Our mobile phones hold key and personal data. Due to their very nature, mobile devices are prone to loss, theft and destruction. With that comes the risk of losing all that data if it is not backed up. Fortunately, backing up an iOS device (iPhone, iPad) is easy and can be done for free. Below are various methods to backup you device.
There are many backup methods. These were selected because they are free and easy.
Note: If you have difficulty setting up any of these options on your device, you can “Google” lots of help on the Web. CPCS IT cannot provide direct support in getting you setup with these tools.
Backup your entire phone
iTunes backup
1. Install iTunes (if you haven’t already set it up).
2. Configure iTunes for backup. You can find how to configure your device for backup at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205220.
I recommend configuring encrypted iTunes backup (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205220), not only will iTunes backup your data, but it will backup your passwords, which makes restoring a device much simpler. The backup is encrypted (scrambled), which means no one without the password can read the data (even you).
Pro: Backs up basically the whole device. No limit to the size of the backup.
Con: Only works when connected to iTunes. Must remember to initiate a backup.
iCloud backup
iCloud backup wirelessly (WiFi) backs up to the Apple Cloud. You don’t need to plug your device into a computer or even be at home to back up with iCloud. iCloud backups include nearly all data and settings stored on your device.
You may find instructions at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205220.
Only the first 5GB of data is free to backup. If you need to backup more (and most of us may), then you have to buy more storage from Apple.
Pro: Automatically backs up data when connected to WiFi. Good for backing up photos, if you don’t have a huge amount.
Con: Only 5GB of backup for free (which may be too small for many of us).
Backup contacts and calendar
(almost instant backup of any changes)
Sync and backup to your Gmail account
1. Create a Gmail account (if you don’t have one).
2. Open the Settings app on your device.
3. Select Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
4. Select Add Account.
5. Select Google.
6. Fill out your account information in the following fields:
- Name: Enter your name
- User Name: Enter your full Google Account
- Password: Your Google Account
- Description: Enter a description of the account (e.g. Personal Contacts)
7. Select Next at the top of your screen.
8. Make sure that the “Contacts” and “Calendar” option is turned ON. The switch should be green.
9. Select Save at the top of your screen.
10. After setup, open the Contacts or Calendar app on your device, and syncing will automatically begin.
Pro: Automatic backup whenever a change is made. Nearly instant backup over cellular or WiFi. You can access your contacts and calendar from any web browser through Gmail.
Con: Only backs up calendar and contacts, not the rest of your device.
Backup photographs and videos
Google Photos App backup
You can backup your photos and videos automatically whenever you are connected to WiFi. With the Google Photos app, your photos will automatically backup to your Google Drive account for free.
Note: You can read up on this app and how it works at http://www.google.com/photos. This app does much more than simply backup your photos. It has a lot of cool features.
1. Create a Gmail account (if you don’t have one).
2. Download from the Apple App Store the “Google Photos” app.
3. In the “Google Photos” app go to Settings, Back up & Sync and provide it with your Google account information.
In the future, whenever you take a photo, your device will upload the photo to Google Drive when you are on WiFi.
Pro: Automatic backup of new photos over WiFi. Free. Can synchronize photos between multiple devices (if you wish). May view photos through any web browser.
Con: Only backs up photos and videos.
Amazon Prime Photos
If you have Amazon Prime, you can backup your photos to Amazon for free (similar to Google Photos). You may find instructions at www.amazon.com/clouddrive/primephotos.
You can download the app from the Apple App store.
Pro: Automatic backup of new photos over WiFi. Free. Can synchronize photos between multiple devices (if you wish). May view photos through any web browser.
Con: Requires an Amazon Prime account for backup. Only backs up photos and videos.