If you can't back up to iCloud

Find out what to do if you need help backing up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iCloud Backup.

If an alert says that there's not enough iCloud storage

  1. In iOS or iPadOS, go to Settings > [your name].

  2. Tap iCloud. At the top, you can check how much iCloud storage you've used.

  3. Tap Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage.

  4. Tap Backups, then tap the device you're using. Under Last Backup and Backup Size, you can check the Next Backup Size. It may take a few minutes for your device to calculate the Next Backup Size.

  5. If your backup needs more space than the amount of space you have available in iCloud, you can:

  6. If you still need help, contact Apple Support.

If a message says that your last backup couldn't be completed

  1. In iOS or iPadOS, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Check you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.

  2. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. Download and install any available updates for your device.

  3. Try to complete the back up on a different Wi-Fi network.

  4. Make sure you have enough iCloud storage for the backup.

  5. If you still need help, contact Apple Support.

If your iCloud backup is taking longer than expected to finish

  1. In iOS or iPadOS, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Check you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.

  2. Check your upload speed.

  3. Leave your device plugged into a power source and connected to a Wi-Fi network for 24 hours. If your backup still hasn't finished, archive important data then contact Apple Support.

If the iCloud Backup option is greyed out

  1. Check if a restore is still in progress. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If your device is still being restored, you’ll see “This [device] is currently being restored and will automatically back up when it is done”. You can create a new backup after your device has finished restoring.

  2. Check whether you've installed a profile that restricts iCloud Backup. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to see a list of installed profiles.

If you need help restoring from an iCloud backup

Get help if you receive an error while restoring from an iCloud backup, if you can't see the backup you want to restore and more.

Find out what to do if a restore from an iCloud backup has failed

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