image credit: Apple
The iPhone is so well designed, stable and reliable that it almost seems like it doesn’t need to be backed up. But you should, and here’s how to backup iPhone.
IPhone backups
First of all, keep in mind that the technology, like any advanced technology, has many details and layers and further reading is always advised. See this article as a starter kit.
There is a choice for the openers. You can store an iPhone (or iPad, iPod) on Apple’s iCloud or on a computer (PC or Mac). Or both.
In the early days of the iPhone you had to connect an iPhone with a USB cable to a computer (with iTunes). It worked well and still works. However, the iPhone has become so popular that not all iPhone owners have a computer. Or had the patience to go through the iTunes process. Apple has therefore introduced iCloud backups.
There is also a nice third-party solution that I will briefly discuss below.
Make a decision
Apple has several interesting support articles that go through the process. The first step is to read “About backups for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.This article describes the pros and cons of each method.
The first thing to know is that you may have to pay additional monthly fees for iCloud storage beyond the 5 GB for free per account. Second, while iCloud backups are encrypted, you may still be uncomfortable with Apple hosting your only backup in the “cloud” rather than on a computer you manage.
Finally, it is good to understand what is backed up on iCloud and what is not. Read for this: “What makes iCloud backup?‘
Now that you’ve decided which method to use (or both), it’s time to dig.
IPhone backup to Apple iCloud
Image credit: Apple
To start, go to “Back up your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.Click the box: “Use iCloud. “This will take you to:”Backup with iCloud.“If it turns out you need more iCloud storage, this section has a link”,Get help backing up or managing your available space in iCloud.An additional 50 GB costs US $ 0.99 / month.
Backup from iPhone to computer
Go to “Back up your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.Click the box: “Use your computer”. This will take you to: “How to save with your computer.‘
This section explains how we use Catalos before macOS iTunes. However, in macOS Catalina (and in the future) we use the Viewfinder.
I recommend that you choose to encrypt your backups. Apple explains why.
If you want to save health and activity data from your device or Apple Watch, you need to encrypt your backup: check the Encrypt box save and create a memorable password. If you don’t need to back up your health and activity data, you can make a backup that is not encrypted.
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Third-party solution
There are other applications that can backup your iPhone to a computer. A good that I know comes from iMazing. Mac and PC are supported. For more information, see the iMazing page: “IPhone and iPad backups.‘
Image credit: iMazing
Wrapping
If you choose not to create iCloud backups, you want to set a reminder to back up your iPhone to your computer regularly. In addition, it is a good idea to backup with the method or methods you chose just before buying a new iPhone (or iPad, iPod). With an iCloud backup, it’s very easy to transfer all your data to a new iPhone in an Apple Store.
The next challenge is to learn how to restore an iPhone from a backup, but it’s an article for another day.