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How to Back Up an iPhone or iPad to iCloud

Create an iCloud backup of supported device data and settings.

Quick Answer

Open Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup, enable backup if desired, and choose Back Up Now while connected appropriately.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup, enable backup if desired, and choose Back Up Now while connected appropriately.
  3. Review the result before deleting data, removing an account, or changing synchronization settings.
  4. For important data, confirm a current backup exists before making a major storage, account, or device change.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Apple occasionally moves settings between iOS/iPadOS versions, so exact menu wording can differ by software version.
  • iCloud synchronization is not the same as a separate backup of every item; deleting synchronized content can propagate to other devices.