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If you can still use your iPhone, start a backup now—before restarting, taking it in for repair, or risking loss of access. Choose iCloud or a computer, then wait until its backup screen shows a new completion date and time. Starting a backup is not proof that it finished.

How do I back up my iPhone before it restarts?

Use whichever option you can complete while the phone is accessible. iCloud is convenient if the phone has Wi-Fi and enough iCloud storage. A computer backup is an alternative if you have a Mac or PC, a compatible data cable, and can approve any passcode or trust prompts.

Consideration iCloud backup Computer backup
What you need Wi-Fi, an available iCloud account, and enough iCloud storage for the backup. A Mac or PC, compatible data cable, available computer storage, and the ability to respond to prompts on the iPhone.
Where to start Settings on the iPhone. Finder on macOS Catalina 10.15 or later; Apple Devices on Windows where installed, otherwise iTunes; iTunes on older macOS versions.
Completion check Check the last backup date and time in iCloud Backup settings. Check the last backup date and time in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
Encryption Not applicable as a local-backup setting. Local computer backups are unencrypted by default. You can select encryption and set a password.

Back up to iCloud

  1. Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  3. Tap Back Up Now. Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes.
  4. Check the displayed last-backup date and time. Make sure it reflects the backup you just started.

For automatic iCloud backups, turn on Back Up This [Device]. Apple says an automatic backup requires the iPhone to be connected to power and Wi-Fi, with its screen locked. If you need a fresh backup before a specific event, use Back Up Now and verify the result rather than relying on the next automatic backup. Apple’s iCloud backup instructions explain the steps and requirements.

Back up to a Mac or PC

  1. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a compatible data cable. Use a cable you already have if it works; the connector needed depends on your iPhone and computer.
  2. Open the backup app: Finder on macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, Apple Devices on Windows where available, or iTunes on Windows if Apple Devices is not installed and on older macOS versions.
  3. Select the iPhone. If prompted, enter the iPhone passcode and choose to trust the computer on the phone.
  4. If you want the additional data categories that local encryption can include, select Encrypt local backup and create a password you can keep safe.
  5. Choose Back Up Now. Wait for the app to show the backup’s date and time, and confirm it has updated.

Apple’s step-by-step guides cover backing up with Windows and backing up with a Mac.

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How can I tell when the backup is finished?

Check the last-backup date and time in the same interface where you started the backup. For iCloud, return to Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup. For a computer backup, check the selected iPhone’s details in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. The timestamp should reflect the new backup; if it has not changed or the app reports an error, do not assume you have a completed copy.

If iCloud says there is not enough storage

Check the estimated size of the next backup and compare it with available iCloud capacity. You can remove items from the backup if appropriate, or make more storage available. Apple’s iCloud backup troubleshooting guide describes what to check when storage or backup progress is a problem.

If a computer backup fails

  • Make sure the computer and its backup app are up to date, then check whether the iPhone appears in the app.
  • Try another compatible cable or port, and complete any passcode and trust prompts on the iPhone.
  • Check that the computer has enough free storage.
  • If the problem continues, Apple suggests trying another computer or backing up with iCloud. See Apple’s computer backup troubleshooting steps.

Can I back up my iPhone if I can’t unlock it?

Do not count on making a new backup after losing access. A manual iCloud backup requires navigating Settings, and a computer backup may require entering the device passcode and approving the computer. Automatic iCloud backup only runs when its setting is enabled and its power, Wi-Fi, and locked-screen conditions are met; it is not a way to initiate a backup on demand once the phone is inaccessible.

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Whether an automatic backup already exists depends on that iPhone’s settings and account. Check available backups from another accessible Apple device or during Apple’s setup and restore flow; do not assume a recent backup is present.

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What happens to my data if I have to erase my iPhone?

Erasing removes the data on the iPhone; it does not create a backup of the data currently on it. If you must erase because you forgot the passcode, Apple’s recovery instructions lead you to reset the device and set it up again. During setup, you can restore from an existing backup if one is available. See Apple’s guidance for resetting a device when you have forgotten its passcode and restoring from a backup.

Restoring from a backup does not necessarily bring back every item in the same way. For example, when iCloud Photos is enabled, photos and videos sync through iCloud Photos rather than being included in the device’s iCloud backup. Other information may sync separately through iCloud or return through the relevant app or service. What is available depends on the services and settings you use. Apple’s guide to missing information after an iCloud restore explains common cases.

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What does encrypting a computer backup change?

Computer backups are unencrypted unless you select the encryption option. Apple says an encrypted computer backup can include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, and call history. It does not include Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. The encryption password is required to use that backup, so store it somewhere you can retrieve it.

If you forget the password, Apple says there is no way to use previous encrypted backups without it. On supported software, resetting the encrypted-backup setting lets you create a new encrypted backup, but it does not unlock old ones. Read Apple’s encrypted-backup guidance before choosing this option.

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