iCloud Backup copies only data that isn't already synced to iCloud. A backup to a Mac or PC leaves out saved passwords, Health data and a few other items unless you encrypt it with a password that can't be recovered.
| iCloud Backup | Backup to a computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | iCloud | Your Mac or Windows PC |
| What it needs | Wi-Fi | A cable, a trusted computer, the passcode |
| Left out on purpose | Anything already synced to iCloud, such as iCloud Photos, Messages in iCloud, iCloud Drive and Notes | Saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, call history and Health data, unless the backup is encrypted |
| Starts | Back Up Now, or automatically when the phone is locked, on power and on Wi-Fi | Back Up Now in Finder or Apple Devices. iTunes on macOS Mojave or earlier also backs up on its own |
If you don't use iCloud Photos, your photos and videos can go into the iCloud backup instead. The same goes for messages without Messages in iCloud. Apple's list for iCloud Backup also includes device settings, Home Screen layout, app data, purchased ringtones and the Visual Voicemail password. An Apple Watch backup is included in the iPhone's.
iCloud, by hand
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Settings, tap your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now and stay on Wi-Fi until it finishes. The time of the last backup shows underneath.
For automatic backups, check that Back Up This iPhone is on in the same screen, then leave the phone locked, plugged in and on Wi-Fi. If iCloud is out of space, Apple's alert walks you through buying more. Turn iCloud Backup off and the backups already stored for that device are kept for 180 days, then deleted.
Mac
macOS Catalina 10.15 or later uses Finder. Plug in the phone, select it in the Finder sidebar, click Trust on the Mac and tap Trust on the phone, enter the passcode if asked, then click Back Up Now. Older macOS uses iTunes, with the same steps.
Windows
Open the Apple Devices app, or iTunes if the PC doesn't have it. Connect the phone, handle the passcode and Trust prompts, click General in Apple Devices (Summary in iTunes), and click Back Up Now.
Encrypt it, or lose passwords and Health data
On a Mac or PC, tick "Encrypt local backup" and set a password before you click Back Up Now. That adds the passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, call history and Health data an unencrypted backup leaves out. Face ID, Touch ID and passcode data stay out even then. Without the password, the backup can't be restored.
Sources
- Apple Support — What does iCloud back up? (checked Nov 9, 2026)
- Apple Support — How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud (checked Nov 9, 2026)
- Apple Support — How to back up your iPhone or iPad with your Mac (checked Nov 9, 2026)
- Apple Support — About encrypted backups on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (checked Nov 9, 2026)
- Apple Support — How to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Windows (checked Nov 9, 2026)