How to Back Up an iPhone

Save a full iCloud backup of your iPhone so your photos, messages, and apps are safe.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your iPhone

   iCloud backups only run over Wi-Fi, and a charged or charging phone won't time out mid-backup. The first backup can take a while, so plugging in is worth it.

2. Open Settings and tap your name at the top

   This is your Apple Account banner. From there tap "iCloud" to see everything iCloud is storing for you.

3. Tap "iCloud Backup" and turn it on

   On newer iOS it's under iCloud > "iCloud Backup." Toggle "Back Up This iPhone" on. While you're here, you can also turn on "Back Up Over Cellular" if you want — most people leave it off.

4. Tap "Back Up Now"

   Keep the screen on this page until it shows a completed time and date under "Back Up Now." Free iCloud accounts include 5 GB — if you get an "out of storage" message, you'll need to upgrade iCloud+ or back up to a computer instead.