A current backup gives you a way to recover important iPhone data after loss, damage, replacement, or a major software problem. You can back up to iCloud or create a local backup on a Mac or Windows PC.
Back up an iPhone to iCloud
- Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Open iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Turn on automatic backup if desired, or tap Back Up Now to create a backup immediately.
- Keep the phone connected until the backup finishes.
Check the displayed date and time afterward so you know a recent backup actually completed.
Back up to a Mac
Connect the iPhone to the Mac, open Finder, and select the iPhone in the sidebar. In the General section, choose the appropriate backup option and start the backup. If prompted, unlock the iPhone and approve the computer.
Back up to a Windows PC
On a current Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app. Connect the iPhone, select it in the sidebar, open the General area, and choose Back Up Now. Older Windows configurations may still use iTunes.
Consider an encrypted computer backup
An encrypted local backup can include additional sensitive categories such as saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and Health data. If you enable encryption, save the backup password somewhere secure. Losing that password can make the encrypted backup unusable.
Know what iCloud Backup does not duplicate
Some information already synced to iCloud is handled separately from the device backup. The important point is to verify that the services you depend on—photos, contacts, messages, files, and app data—are protected in the way you expect.
Before erasing or trading in an iPhone, confirm your latest backup and separately verify irreplaceable photos or files.
How often should you back up?
The right frequency depends on how much new information you would be willing to lose. Automatic iCloud Backup is convenient because it can run regularly when conditions are met. If you rely on computer backups, create them often enough that losing everything since the last backup would not be a serious problem.
Test your backup habits before an emergency
You do not need to erase an iPhone just to test a backup, but you should periodically confirm the latest backup date and know which account or computer holds it. Also verify that important cloud-synced categories such as photos and contacts are using the account you expect.
Current Software Note
On a current Mac, iPhone device management is handled in Finder. On a current Windows PC, Apple Devices is the normal tool for backup, restore, and device-management tasks. Older instructions may refer to iTunes, but it should not be treated as the primary current workflow.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.