wi-Fi, and locked. |
| Computer backup | A compatible Mac or Windows computer and a cable to connect the iPhone | Finder is used on macOS Catalina 10.15 or later; older macOS versions use iTunes. Apple’s Windows instructions use the Apple Devices app. You can optionally encrypt the local backup. |
Apple describes a backup as a copy of information to use if a device is replaced, lost, or damaged. However, iCloud Backup does not duplicate every item that is already synced to iCloud; synced items are handled separately through syncing. See Apple’s overview of iPhone backup methods and its explanation of what iCloud backs up.
Back up to iCloud
Make a manual backup and check it
- Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud and iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now. Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes.
- Check the date and time displayed beneath Back Up Now. That timestamp is the confirmation that a backup completed.
If a message says there is not enough iCloud storage, follow the on-screen options to make room or obtain more storage, then run the backup again and confirm its timestamp. Apple’s iCloud backup instructions provide the current steps.
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Set up automatic iCloud backups
For automatic backups, turn on Back Up This Device in the iCloud Backup settings. The iPhone must have enough storage for the backup and be connected to power and Wi-Fi with its screen locked. If service is soon, do not rely on a future automatic backup: run Back Up Now and check the completion time.
Back up to a Mac or Windows computer
On a Mac
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a cable.
- On macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, open Finder and select the iPhone. Apple directs users of macOS Mojave or earlier to use iTunes instead.
- Choose Back Up Now and allow the backup to finish.
- If you enabled encryption, keep the password somewhere safe; you will need it to use that backup.
See Apple’s Mac backup instructions for its steps and version guidance.
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On Windows
- Connect the iPhone to the Windows computer and open the Apple Devices app.
- Select the iPhone. To include additional data categories, select Encrypt local backup and create a password you can retain.
- Choose Backup Now and wait for the backup to finish.
Apple’s Windows device guide covers computer backups and restores.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Decide whether to encrypt a computer backup
Encryption is optional and is not enabled by default in Apple’s cited computer-backup guidance. Apple says an encrypted local backup can include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, and call history. It does not include Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode data.
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The encryption password is essential: you need it to use the backup, and Apple warns that a previous encrypted backup cannot be used if its password is forgotten. Choose encryption only if you can preserve the password securely. More detail is in Apple’s guide to encrypted backups.
What to expect if the iPhone is erased
Do not assume service will or will not erase the iPhone. Apple says a device returned from an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider might have been erased. If it is erased, you can restore from an existing iCloud or computer backup, or set it up as a new device.
Restoring from iCloud requires Wi-Fi; cellular service cannot be used for the restore. The time required depends on backup size and Wi-Fi speed. If the iPhone has already been set up, Apple says it must be erased before you can restore an iCloud backup. If you set it up as new but later want an older iCloud backup, act carefully: Apple warns that new backups created after setting up as new can overwrite older saved iCloud backups. See Apple’s iCloud restore troubleshooting and iPhone restore instructions.
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