A backup allows you to copy and save the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you replace your device, you can use a backup to transfer your information to a new device.
Which method is best for you?
iCloud backups
Backups from your computer
Can I use my device's backup for another kind of device?
Which method is best for you?
In case you ever need an alternative backup, you can back up your device using iCloud and also using your computer. Learn how to back up your device or restore your device from a backup.
iCloud
Stores backups in iCloud
Offers up to 12TB of storage (combined with an Apple One Premier plan, you can get up to 14TB)
Always encrypts your backups
Lets you create and use backups from anywhere with Wi-Fi
Computer
Stores backups on your Mac or PC
Storage depends on your Mac or PC's available space
Offers encrypted backups (off by default)
Lets you create and use backups from your Mac or PC
iCloud backups
With a Wi-Fi network connection, you can back up your device using iCloud. You don't need to plug your device into a computer to back up with iCloud.
iCloud backups include all the information and settings stored on your device that don't already sync to iCloud. iCloud backups don't include:
Data that you already store and sync in iCloud, like Contacts, Calendars, and Notes
Photos, if you turned on iCloud Photos
iMessages, text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages, if you sync messages with iCloud
Data stored in other cloud services, like Gmail and Exchange mail
Apple Mail data
Apple Pay information and settings
Face ID or Touch ID settings
iCloud Music Library and App Store content
Learn more about what iCloud backs up
Backups from your computer
A computer backup of your device, which is not the same as a sync, includes almost all of your device's data and settings. A backup from a computer doesn't include:
Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books
Content synced from your Mac or PC, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
Data already synced and stored in iCloud, like iCloud Photos, iMessages, and text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages
Face ID or Touch ID settings
Apple Pay information and settings
Apple Mail data
Activity, Health, and Keychain data (to back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup.)
Learn how to backup, find backups, and delete backups that you no longer need on your Mac or PC
Can I use my device's backup for another kind of device, like an iPhone backup for an iPad?
You can restore a device from a backup of another kind of device, like using an iPad backup for an iPhone, but certain types of content won't transfer:
Photos, unless you use iCloud Photos
Messages and attachments in Messages, unless you sync messages with iCloud
Voice Memos
Apps that aren't compatible with the device that you’re setting up. (For example, apps compatible only with iPad won't transfer to your iPhone.)
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