iCloud Backup saves device information and settings that aren’t already syncing to iCloud; a Mac or PC backup saves almost all device data and settings, subject to Apple’s exclusions. If you make a local backup, turn on encryption to include categories such as Health and Keychain data—and keep the password, which you’ll need to restore it.
What does iCloud back up?
Apple describes iCloud Backup as a copy of information on your iPhone or iPad that isn’t already synced to iCloud. What it contains therefore depends on which syncing services you use. Apple’s iOS 27 guide to backing up iPhone and its iCloud Backup content overview explain the distinction.
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- Photos and videos: When iCloud Photos is on, they sync to iCloud rather than being duplicated in the daily device backup. When it’s off, photos and videos on the device may be included.
- Messages: When Messages in iCloud is on, messages sync and aren’t included in the daily backup. When it’s off, they may be included.
- App data: App data may be included when it isn’t already stored in iCloud Drive or through another iCloud syncing service.
- Settings and layout: Apple gives device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization as examples of items that may be backed up.
- Other examples: Apple also lists purchased ringtones, Visual Voicemail password (with the SIM or eSIM used at backup), and an Apple Watch backup. These are examples, not a promise that every backup contains the same items.
iCloud Backup is automatic when the device is connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi, according to Apple’s iOS 27 guide. The backup is stored in iCloud.
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Apple says a computer backup includes almost all data and settings on the device, but it isn’t a literal copy of everything. Apple’s comparison of backup methods lists content that a computer backup excludes:
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Content from the iTunes and App Stores, and PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books.
- Media synced from the computer, such as imported music or videos.
- Information already synced and stored in iCloud.
- Face ID or Touch ID settings, Apple Pay information and settings, Apple Mail data, and offline maps.
Health, Activity, and Keychain data require an encrypted computer backup. Local backups are stored on the Mac or PC, so the space available on that computer limits how much room you have for them.
iCloud Backup vs. computer backup
| Question | iCloud Backup | Mac or PC backup |
|---|---|---|
| What it saves | Device information and settings not already synced to iCloud; selected local data may be included. | Almost all device data and settings, subject to Apple’s exclusions. |
| Effect of syncing | Content syncing through services such as iCloud Photos or Messages in iCloud isn’t duplicated in the daily device backup. | Data already synced and stored in iCloud is excluded from the computer backup too. |
| Where it’s stored | In iCloud. | On the Mac or PC; available computer storage is the constraint. |
| Encryption | Apple says iCloud backups are encrypted. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud Backup is end-to-end encrypted. | Optional; local backups aren’t encrypted by default. Encryption adds sensitive data categories but requires a password for restore. |
| How you restore | Restore from iCloud during setup or after erasing the device. | Restore through Finder or iTunes as appropriate; encrypted backups require their password. |
These differences make the choice less about which method saves “everything” and more about where you want a recovery copy and which data categories you need it to preserve.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Why encrypt a local backup?
Encryption lets a computer backup include additional sensitive data that an unencrypted backup does not, including saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, and call history. It still does not include Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode data. Apple’s local backup encryption instructions say encryption is off by default.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSet a password when you enable encryption and store it somewhere you can retrieve later. Apple says an encrypted local backup cannot be recovered without that password, and its restore instructions require it to restore an encrypted backup. This is a practical trade-off: more data can be preserved, but losing the password can make that backup unusable.
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
How to back up your iPhone or iPad with your Mac
On macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, Apple’s procedure uses Finder. Older macOS versions use iTunes. The current Mac backup instructions describe connecting by cable; Apple’s iOS 27 guide also says a wireless connection is possible.
- Connect the iPhone or iPad to the Mac and open Finder. If prompted on the device, confirm that you trust the Mac.
- Select the device in Finder.
- Choose “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.”
- To include Health, Activity, and Keychain data, select “Encrypt local backup” and create a password. Save that password securely.
- Click “Back Up Now.”
For Windows, Apple’s iOS 27 guide documents computer backup using Apple’s Windows procedure. The steps and available controls can differ from Finder on a Mac.
Rank #4
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Mac
How iCloud backup encryption differs
Apple’s security overview distinguishes standard data protection from Advanced Data Protection. Under standard protection, the keys for iCloud Backup are secured in Apple data centers. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud Backup and the data inside it are end-to-end encrypted. See Apple’s iCloud data security overview for the service-specific details; encryption protections aren’t identical across every iCloud data category.
Restoring a backup vs. transferring directly
Apple supports restoring a new or erased iPhone from either an iCloud backup or a computer backup. An encrypted computer backup requires its password. Quick Start and direct device-to-device transfer are separate setup and migration options—not backups—although they can be used alongside a backup to move or restore information. Apple’s restore instructions cover restoring from iCloud or a computer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
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