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Before installing an iOS update, make a fresh iPhone backup and confirm it finished. You can back up to iCloud or to a Mac or Windows PC; choose based on your available storage, computer access and preference for a cloud or local copy. Apple’s update instructions put backing up first.
Choose where to back up your iPhone
| Option | Where the backup is stored | What to consider | How to confirm it finished |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud | Your iCloud account | Wireless and convenient, but check available iCloud storage. Data already syncing through iCloud services is not duplicated in the device backup in the same way. | Check the last-backup details in iCloud Backup; start a fresh backup with Back Up Now. |
| Mac | On the Mac | Use Finder with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later; use iTunes with macOS Mojave or earlier. You can encrypt a local backup for additional data coverage. | Finder shows the last-backup date and time. |
| Windows PC | On the PC | Use Apple Devices or iTunes. You can encrypt a local backup for additional data coverage. | Apple Devices or iTunes shows the last-backup date and time after completion. |
The steps below follow Apple’s current iCloud backup guide, Mac backup instructions and Windows backup instructions. A computer backup requires a suitable cable; Apple’s Windows instructions say to connect using the cable that came with the iPhone.
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Back up to iCloud
- On your iPhone, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- If needed, turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- Tap Back Up Now and keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi until the process finishes.
- Check the last-backup details on the iCloud Backup screen to confirm the new backup completed.
iCloud backups normally run automatically each day when the iPhone is connected to power, locked and on Wi-Fi. For a backup immediately before an update, start one manually and check its completion rather than relying on the schedule.
If iCloud storage is limited
Open Settings > [your name] > iCloud to review available storage and the backup size, including which apps are contributing. Turning off an app reduces the backup size, but also deletes that app’s existing backup data from iCloud. Review the consequences before changing the selection. Apple’s iCloud backup guide explains how to manage backup contents.
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Back up to a Mac
- Connect your iPhone to the Mac with a suitable cable and open Finder.
- Select your iPhone in Finder’s sidebar, then choose General.
- Select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
- Click Back Up Now. When it finishes, check Finder’s last-backup date and time.
These Finder steps apply to macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. On macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes instead. Apple’s Mac backup instructions cover the computer backup process.
Back up to a Windows PC
- Connect the iPhone to the PC with a suitable cable. Apple recommends the cable that came with the iPhone.
- Open Apple Devices, if available, or iTunes, then select your iPhone.
- In Apple Devices, open General; in iTunes, open Summary.
- Choose Back Up Now. After the process ends, check the displayed last-backup date and time.
See Apple’s Windows backup instructions for the supported app steps.
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Should you encrypt a local backup?
Local backups are not encrypted by default. Turning on Encrypt local backup adds password protection and can include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data and call history. Face ID, Touch ID and the iPhone passcode are not included. Apple describes the coverage in its encrypted backup guidance.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYou must have the encryption password to use that backup. Store it securely, such as in a password manager: Apple says it cannot recover a forgotten password for an existing encrypted backup. The added coverage may be useful, but it also makes the password essential.
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- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
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- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
Install the iOS update after the backup
- Connect your iPhone to power and Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the installed iOS version and whether an update is available.
- Tap Download and Install and follow the onscreen instructions.
Apple’s iPhone update guide says some updates may not be offered wirelessly. If an update does not appear, Apple provides a computer update route. A VPN or proxy connection may also prevent the iPhone from reaching update servers.
If the update needs more storage
When there is not enough available space, iOS may temporarily remove apps and reinstall them after the update. You can instead cancel and free space manually before trying again; Apple describes both options in its update instructions.
What an iCloud backup includes—and what it does not
iCloud Backup saves data and settings that are not already syncing to iCloud. Whether photos, videos or messages are included in the device backup depends on whether iCloud Photos and Messages in iCloud are enabled. Those services can sync content separately from the backup, as described in the iPhone User Guide. A backup is not a guarantee that every third-party app’s data can be recovered; app-specific storage and recovery behavior can differ.
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