You can back up an iPhone to iCloud or to a Mac or Windows PC. iCloud can back up automatically when the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and power and its screen is locked; a computer backup gives you a local copy. You can also use both. Check the latest backup date before you rely on it, and encrypt a computer backup if you want it to include sensitive data such as Health and Activity information.
Choose iCloud, a computer, or both
| Method | Best for | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud Backup | Automatic backups without connecting to a computer. | You need an Apple Account, Wi-Fi, and enough iCloud storage. Automatic backups also require the iPhone to be connected to power and locked. |
| Mac or Windows backup | Keeping a copy on a computer, or including Health and Activity data. | You need a computer, a wired connection, and enough storage on the computer. Encrypt the backup to include certain sensitive categories, and keep its password safe. |
| Both | Keeping a cloud backup and a separate computer copy. | The methods have different storage and recovery requirements. A problem accessing one copy may not affect the other. |
For a wired backup, use a compatible USB-C or Lightning data cable that fits your iPhone and computer. A cable is not needed for iCloud Backup.
Back up your iPhone to iCloud
Start a backup now
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now and stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes. The screen shows the date and time of the most recent backup beneath the button. See Apple’s iCloud backup instructions.
Turn on automatic backups
Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn on Back Up This iPhone. For an automatic backup, connect the iPhone to power and Wi-Fi and make sure its screen is locked. Apple notes that interface wording can vary by software version.
If iCloud storage is full
If the iPhone reports that there is not enough iCloud storage, follow the on-screen prompts to review storage options. A backup cannot complete until there is enough available space.
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Back up to a Mac or Windows PC
Computer backups are wired. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a compatible data cable, unlock the iPhone if prompted, and follow any on-screen trust prompts. Apple’s steps are available for Mac and Windows; app names and screens may differ by software version.
On a Mac
- For macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, connect the iPhone and open Finder.
- Select the iPhone in the Finder sidebar. If prompted, confirm that you trust the computer.
- Choose the option to back up all iPhone data to the Mac. Select Encrypt local backup if you want to include the data categories described below.
- Click Back Up Now and wait for the process to finish.
On macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes instead of Finder.
On Windows
- Connect the iPhone and open the Apple Devices app. If Apple Devices is unavailable, use iTunes.
- Select the iPhone in the app. In iTunes, select the device and open Summary.
- Choose Back Up Now. If using iTunes, select Encrypt local backup if you need the sensitive categories listed below.
- Wait for the backup to complete before disconnecting the iPhone.
Should you encrypt a computer backup?
Local backups are not encrypted by default. Turning on Encrypt local backup lets the backup include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, and call history. It does not include Face ID, Touch ID, or the iPhone passcode. Apple explains the included categories in its encrypted backup guidance.
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You must create a password to encrypt the backup. Keep it somewhere secure that you can access later: Apple says a previous encrypted backup cannot be used if you forget its password. Encryption is useful when you need the additional data categories, but the password becomes essential to restoring that copy.
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A backup is not necessarily a duplicate of everything on the iPhone. iCloud Backup stores device information and settings that do not regularly sync to iCloud, such as settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization. Information already synced to iCloud is stored separately rather than duplicated in the device backup. Apps or media synced from a computer may also be kept separately. Apple describes these distinctions in its backup overview and iCloud backup instructions.
Optional: protect iCloud backups with Advanced Data Protection
With standard data protection, iCloud data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and Apple holds the keys for iCloud Backup. Advanced Data Protection is an optional setting that makes iCloud Backup end-to-end encrypted, with the keys available only on trusted devices. Apple’s iCloud data security overview says the feature raises the number of end-to-end encrypted data categories to 25, including iCloud Backup, Photos, and Notes; that is a count of categories, not a measure of how complete a backup is.
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- 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.
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- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
Because Apple cannot recover end-to-end encrypted data if you lose account access and your recovery methods, set up a recovery contact or recovery key and retain access to a trusted device before relying on this protection. Feature requirements and availability can vary by region and supported software version. See Apple’s Advanced Data Protection setup guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check that your backup completed
- iCloud: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and check the date and time shown for the latest backup.
- Computer: Check the backup status in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. On a Mac or in Apple Devices, use Manage Backups to view, archive, delete, or locate computer backup files. Apple’s backup instructions explain how to find the controls.
Check the timestamp after a manual backup, or before you erase, replace, or restore an iPhone. A visible recent backup is a more useful confirmation than assuming a scheduled backup ran.
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Restore an iPhone from a backup
Restore from iCloud
- Start with a new or erased iPhone at the Hello screen and proceed through setup.
- When prompted, choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup and sign in to your Apple Account.
- Choose the relevant backup by its date and size.
- Stay connected to Wi-Fi while the restore runs. Additional content may continue downloading after setup is complete.
Restore from a computer
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac or Windows PC that has the backup.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, then select the iPhone.
- Choose Restore Backup and select the appropriate backup.
- If prompted, enter the encrypted-backup password.
Apple’s restore instructions cover the setup and computer restore flows. Confirm the backup date before choosing it so you restore the intended copy.
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