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iPhone backup. How to backup iPhone? detailed instructions

If you are still new to using iPhone, then you definitely need to know what a backup is and how to use it.

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If you have just recently started using your iPhone, we recommend that you constantly back up the data stored on it. This operation will not take you much time, and if you automate it, it will not burden you with anything at all. Thanks to manufacturers' technologies, you can create a copy even without the personal participation of the smartphone owner.

Backup is an excellent option for saving personal data.

No one in our lives can be insured against theft, loss or intentional damage to an expensive phone. And in the absence of a copy, in addition to regrets about the loss, there is also grief from the loss of a photo, contacts or other important information. It’s better to play it safe once again and restore everything if necessary.

By the way, a backup copy is also necessary in case of unsuccessful updates, when the only solution is to completely reset the smartphone. In this case, everything is deleted, and the backup helps to recover. A backup copy is also useful when transferring data to a new phone from an old one.

As a rule, the iPhone uses two services - proprietary iCloud storage and iTunes. They allow you to easily create copies of all necessary and important resources.

iCloud general information

Among the advantages of this resource, convenient use stands out, since to copy you just need to turn on Wi-fi, and everything else will be done automatically. And so on every day. Therefore, with its help you will always have an up-to-date database. This is very convenient, since restoration can be carried out from any place where there is a connection to a wireless network and without additional devices and wires.

  • The iCloud option is enabled in the device settings.
  • Further in the section "Backups" Click on the offer to create a backup copy.
  • You just need to connect once and the device will always copy the data on its own. As a rule, this happens in the evenings, when the phone is charging and Wi-Fi is turned on, since the RAM is least loaded at this moment and the operation goes much faster and with better quality. The data is saved in your personal “cloud”, to which only you have access.
  • As the cloud fills up, the system will erase all unnecessary data, as well as old databases. This is due to the cloud size limitation provided by Apple. Initially, you receive a resource that has 5 GB of memory. If you use more than this limit, you will have to pay an additional fee.
  • As a rule, the last three copies are saved to the cloud. They contain personal settings, correspondence and messages. By the way, if you don’t make new copies for 180 days, Apple will erase the old ones due to lack of demand and it will be impossible to recover data from them.

Video: How to backup iPhone or iPad?

iTunes

This program is suitable for those who are used to storing personal data only on a PC or removable storage device. Before connecting, you must first install the latest version of the program so that there are no problems with recognition in the future.

  • Connect your smartphone to your PC
  • In the app, tap on your device and tap on "Review"
  • Find "Backups"
  • Select the option to perform the operation manually and enable copying

If you need to clean up your computer's memory and get rid of old copies, then through the settings find "Devices", select data and click on "Delete".

In order not to forget about the need to create another copy, create a small reminder on any of your devices.

Setting a password

It is best to set a password on the backup so that no attacker can access your files. To do this, when creating a backup, make a checkmark opposite "Backup Encryption" in the tab "Review".

Write it somewhere so you don't lose it, because now the password will be asked every time you copy.

How to use copies?

  • First of all, all software must be updated to the latest version.
  • Select "Reset" in the main settings and activate deletion through the item "Erase iPhone".

  • Next, the assistant will launch and you will be asked to select a save location.
  • Do you need an item "Recover from iCloud", specify the backup file and enter authorization data.

If you decide to restore via iTunes, then connect the smartphone to the PC to which the data was downloaded.

By the way, be sure to disable the function first "Find iPhone".

Now you can choose one of the appropriate methods:

  • Select "File" — "Devices" and click on restore.

  • Or go to the section "Backups", where there is a similar point "Recovery from a copy".

In conclusion, it is worth saying that the best combination is to use all services at once. Daily iCloud backup will allow you to save small current information, and large files can be created at least once a month using iTunes and stored on a PC or flash drive. In the future, if necessary, this will allow you to obtain complete lost data.

You can find out how to properly set up a new iPhone.

Video: iPhone, iPad backup - what is it? And is it worth restoring?

I’ll show you how to save a backup copy of your iPhone in iCloud, that is, on the Internet on an Apple server, so that if you lose your iPhone or if something happens on your computer, you always have a backup copy of your iPhone “in the cloud.” Also, this method is definitely necessary for those who do not have a computer, but only an iPhone.

Here's an excerpt from Apple's website and information about what's saved in iCloud backup.

When you sign up for iCloud, you get 5 GB of free storage space. iCloud storage is used for iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photo Library beta, app and document data stored in iCloud, and iCloud Mail messages (your @icloud.com account).
If the storage is full, you can purchase additional space. You can also manage your storage by reducing the size of your iCloud backup, deleting photos, videos, or other files stored in iCloud.

What is saved when you back up to iCloud
iCloud automatically backs up your devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) daily over Wi-Fi when they're turned on, locked, and connected to a power source. With your data backed up to iCloud, you can quickly set up a new device and easily restore information on any of your old devices.

When you create an iCloud backup, the following information is saved:
History of your purchases (music, movies, TV shows, apps and books).

iCloud backup contains information about purchases, but not the purchases themselves. Restoring data from an iCloud backup automatically downloads purchased content from the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store. Some types of content may not be available for automatic download in all countries, and previous purchases that are no longer in the store or that have been refunded may not be available.

Photo and video on iOS devices unless iCloud Photo Library beta is enabled on your iOS 8.1 device. If you're in iCloud Photo Library beta, your photos and videos are already backed up in iCloud, so they're not included in iCloud Backup.

  • Device Settings
  • Application data
  • Home screen view and application order
  • iMessages, SMS and MMS messages
  • Ringtones
  • Visual Voicemail Messages

1. Enable iCloud backup

Go to Settings > iCloud.

Having entered iCloud settings, scroll down and look for a backup copy.

Click on Backup.

When this iPhone is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi, it automatically backs up data such as your photo library, accounts, documents, Health data, HomeKit configuration, and settings.

Turn on iCloud Backup.

Start copying to iCloud. Your iPhone will no longer be automatically backed up to your computer when syncing with iTunes.

Click OK.

iCloud backup is enabled.

2. Create a backup in iCloud

Now we can create a backup that will be stored on the Apple server. Click Create backup.

The remaining time to create a copy in iCloud begins to count.

And the iPhone backup begins to be created in iCloud. This will take from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi and the load on the Apple server.

After the iCloud backup is created, the time of the last created copy will be indicated here.

3. Choose what to include in the iCloud backup

In Settings > iCloud, turn on the sliders for those items that you want to include in the iPhone backup that will be stored in iCloud. For example, you can enable mail, contacts, notes, then your contacts and numbers will be saved in the iCloud backup. And if you lose your iPhone, you can restore all your contacts from iCloud backup.

You can also enable keychain.

So that the keychain is stored in an iCloud backup. iCloud Keychain stores the passwords and credit card information you've saved to date on your verified devices. The information is stored in encrypted video and cannot be read by Apple.

4. Select what will be stored in the iCloud backup

To see which applications save data in iCloud backup, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage.

This displays how much space you have available to store your backup and how much is left. To see what is stored in your iPhone backup in iCloud, click on Storage.

Storage shows your devices (if you have more than one) and how much space their iCloud backups take up. Click on your iPhone to see which apps are taking up how much space.

Settings > iCloud > Storage > Storage > This iPhone displays how much apps are using in your iCloud backup.

You can disable those applications whose data you do not want to be stored in your iCloud backup. You can also delete your iCloud backup here.

5. Buy space on iCloud

If 5 GB is not enough for you. to store your backup, this space can be increased up to 1 TeraByte. Go to Settings > iCloud > Storage. To increase the space in iCloud for your iPhone backups, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage and click Buy more space.

By default, Apple gives you 5 GB. free to store your backups in iCloud.

But you can increase space and expand storage in iCloud (money will be debited from your App Store account):

  • 20 GB., but it will cost 39 rubles per month
  • 200 GB., but it will cost 149 rubles per month
  • 500 GB., but it will cost 379 rubles per month
  • 1 TB. (this is 1000 GB), but it will cost 749 rubles per month

You can also cancel your plan or reduce your storage capacity. This can be done on the device at any time. Contact Apple within 15 days of switching to a new plan for a refund. Partial refunds are possible in accordance with the legal procedure.

This is if you change your mind about using a paid plan and decide to get a refund.

Let's say you want to increase your iCloud storage to 20 GB. We choose 20 GB. and click Buy.

You now need to sign in to the iTunes Store to make a purchase. (money will be debited from your App Store account).

Enter your Apple iD password and click OK.

iCloud storage space is being purchased.


The purchase is completed. Now you have 20 GB available. iCloud storage. Click OK.

iTunes, iCloud, alternative software and third-party cloud services.

Test versions of iOS, experiments with jailbreaking, constant transition from device to device, crash tests, as well as tons of software from the App Store and bypassing it - these are not all the reasons. why have I ever lost important personal data from iPhone.

But such difficulties are faced not only by hardened geeks who never rest. Despite the incredible reliability of Apple technology, for important information that you don't want to lose, you still need to prepare copies in a safe place.

To protect you from possible annoying misunderstandings, I have put together all the backup options that I have personally tested.

1. iTunes and Backup to Mac or PC Hard Drive

Advantages: with backup via iTunes, you can access information without the Internet - even in an open field. Moreover, it is one of the fastest options to save almost all the data from iPhone.

Flaws: It’s a pity, but making a backup copy or restoring data without a computer will not work, even if you want to. Backing up information from a large iPad Pro to a MacBook 12’’ looks especially funny. Plus - the copy takes up quite a lot of disk space, which is very noticeable on a Mac with small SSDs.

What can you save?: Almost everything except content from the App Store and iTunes Store (it will be downloaded over the Internet), content synced through iTunes (imported audio recordings, etc.), photos stored in clouds (for example, iCloud Photo Stream), Touch ID and Apple Pay settings. Please note that some data requires password protection for your backup.

How to do it: It's simple - just go to iTunes, go to the device tab and press one single button to create a copy or restore it.

My opinion: I myself use backup to the hard drive of my MacBook Pro only before some stressful moment - installing a test version of iOS, jailbreaking, and so on. In other situations, I prefer other types of storing personal information.

2. Alternatives to iTunes for backups using iMazing as an example

Advantages: with their help you can not only access data without the Internet, but also feel like a real geek who uses not only standard software. In addition, alternatives may be more convenient in some specific cases - for example, to quickly save photos to your hard drive.

Flaws: All backup processes still require a computer, which is not always accessible.

How to do it: in most cases, a backup in iTunes alternatives is created or restored by pressing one or two buttons (for example, in the same iMazing). But each specific option may have its own nuances - in some solutions you can separately save messages, contacts or other data.

My opinion: In some cases, using alternatives for iTunes may be even more than appropriate - especially on PCs, for which Apple’s program is simply not designed for. It works extremely clumsily even on fairly powerful computers. But on Mac today I’m still leaning towards the standard solution.

3. iCloud as a cloud storage for iPhone backups

Advantages: In this case, a computer is not needed. And that's great.

Flaws: Potential payment for a large amount of storage for those who find the free 5 GB too little. Plus - without the Internet all this is useless.

How to do it: you need to go to the backup menu from the iCloud section in the device’s system settings (Settings - iCloud - Backup)- all the necessary functions are available here.

My opinion: despite the fact that today I only use Apple devices (MacBook Pro, iPhone and iPad), many interesting services have been “living” with me since the days of my first Android smartphone (HTC Wildfire, if memory serves). That's why my main cloud is Google Drive, not iCloud. And in the latter, I rarely have enough free space for backups.

4. iCloud and Apple branded services for saving data from iPhone

Advantages: Data is synchronized in real time. And during recovery, you can safely use the device. This is especially convenient when, for example, you are testing a new iPhone from partners. You enter your Apple ID details, and personal information is slowly retrieved via the Internet, without distracting you from using the device.

What can you save?: photos, mail, contacts, calendars, reminders, Safari bookmarks, notes, Wallet data, music selection in Apple Music and so on. The vast majority of modern mobile applications can work with iCloud Drive, and this can be very convenient.

How to do it: a set of data synced to iCloud is available from its section in the device’s system settings (Settings - iCloud). Since many third-party apps can store information in iCloud Drive, you need to dig into their settings as well. Other Apple branded services (for example, Apple Music) provide access to information after entering your Apple ID.

My opinion: despite the fact that iCloud Drive is far from the main storage of my personal information, its free space is constantly occupied by data from some applications (there are just a ton of text files from Byword here). And it's very convenient. And I’m generally silent about the coolness of modern Apple branded services - just look at Apple Music. And it successfully stores all my data without any outside help.

5. Third-party cloud services for storing information using Google as an example

Advantages: Greatest versatility and access from any device. For example, Google branded services are perfect for users who complement their work with an iPhone with an Android smartphone.

Flaws: limitations of iOS (after all, Apple gives preference to branded services), the ability to save not all data, as well as the need to access the Internet.

What can you save?: mail, contacts, calendars, notes, as well as photos in Google Photos, music in Google Music, files in Google Drive, and so on. And the same story with other similar services - for example, files of any type can be safely stored in Dropbox, and they will not go anywhere even in the most emergency cases.

How to do it: setting up synchronization of mail, contacts, calendars and Google notes is available from the corresponding section of the device’s system settings (Settings - Mail, addresses, calendars), and the loading of other data is configured from each individual third-party application.

My opinion: If you use multiple devices from different manufacturers (perhaps you have a PC instead of a Mac, or an Android instead of an iPhone), you'll definitely find it convenient to store basic data in Gmail - mail, calendars, and contacts. In other cases, it is better to put all your information in the hands of Apple - it’s more convenient.

Everything at once to minimize the risk of losing important records

Many iPhone owners have encountered a situation where data was lost on their mobile device. This is possible if a failure or glitch occurs or due to user inattention. The first two options are excluded. Ordinary users who very rarely install programs and games on their phone are not in danger of program failure. In this case, you can do without backups. But if you are an active user, then in order to avoid unsuccessful experiments, you should make a copy of your iPhone data. An iPhone backup will help save all important data except games, applications that have been installed, as well as downloaded music, videos, and ringtones.

Two ways to create a copy:
1. On the device using iCloud;
2. On PC using iTunes.

A copy of the data directly from the phone.
How to backup iPhone directly from your device?
After opening the device settings, find “Copy to iCloud” and install this function. Every time you connect your iPhone to the Internet, a copy of your data will be automatically created.
1. On your phone, go to Settings, open iCloud, “Storage and copies”;
2. Launch “Copy to iCloud”;
3. Once this function is enabled, you will be able to create a backup copy yourself. All you have to do is click “Create a copy”.
The iPhone has up to 5 GB of free space, which will be enough for backup.

Backup your data on your computer.
The data may also be located on the PC's hard drive. Then you will have access to a copy of your iPhone even when the computer is not connected to the Internet. You will get all the information you need from the backup copy if your iPhone suddenly gets lost or breaks. You can quickly and easily restore your iPhone from a backup.
To create a backup of iPhone to computer:
1. Connect your device to the PC, then launch iTunes;
2. Open “File”, look for “Device”, then click on “Create a backup copy”. The save location is a local drive, even if you specified iCloud as storage.

There is another way to carry out the process of copying iPhone data.
1. To do this, you need to go to iTunes and find the device synchronization settings.
2. Open the “Backup sections”, click “Automatic creation of copies”.
3. Next you need to select “This computer” and click on the inscription “Create a copy now”.

Where can I find backups?
If your computer is Mac-based, then a copy of your iPhone data has been copied to a folder that can be found like this: open the Library folder, then in Application Support select MobileSync, and view the backup in the Backup folder.

With Windows XP, the computer saves a copy of the data in a folder that we look for as follows: open Documents and Settings, then look for the folder with the user name, go to Application Data, Apple Comruter, find MobileSync, open a copy of the iPhone data in Backup.

And if Windows 7, 8 or Vista is installed on your personal computer, then you can find the backup copy as follows: the Users folder, namely, open the Username, AppData folder, find Roaming, go to Apple Computer, MobileSync and at the end Backup.

Now you know where iPhone backups are stored, you can find them faster if necessary.

Let’s imagine that the user’s iPhone is broken/lost/stolen. There were important contacts and personal documents on the phone, but now they are gone. To prevent such situations from arising, a tool such as backup was invented.

A backup is a personal iPhone device settings saved outside the phone so that in case of malfunctions or loss, you can easily restore them. This tool was invented by Apple back in 2007 to save personal settings. This great idea from the manufacturer allowed users to spend a minimal amount of time on personalization when purchasing a new device.

What data does it include?

The backup cannot contain absolutely all information about the device. If the phone is fully loaded with data (let's say 128 GB), one can only imagine how long the process will take and how big the output file will be. Therefore, the creators of the iPhone limited themselves to the following set of data:

  • “Camera Film” - an album with photographs, videos, screenshots;
  • "Notes";
  • email account information;
  • purchase history;
  • location of applications on the home screen;
  • "iMessage";
  • contacts and call log;
  • browser cache;
  • device settings;
  • application settings;
  • network connection parameters;
  • passwords;
  • medical data.

What files will not be saved?

  • programs, books, music purchased from iTunes and stored in the cloud (only the purchase history is saved, the files will need to be downloaded again);
  • files downloaded to the phone from any third-party sources;
  • Apple Pay;
  • Touch ID.

iCloud service

iCloud is a service available for all iPhone models. This cloud storage will allow you to create a backup without a computer directly from the device. For this operation you only need a stable Wi-Fi signal and a phone.

The default cloud storage size is 5 GB. The free volume can be increased: Settings->iCloud->Storage->Storage->Change storage plan. There will be several tariffs to choose from, select the one you want. Click "Buy" and enter your password. After this, the corresponding funds will be debited from your credit card, and iCloud will increase its volume.


Storage capacity can be increased in settings

You can set up backup for individual applications in Settings->iCloud->Storage and backups->Storage->Backups->Backup options.

Video: How to Backup Using iCloud

iTunes program

Using iTunes, you can make a copy of an iPhone of all versions. Unlike cloud storage, this program stores its data on your computer. What actions must be taken to create a copy?


Video: Making a copy in iTunes

Table: how to find a file with a copy on your computer

How to delete?

Instructions for iCloud


Via iTunes


Backups protect the user from losing important data. Carrying out such an operation will not be difficult, and you will always be sure that the data will be safe under any circumstances.