Data Backup

iPhone Backup: What You Need to Know in 2024

February 21, 2024

Introduction

Backing up your iPhone regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your data and avoid losing precious photos, messages, and other irreplaceable information. As we head into 2024, there are a few key things to understand about iPhone backups to make sure your data is fully protected. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at everything you need to know about iPhone backups in 2024.

How iPhone Backups Work

There are two main ways to back up an iPhone – using iCloud or using iTunes on a computer.

iCloud Backups

iCloud can automatically back up your iPhone daily when it’s connected to WiFi, charging, and has a strong cellular connection.
Backs up data like: photos, messages, contacts, calendars, device settings etc. Does not include data already stored in iCloud like iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive files, or email.
Pros: Automatic, wireless, includes most important data, accessible anywhere.
Cons: Limited to 5GB storage for free users. Does not back up full iTunes content.

iTunes Backups

Backs up to your computer when you connect iPhone to iTunes. Must manually click “Back Up Now”.
Backs up everything: all data and content synced from iTunes library. More comprehensive than iCloud.
Pros: Backs up entire device. Encrypted backup option for privacy.
Cons: Must manually connect to computer and remember to back up. Computer could fail and lose backup.

For full protection, use both iCloud and iTunes backups.

Backup Locations

iCloud backups are stored in your iCloud account. Check iCloud storage settings to see usage.
iTunes backups are stored locally on your computer. Default location:
- Windows: \Users\YOURUSERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
- Mac: /Users/YOURUSERNAME/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Knowing the backup locations helps troubleshoot issues.

Manage Storage Space

One challenge with backups is storage space, especially for large-capacity modern iPhones. Here are some tips:

For iCloud, upgrade your iCloud storage plan if needed. 200GB is $2.99/month.
Turn off apps’ access to iCloud backup if not needed, like games with large files.
Empty large files from apps before backup, like offline playlists or temporary cache files.
For iTunes, use an external hard drive for backups if your computer has limited storage.

Carefully managing storage lets you keep years of backups without running out of space.

Encrypted Backups

Both iCloud and iTunes backups can be encrypted for extra security.
This protects private data like passwords, health data, and other personal info.
Enabling encrypted backup:
- iCloud: Check the “Encrypt iPhone backup” option in iCloud settings.
- iTunes: Check “Encrypt iPhone backup” when backing up to iTunes.
You’ll need to set a password that will be required to restore the backup. Don’t lose it!

Encryption provides an additional layer of privacy for your personal data.

What Does Not Get Backed Up

While iPhone backups are quite comprehensive, some data does not get backed up:

iCloud: Email content, iCloud Drive files, iCloud Photos, voice memos, health data, Apple Pay information, Keychain passwords.
iTunes: iTunes media already synced like movies, music, podcasts, and books. Also excludes Touch ID/Face ID data.

It’s important to know what’s excluded so you can backup that data separately if needed.

Restoring from a Backup

If you get a new iPhone, need to wipe your device, or lose data for some reason, you can fully restore your iPhone from a backup:

iCloud: Simply login to iCloud during device setup and choose “Restore from iCloud backup”. Pick desired backup.
iTunes: Connect iPhone to computer, open iTunes, and choose “Restore backup” during device setup. Pick desired backup.

Test restoring from backup regularly to verify the process works when needed.

Backup Regularly!

The key takeaway is this: back up your iPhone regularly and consistently. Connect to power and WiFi each night to allow iCloud backup, and connect to iTunes weekly or monthly for a full encrypted backup.

Following solid backup practices ensures your data is fully protected so you can restore your iPhone from backup confidently. Be proactive about iPhone backup in 2024!