If you need help after you tried to back up in iCloud or to restore from an iCloud backup, use these steps.
Get help backing up your device with iCloud Backup
Learn what to do based on the issue that you experience or the message that you see.
If your device won't automatically back up at night
To automatically back up your device each day, here's what you need to do:
- Make sure that iCloud Backup is turned on in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud > Backup.
- Connect your device to a power source.
- Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure that your device's screen is locked.
- Check that you have enough available space in iCloud for the backup.
You can also back up from your Settings menu. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, then scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud, then scroll down and tap Backup. Check that iCloud Backup is on, then tap Back Up Now.*
*If the Back Up Now option is grayed out, it might be because you aren't connected to Wi-Fi or because of a network restriction. For example, sometimes public Internet networks (like school or business networks) have profile or restriction settings that make iCloud Backup unavailable. Contact the system administrator or IT department for help.
If an alert says that there's not enough iCloud storage
This message appears when you need more iCloud storage to back up (The available space on your iOS device is different than your available space in iCloud).
Here are some things you can do:
- Upgrade your iCloud storage plan.
- Make a smaller backup. You can back up fewer apps or delete unwanted photos and videos.
- Delete older backups that you don't need.
If a message says that there was a problem enabling iCloud Backup
- Wait ten minutes, then go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud, then scroll down and tap Backup. Make sure that iCloud Backup is on. If you see a different alert message, follow the steps for that message and try again.
- Go to Settings > iCloud. Tap your Apple ID and sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID password.
- Check iCloud Backup is available on the Apple System Support page.
If you still need help, contact Apple Support.
If an alert says that your device is being restored
Stay connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network and a functional power source until the process finishes. The time it takes to create a backup or restore from a backup depends on the size of your backup and the speed of your Wi-Fi network.
If a message says that your last backup couldn't be completed
Check that you're connected to Wi-Fi, because you can't use iCloud Backup over a cellular Internet connection. Next, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud > Backup and tap Back Up Now. If you see the same message again, contact Apple Support.
Get help restoring from an iCloud backup
Make sure that you're connected to Wi-Fi, because you can't restore from a backup over a cellular Internet connection. If you still need help, find out what to do based on your issue or the alert message that you see.
If a message asks for multiple Apple ID passwords
If you don't remember an Apple ID password when asked to sign in, you can tap Skip this Step and sign in later. If asked to sign in with multiple Apple IDs, it might be because your backup includes purchases that were made using more than one Apple ID. These purchases might include content like apps, movies, music, and more.
If the restore process takes a long time to finish
Stay connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network and a functional power source until the process finishes. The time it takes to restore from a backup depends on the size of your backup and the speed of your Wi-Fi network.
If a message says that your restore is incomplete or some items won't restore
These messages mean that you disconnected from Wi-Fi during the restore process or that some of your apps or content couldn't be restored. Here are some possible causes and what you can do about each:
- If a message says something like, "Restoring 350 of 1200 items," then your photos are probably still being restored. Keep your device connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network and a power outlet so that the process can finish.
- If you see a grayed-out app or one that takes a long time to load, make sure that you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. Next, tap the app to pause the process, then tap it again to continue. If this doesn’t fix the issue, delete and redownload the app.
- When your backup contains purchases that were made from more than one Apple ID, a messages asks you to sign in with multiple Apple IDs. If you can’t remember a password or didn't purchase an app using your own Apple ID account, you might see this message:
"Some apps or content can’t be restored, because they are no longer available in the iTunes or App Store, were purchased with a different account, or were synced from your computer." If you have this content saved in iTunes on your Mac or PC, try syncing your device with your computer to restore your content.