How to back up an iPhone
Back up your iPhone to iCloud or to a computer so your photos, messages and settings are safe if your phone is lost, broken or replaced.
- Time
- 10 minutes to set up (first backup can take longer)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your iPhone and Apple Account password
- Wi-Fi connection (for iCloud)
- Charger
- USB cable and a Mac or Windows PC (for a computer backup) Search Amazon for usb c to lightning cable apple certified
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Safety first
- If you encrypt a computer backup, keep the password safe. Apple can't recover an encrypted backup without it.
- Beware of emails or texts claiming your iCloud storage is full and asking you to pay through a link – check in Settings instead.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Choose iCloud or computer
iCloud backs up automatically over Wi-Fi every day – easiest for most people, but the free iCloud allowance is small, so you may need to pay for more storage. A computer backup is free and stores everything locally, but only happens when you plug in.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Back up to iCloud now
Connect to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Stay on Wi-Fi until it finishes. If it says there isn't enough space, you can buy more iCloud storage or turn off backing up for apps you don't need.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Turn on automatic iCloud backups
On the same screen, make sure Back Up This iPhone is switched on. Your phone will then back up by itself when it's on charge, connected to Wi-Fi and locked – typically overnight.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Or back up to a Mac
Plug your iPhone into the Mac with a cable. Open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar (on very old macOS versions, use iTunes). Tap Trust on the phone if asked. Choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac, tick Encrypt local backup if you want Health and Activity data saved too, then click Back Up Now.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Or back up to a Windows PC
Install Apple's Apple Devices app (or iTunes on older versions of Windows) from the Microsoft Store, plug in your iPhone, select it, and choose Back Up Now, with encryption if you want Health data included.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Check it worked
In Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup you'll see the time of the last successful backup. For a computer backup, the date shows in Finder or the Apple Devices app.
Tips
- Photos in iCloud Photos sync separately from your backup – check Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos too.
- Do a fresh backup just before you swap, sell or repair your phone.
Questions people ask
How much does iCloud storage cost?
Every Apple Account gets a small amount free. Paid iCloud+ plans give more; prices are shown in Settings when you upgrade.
Does a backup include my WhatsApp chats?
WhatsApp has its own chat backup to iCloud, set up inside WhatsApp under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
How do I restore a backup to a new iPhone?
During setup on the new phone, choose to transfer from an iCloud backup or from your Mac or PC, and pick the most recent backup.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Apple Support: How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud (support.apple.com)
- Apple Support: How to back up your iPhone or iPad with your Mac (support.apple.com)
- Apple Support: Restore your iPhone or iPad from a backup (support.apple.com)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-back-up-an-iphone/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.