How to Backup and Restore iPhone Using iCloud and iTunes?

In 2011, Apple provided users with a means to store their documents, pictures, videos, etc. on remote servers called iCloud. Not only does this technology encourage file sharing between Apple device users, but it also serves as a backup for files.

Before Apple launched their cloud service, users depended on iTunes to manually backup their iPhone files. Although an efficient method, iTunes requires access to a Mac or PC to store your data. On the other hand, iCloud doesn’t need anything, just a good internet connection.

That said, smart users backup their iPhone files using both iTunes and iCloud. As such, you can restore your files at home or on the road, whether you have a computer or not. There is just one last question; how can you backup your iPhone using iCloud and iTunes? You’re about to find out.

1. How to Backup Your iPhone With iCloud?

Follow the two steps outlined below to backup your iPhone using iCloud.

1.1. Set up iCloud

The first thing you want to do is update your iOS device to the latest version. That’s because iCloud has a minimum requirement of iOS 5 on an iPhone 3GS to work. Next, you must sign into your iPhone using the same Apple ID as your iCloud account. Here is how to do that.

Go to your iPhone "Settings" and scroll down to tap “iTunes & App Store” option. Then, input your Apple ID to sign in. However, for iOS 10.2 (or earlier) users, the step is slightly different. On the "Settings" page, scroll down to iCloud and sign in with your Apple ID.

Access iTunes and App Store

1.2. Turn On the iCloud Drive

In some cases, you may have to turn on the iCloud backup after signing in. From the iPhone’s settings, select your name and tap iCloud. A long list of apps to backup on the cloud should pop up. Scroll to iCloud Drive and swipe to turn it on.

Enable iCloud Drive

1.3. Turn on iCloud Backup

On the same page, you’ll find a green iCloud backup icon. Tap it and swipe to toggle on. That’s all you need to backup your documents, home configurations, and settings in the cloud. Please note that your iPhone must meet three conditions to back up. These include;

• It must be connected to Wi-Fi.
• Must be locked.
• Must be connected to a power source.

Enable iCloud Backup

1.4. Restore Your iPhone Content from iCloud

Follow the below steps to restore your iPhone data from iCloud backup.

• Open the “Settings” page and tap “General” section.
• Select the “Reset” option, then “Erase all Content and Settings”.
• Upon completion of the process, your iPhone restarts and an “Apps & Data” screen pops up.
• Select “Restore from iCloud Backup” and input your Apple ID.
• Select the appropriate date and time and wait for a couple of minutes for the process to be completed.

2. How to Backup Your iPhone Using iTunes?

To back up, your iPhone using iTunes, follow the steps outlined below.

2.1. Launch iTunes

Connect the iPhone to your Mac with a USB lightning cable. iTunes will open automatically, and you will see a screen asking you to confirm the access to continue.

Allow Accessing iPhone

After that another popup will appear to confirm the access on your iPhone.

Allow Device to Access iPhone

You will get the message for “Trust this Computer?” on your iPhone screen. Tap on “Trust and input your device’s passcode to proceed.

Trusting Computer

Select your iPhone (click on the phone icon nearer to the music dropdown) when it appears on iTunes to access the device summary page. Under the “Backups” section on the “Summary” page, select “This Computer” and click “Apply.”

Backups Section in Summary

If this is a first time you backup, it may take sometime for the entire content on your iPhone to sync on your Mac. When you backup periodically, the backup time will be shorter.

Syncing iPhone Data

Alternately, perform a manual iTunes backup by selecting the “Manually Backup and Restore” option. The backup process will start immediately.

2.2. Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes

To restore your files, just click on the “Restore Backup” on the “Summary” page.

Restore Manual Backup

Next, compare the date and sizes to select the most relevant one accordingly. Finally, click “Restore.” Wait a couple of minutes for the process to be completed and keep your iPhone connected all through. When the backed up files is fully restored, your iPhone will restart and start to sync with the iTunes. Note that you’ll have to input your password for an encrypted backup.

Wrapping Up

It is a good idea to back the content on your iPhone continuously. This will help to restore when you have problem with upgrades and resetting your phone. We have explained how simple it is to backup your iPhone files using iTunes and iCloud. You can go for iCloud option which automatic and easy. However you need to upgrade your plan and store more than 5 GB of data. Otherwise, connect the phone to Mac or PC and sync the content periodically to have regular backups.