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Apple iPhone • Slow or full • 10–20 minutes

Back up your phone and photos — Apple iPhone

Back up before you need it. A backup saves your photos, contacts, messages, and settings, so a lost or broken phone doesn't mean lost memories. Back up on Wi-Fi, since backups are large.

  1. Check for a software update

    Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If one is available, install it first.

  2. Turn on iCloud Backup

    Settings, then [your name], then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, turn on Back Up This iPhone, then tap Back Up Now.

  3. Back up photos

    Settings, then [your name], then iCloud, then Photos, turn on Sync this iPhone. Your photos go to iCloud, and with Optimize iPhone Storage on, full-resolution photos stay in iCloud while smaller versions stay on the phone.

  4. If it says there isn't enough iCloud space

    Free iCloud is only 5 GB. Either buy more iCloud storage, or back up to a computer (next step).

  5. Computer backup

    Connect the phone to a Mac (open Finder, select the iPhone, tap Back Up Now) or a Windows PC (Apple Devices app, Back Up Now). If offered, encrypt the backup so it also saves passwords.

  6. Check it worked

    Settings, then [your name], then iCloud, then iCloud Backup shows the last successful backup date. If it's old, tap Back Up Now on Wi-Fi.

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