How to Back Up Your iPhone to Your Computer

The two ways to back up your iPhone

You can back up your iPhone to your computer using either iCloud (Apple's cloud storage) or iTunes/Finder (direct connection to your Mac or Windows PC). iCloud backs up automatically over WiFi once you set it up, while iTunes or Finder requires you to plug in your phone each time. Both methods save your photos, messages, settings, app data, and passwords — everything needed to restore your phone if it breaks or you get a new one.

The method you choose depends on how much storage space you have and whether you want automatic backups. iCloud is simpler for most people because it happens in the background, but it charges for storage beyond 5 GB. iTunes and Finder are free and store everything on your computer's hard drive, but they only work when you physically connect your phone.

Key Takeaways

iCloud backs up automatically over WiFi after you turn it on in Settings, but you pay for storage beyond 5 GB per month.
iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) requires plugging in your phone but stores backups free on your computer's hard drive.
Both methods encrypt your backup so your passwords and health data stay private.
A full backup takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.
You can use both methods at the same time for extra protection.

How to set up iCloud backup on your iPhone

Open Settings on your iPhone and tap your name at the top. Then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Toggle the switch to turn it on (it will turn blue). Your iPhone will start backing up when ready if you are connected to WiFi and plugged into power.

iCloud backs up automatically every day after that, as long as your iPhone is locked, connected to WiFi, and plugged in. You can also start a backup manually by going back to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tapping Back Up Now. The first backup usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have. Later backups are faster because iCloud only saves changes.

Check how much iCloud storage you are using by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. If you are running out of space, you can buy more storage (50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB per month) or delete old backups of phones you no longer own. To delete an old backup, tap the device name and then tap Delete Backup.

How to back up your iPhone using iTunes or Finder

On a Mac running Catalina or later, open Finder and plug your iPhone into your computer with a USB cable. On Windows or an older Mac, open iTunes instead. Your phone will appear in the sidebar (Mac) or at the top (Windows). Click on your iPhone's name.

Under the Backups section, select This Computer instead of iCloud. Then click Back Up Now. The backup will start when ready and usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. You will see a progress bar at the top of the window. Do not unplug your phone until the backup is complete.

After the first backup, you can set up automatic backups by checking the box next to Automatically back up when this iPhone is connected. From then on, every time you plug in your phone, a new backup will start automatically. Your computer stores all backups in a folder on your hard drive, so they take up space — make sure you have at least as much free space as the size of your backup.

What happens if you need to restore from a backup

If you get a new iPhone or need to erase and restore your current one, you can put all your data back using a backup. When you first turn on a new iPhone, you will see the Quick Start screen. Follow the prompts to sign in with your Apple ID, and you will be offered a choice of backups to restore from — iCloud will show your most recent iCloud backups, and you can also restore from an iTunes or Finder backup by connecting to your computer.

Choose the backup you want and the restore will start. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have. Your phone will restart several times during the process. Do not unplug it or turn it off. After the restore is complete, your photos, messages, apps, and settings will all be back exactly as they were.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is unplugging your phone before the backup finishes. If you see a progress bar or any message saying the backup is in progress, wait until it disappears completely before disconnecting. Interrupting a backup can corrupt it, and you may not be able to restore from it later.

Another mistake is running out of storage space. If you are using iTunes or Finder, check how much free space your computer has before you start a backup. If you are using iCloud, check your iCloud storage in Settings and delete old backups if you are full. A backup cannot complete if there is nowhere to store it.

Do not assume that deleting photos from your phone deletes them from your backup. Backups are complete snapshots of your phone at a moment in time, so they include everything that was on your phone when the backup ran. If you want to permanently remove something, delete it from your phone and then run a new backup.

Encrypted backups and what they protect

Both iCloud and iTunes/Finder backups can be encrypted, which means your passwords, health data, and payment information are scrambled so only you can read them. iCloud backups are encrypted by default — Apple cannot see what is inside them. iTunes and Finder backups are also encrypted if you check the box labeled Encrypt iPhone backup when you set up the backup.

If you encrypt an iTunes or Finder backup, you will need to enter a password to restore from it later. Write down this password somewhere safe because you cannot restore the backup without it. If you forget the password, you will have to set up your phone as new and cannot recover the encrypted backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I back up to both iCloud and my computer at the same time?

Yes. You can turn on iCloud backup and also plug your phone into your computer for iTunes or Finder backups. Having two backups in different places is actually a good idea in case one fails or your computer breaks. Just make sure you have enough storage space for both.

How much does iCloud backup cost?

The first 5 GB of iCloud storage is free. After that, you pay per month: 50 GB for about $1, 200 GB for about $3, or 2 TB for about $10. Prices vary by country. You only pay for the storage you actually use, and you can cancel anytime.

What if my computer does not recognize my iPhone when I plug it in?

Try a different USB cable first — the cable might be damaged. Make sure you are using an official Apple cable or a certified third-party cable. On your iPhone, tap Trust when you see the prompt asking if you trust this computer. If it still does not work, restart both your phone and computer, then try again.

How often should I back up my iPhone?

If you use iCloud backup with automatic backups turned on, your phone backs up every day automatically. If you use iTunes or Finder, back up at least once a week, or more often if you take a lot of photos or make important changes. The more often you back up, the less data you lose if something goes wrong.

Will a backup include my apps?

Yes, your backup includes which apps you had installed and their data, but not the app files themselves. When you restore from a backup, your phone will read the apps again from the App Store. This means you need an internet connection during a restore, and it takes longer than just copying files.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.