How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Before you get started, learn the difference between iCloud and iTunes backups, then choose the method that's best for you. If you need an alternative backup, you can make one in iCloud and another in iTunes.

1. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > [your name], and tap iCloud.
   
3. Tap iCloud Backup.
   
4. Tap Back Up Now. Stay connected to your Wi-Fi network until the process completes.
   

You can check the progress and confirm the backup completed. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Under Back Up Now, you'll see the date and time of your last backup.

Get help making a backup or manage your available space in iCloud.

1. Update to the latest version of iTunes.
2. Open iTunes and connect your device to your computer.*
3. If a message asks for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps. If you forgot your passcode, get help.
   
4. Select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod when it appears in iTunes. If your device doesn't appear in iTunes, learn what to do.
5. If you want to save Health and Activity data from your iOS device or Apple Watch, you need to encrypt your backup: Select the box called Encrypt [device] backup and create a memorable password. If you don't need to save your Health and Activity data, you can make a backup that isn't encrypted. Just click Back Up Now.
   
   Write down your password and store it somewhere safe, because there's no way to recover your iTunes backups without this password.
   
6. When the process ends, you can see if the backup finished successfully on the Summary screen in iTunes. Just look under Latest Backup to find the date and time.
   

* Learn how to connect iPad Pro (11-inch) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) to your computer.

• Restore your device from a backup.
• Get help with iCloud backups or iTunes backups.
• Manage your backups.