Have you bought a new Apple device or are you about to switch to the new model? Is the memory full? In all these cases, the first thought is: how can I not lose all my data? Photos, numbers, applications etc. In this article we will explain what you are looking for, i.e. how to backup your iPhone.
Find out how to backup iPhone: all the methods and procedures to follow in order not to lose a single file.
iPhone Backup: What to Know
Before going on to list and explain the different ways available to carry out this procedure, let’s explain what it consists of, why it is important to do so and in which cases it is absolutely necessary. A backup is a simple operation that allows you to copy and save the information on a device, in this case the phone, the smartphone.
It is good to do one periodically so as not to risk losing anything but when is it absolutely necessary?
In case of next device replacement to comfortably transfer any data, finding everything in the new one, within a few minutes.
Before going to the service center, to evaluate and repair any damage, you are explicitly requested to make a backup.
If you want to clean up, reset your phone to bring it back to factory conditions, an iPhone backup is a fast and free way to keep your data.
There are also a number of unpleasant probabilities such as theft, loss and damage of the phone. For all these reasons, technicians literally advise to make a periodic and regular backup of the iPhone. What is needed? How long does it take? Where does the copy go?
Back up your iPhone
Depending on the mode chosen, the procedure changes and consists of several steps, all of which are rather simple and fast even for those who are not very familiar with technology. There are essentially two methods: you can do it on your PC via iTunes or use iCloud. You can then choose to store the data on a physical device or online.
If you opt for the computer, you should know that it does not necessarily have to be a Mac. In both cases we use iTunes, a multimedia software pre-installed on Apple computers but which can be easily downloaded for free even on devices with Windows operating system. The procedure is similar but we list the steps below separately for convenience.
Backup iPhone to iCloud
You can also make use of the iCloud service to get your data archived. The steps are few and quick.
On your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap your name.
Continue on iCloud then select iCloud Backup.
Now activate it by moving the lever. In this way you have activated the automatic backup that will be performed every time the device is connected to a power source (charging), locked and connected to a Wi-Fi.
To perform a manual backup instead, select Back up now.
If you choose this method, however, you must consider the available space, because the storage service provided by Apple has a free basic plan of 5GB. However, it is possible to upgrade and take advantage of paid plans. There is the one from 0.99 euros per month for 50GB, 2.99 euros for 200 and 9.99 euros for 2 TB. To increase the space just tap on Manage space in the backup section mentioned above.
To view all the information related to your backup just go to the iCloud item. You can check what is included and how much space the various Apps take up on Manage space. If you want to know when the last backup was made, go to the iCloud Backup item where the day and time are indicated with precision.
Restoring the iPhone
As a first step, turn on the device, carry out the configuration simply by following the various steps until you get to the Apps and data screen. At this point, tap on Restore from iCloud backup or from Mac or Pc depending on what you have obviously chosen previously. Log in with your Apple ID, choose a backup and wait for the transfer to link.
The same if the iPhone backup is started from a computer. Connect the two devices and click on Restore. If you have opted for encrypted backup you will be asked for the password. The Wi-Fi connection must be maintained until the end of the procedure otherwise it blocks and is not completed.
Manage iPhone backups
IOS backups can be found, deleted and copied. For those stored on your computer, the folder location varies depending on the operating system. On the Mac, the path to locate a backup is as follows: / Library / Application Support / MobileSync / Backup /. On Windows instead: \ User \ (username) \ AppData \ Roaming \ Apple Computer \ MobileSync \ Backup \.
The contents are generally stored in an unreadable way and transferring, renaming, modifying or extracting files from the backup could damage it. However, you can create a copy to place in another location such as an external hard drive. Furthermore, a backup can also be deleted, just select it from the list and proceed with confirming.
Can I use an iPhone backup for another device such as an iPad? The answer is yes but some types of files will not be transferred. Some content will therefore not be available, we are also talking about photos, messages, voice memos and apps that are not compatible on the device on which you are restoring.
Choose the most suitable method to backup iPhone
Making a quick recap, there are differences between the backup made on a computer and the one made on iCloud. The backup on a PC or Mac stores data according to the space available on the device while iCloud can cover up to 2TB of space, of which only the first 5GB are free. Encrypted backup to computer is disabled by default while on iCloud it is always done. The creation and use of the iPhone backup on a computer is allowed on the device, the one made on iCloud only requires a Wi-Fi connection but can be done anywhere.
Any problems regarding iPhone backup
If you get any error messages during a reset, check that your software is up to date and that you are connected to Wi-Fi. If data is missing, check if the process has been completed by following this path: Settings> name> iCloud> iCloud Backup. If you are starting from iTunes, the program may also have problems if it is not up to date.
Summary
The insufficient space could be an additional obstacle, however, easily solved by cleaning the device or performing an upgrade of the online space. A damaged or incompatible backup could be due to outdated software that simply needs to be updated. If, on the other hand, despite the device being connected to a working Wi-Fi, equipped with updated software and connected to a power source, you cannot solve the problem, we recommend that you contact Apple support.