Backup methods for iPhone or iPad
A backup allows you to copy and save the information from your iPhone or iPad. If you replace your device, you can use a backup to transfer your information to a new device.
Can I use my device's backup for another kind of device?
Choose the best backup method
You can back up your device using iCloud, your computer, or both. If one method isn't available, you can still use the other.
Back up to iCloud
Stores backups in iCloud
You can store up to 12 TB. With an Apple One Premier plan, this increases to 14 TB.
Always encrypts your backups
Lets you create and use backups from anywhere with Wi-Fi
Back up to your computer
Stores backups on your Mac or PC
Storage depends on your Mac's or PC's available space
Offers encrypted backups (off by default)
Lets you create and use backups from your Mac or PC
Manage iCloud backups
With a Wi-Fi network connection, you can back up your device using iCloud. You don't need to plug your device into a computer to back up with iCloud.
iCloud backups include the information and settings stored on your device that don't already sync to iCloud. iCloud backups don't include:
Notes that you already store and sync in iCloud
Photos, if you turned on iCloud Photos
Messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS), if you sync messages with iCloud
Data stored in other cloud services, like Gmail and Exchange mail
Apple Mail data
Apple Pay information and settings
Face ID or Touch ID settings
iCloud Music Library and App Store content
Offline maps
Learn more about what iCloud backs up
Back up from your computer
A computer backup includes almost all of your device's data and settings, which is different from syncing.
A backup from a computer doesn't include:
iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books content
Content synced from your Mac or PC, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
Data already synced and stored in iCloud, like iCloud Photos, iMessages, and SMS and MMS messages
Face ID or Touch ID settings
Apple Pay information and settings
Apple Mail data
Activity, Health, and Keychain data (to back up this content, you'll need to create an encrypted backup)
Offline maps
Use a backup for a different device
You can restore a device from a backup of a different device type. For example, you can use an iPad backup to set up an iPhone. But certain content types won't transfer:
Photos, unless you use iCloud Photos
Messages and attachments in Messages, unless you sync messages with iCloud
Voice Memos
Apps that aren't compatible with the device that you’re setting up (for example, apps compatible only with iPad won't transfer to your iPhone)