Last reviewed: 18 August 2026. A reliable backup protects your photos, messages, settings and app data if an iPhone or iPad is lost, damaged or replaced. Apple supports two main methods: iCloud Backup and a backup to a Mac or Windows PC. Using both gives you the strongest recovery options.
iCloud backup or computer backup: which is best?
| Feature | iCloud Backup | Mac or PC backup |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Stored in iCloud | Stored on your computer |
| Connection | Wi-Fi and internet required | USB connection; Finder or Apple Devices app |
| Encryption | Encrypted by default | Encryption must be selected for sensitive data |
| Automation | Can run automatically while locked, charging and on Wi-Fi | Normally started when connected to the computer |
| Storage limit | Depends on your iCloud plan | Depends on available computer storage |
Best practical choice: enable automatic iCloud Backup for everyday protection and create an encrypted computer backup before a major iOS update, repair, trade-in or device migration.
How to back up an iPhone or iPad to iCloud
- Connect the device to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone or Back Up This iPad.
- Tap Back Up Now for an immediate backup and stay connected until it finishes.
The date and time shown below Back Up Now confirms the latest successful backup. Automatic backups normally run when the device is connected to power, locked and connected to Wi-Fi. If the backup will not complete, check your Wi-Fi connection, available iCloud storage and software updates.
How to back up to a Mac
- Connect the iPhone or iPad to the Mac with a suitable cable.
- Open Finder and select the device in the sidebar.
- If prompted, choose to trust the computer and enter the device passcode.
- Under General, choose to back up the device’s data to this Mac.
- Select Encrypt local backup if you want Health, Activity and Keychain data included. Store the password safely; Apple cannot recover it for you.
- Click Back Up Now and wait for completion.
How to back up to a Windows PC
On a current Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app. Older systems may still use iTunes. Connect the device, trust the computer, select the device and choose Back Up Now. Enable encrypted backup if you need protected Health, Activity and Keychain information included.
What an iCloud backup does not include
An iCloud backup does not duplicate information already syncing through iCloud. Depending on your settings, that can include iCloud Photos, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Messages in iCloud and iCloud Drive. It also excludes Apple Pay information, Face ID or Touch ID settings, Apple Mail data and content that can be downloaded again from Apple services.
Why encrypted computer backups matter
A standard computer backup is useful, but an encrypted backup can also include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, Activity data and Keychain information. Choose a strong password and record it in a password manager. Without that password, the encrypted backup cannot be restored.
How to verify a backup
- iCloud: open Settings, tap your name, iCloud, Storage or Manage Account Storage, then Backups.
- Mac or PC: open Finder or Apple Devices, select the device and review the latest backup date. Use Manage Backups to inspect archived backups.
- Confirm that the date is recent and that the backup completed without an error.
Before moving to a new device
Keep your old device until the new one is fully set up and your important photos, messages, authenticator apps and files are confirmed. Apple’s Quick Start can transfer data directly, while iCloud or a computer backup provides a recovery path if the direct transfer fails.
If you need space before making a backup, follow our safe iPhone and iPad storage clean-up guide.
Official Apple guidance
Bottom line: iCloud is the easiest automatic option, while an encrypted Mac or PC backup provides a valuable second copy. Confirm that your backups are current before deleting data, repairing the device or trading it in.
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