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Mobile devices have taken over our lives since its inception. We send messages, take memorable photographs and listen to our favorite songs. All those important files stored into one device is always at risk of being lost due to the nature of mobile phones. Your iPhone is always in danger of being damaged, lost or you might have to replace it. It is important to save those photographs and files that are irreplaceable.
Contrary to popular belief, your iPhone does not back up to iCloud automatically. Many users mistakenly believe this and run the risk of losing their files when they do not actively backup their phones. By turning on the automatic backup feature, you will be able to back up your files automatically.
Apple has made it relatively simple for users to protect their files and back it up. Whether you are tech savvy or a digital beginner, backing up your files is very easy. Below are ways of backing your iPhone up.
iCloud
Apple’s iCloud is a feature where files that are attached to an account is kept in a server manually or automatically. This means that any device linked to your Apple ID can be backed up on the same server. Your files from your iPad and iMac can also be backed up on the same account.
Apple devices that have at least iOS 5 will have iCloud as a standard feature and will back up files automatically when it is turned on.
The free version of the iCloud is only limited to up to 5GB of storage space. Otherwise, a paid subscription is required. An extra 50GB will cost you $0.99 a month, 200GB $2.99, and 1TB at $9.99.
Method
Step 1 – Connect to a WiFi Network
Step 2 – Go to Settings and access your account by tapping your name
Step 3 – Tap iCloud and then iCloud Backup
Step 4 – The screen will let you enable automatic back up by changing the setting
Otherwise, press Back Up Now to start the process.
The process can take a while depending on the number of files on your iPhone and depending on the speed of your internet. You can check if your backup has been completed and when it was last done.
Go to Settings, access your account then tap iCloud backup. You will see when it was last completed at the bottom of the option.
Useful Tips
- If you have a lot of files to backup and your battery is running low, consider plugging it into a power source to avoid your phone from running out of battery in the middle of the process.
- Turn on automatic back up to save a lot of time rather than manually backing your files up.
iTunes
The use of iTunes has evolved over the years, from storing and playing music to carrying out functions that manage your device. Another way of backing your files up is through iTunes.
iTunes allows you to let your computer to communicate with your Apple device by using a cable or a WiFi connection.
The files from your device will be saved to the hard drive of the connected computer and not in a separate server like the iCloud.
Although the iCloud method is far simpler, this is still another way of backing up your iPhone or iPad and saving your files elsewhere.
Method
Step 1 – Connect your iPhone via a USB cable or WiFi
Step 2 – Launch iTunes
Step 3 – A prompt may pop up asking for a passcode or whether to Trust This Computer. Enter your passcode to proceed.
Step 4 – Select the device you want to back up, in this case, it is your iPhone.
Step 5 – Press Back Up Now to start the process
On the summary screen, you will see if your backup has been completed and when it was carried out.
Useful Tips
- Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes already installed on your computer.
- You can switch on automatic backup to either iCloud or to the computer.
- Encrypt your backup if you have any health data from an Apple Watch and any account passwords. This prevents people from accessing this information.
Other Backup Software
Other than iCloud and iTunes, there are other backup software in the market. Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offer cloud-based systems where you can back files up from your iPhone to their servers.
There are benefits to using these services at a cheaper storage rate and being allowed the flexibility to switch to an Android device. However, these software only save raw data such as videos, photos, and contacts and are not able to save phone settings, messages, and voicemails.
In conjunction with Apple’s backup system, using other cloud-based software can maximize the protection your files need. It offers more storage space if your iCloud account and your computer space is full.
An added benefit to saving your files with these software is that you are able to access the files as long as you have an internet connection.
Conclusion
Losing your files is the last thing you want. Regularly backing up your iPhone or iPad protects your precious files. It is a simple process yet so crucial in keeping your data safe and secure.
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