How To Backup Your Cell Phone

Backup your IOS (iPhone) or Android phone using the methods below.

iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

There are two methods you can use to do your backups. iCloud (Apples storage on the internet) or your own computer (Mac or PC).

Two methods to choose from

Back up using iCloud

1. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network with internet access.
2. Go to Settings > [your name], and tap iCloud.
3. Tap iCloud Backup to toggle the on/off switch (turn to on)
4. Tap Backup Now to start your backup. You will need to stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup completes

To check the status of your backup, you can go back to the iCloud settings (repeat steps 1-2). Under Backup Now, you’ll see the date & time of your last backup.

Back up using your computer

1. Connect your device to your computer. On Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15, open Finder. If have macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a Windows PC, open iTunes.
2. If you are asked for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps.
3. Locate your device on the Finder or iTunes.
   1. Finder will display your phone on the left sidebar. Select your phone.
   2. On iTunes, click on the device’s icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window. Select your phone.
4. If you want to save Health and Activity data from your device or Apple Watch. You will need to select the checkbox “Encrypt local backup”. Store your password somewhere safe, as there is no way to recover your backup without this password. Now click on Back Up Now.

Android

You can back up content, data, and settings from your phone to your Google Account.

Only one method to choose from

Content

1. Photos and Videos
   1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app.
   2. Sign in to your Google Account.
   3. At the top right, tap your account profile photo or initial.
   4. Select Photos settings > Backup & sync.
   5. Tap “Back up & sync” on or off. (with this option on, photos and videos will backup automatically)
2. Files and Folders (manual only)
   1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Drive app.
   2. Tap Add icon (plus sign).
   3. Tap Upload.
   4. Find and tap the files you want to upload.
   5. You can view the uploaded files in My Drive until you move them.

Data & Settings

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap System > Backup.
3. Turn on Back up to Google Drive (with this option on, the backup will happen automatically)
4. Tap Backup now > Continue.

Conclusion

Now that you know the steps to backup your phone, take a look at settings to see if you have a recent backup. Make sure your backup settings are enabling automatic backups. And if you’re manually backing up, have a routine to do your backups on consistent intervals (once a week, once a month, etc…).