iPhone users always seem to be on-edge. Whether you’re preparing to upgrade for the new iPhone 13 that is yet to release, or are just being careful in case your iPhone breaks or gets stolen – it is always a good idea to maintain backups of the data on your phone.
While other phones allow you to make backups in many different ways, Apple has only defined two ways: through iCloud or on your Mac or PC.
What’s the Difference?
In terms of data, not much. In terms of process, definitely much.
iCloud, or the company’s cloud storage, has a backup process that works in an automated and scheduled manner. You can continue using your iPhone 12 and iCloud will back up all of your data behind the scenes. However, we wish it were truly all that simple. To avoid slipping through some of the cracks and losing your data to iCloud storage, there are some precautions you will need to take. The biggest advantage to this is that it can be done solely on your iPhone 12 – without having to connect it to a Mac or PC.
The desktop method to back up your iPhone 12 may require a little more effort, but it ensures a complete backup of all your data. Simply, you download the iTunes software on your PC or use the pre-installed one on your Mac and plug in your iPhone 12.
Using iCloud
One of the biggest advantages of using iCloud for your backups is that it syncs all the applications on your iPhone 12 as well as their individual data as well. This way, whenever you change or upgrade your iPhone in the future, you can easily transfer all of your previous apps and feel as though nothing has changed.
The first step in completing your iCloud backup is to check which apps are being backed separately into iCloud. Since Apple only offers limited storage space unless you upgrade to paid versions of iCloud storage, it is important to only include the apps that are most important to you.
You can find a list of all the apps you choose to include in your iCloud backup through the Settings app and clicking on your Apple ID profile on the top. Here, you will find another folder labeled iCloud that includes all of the apps that are being backed into iCloud, including a toggle on and off switch to manage your preferences.
Typically, Photos, Mail and Messages are the three apps that consume the most space on your iCloud backup. Make sure you choose your options carefully – especially since backing up your photos can be the most important thing for many people.
Using iTunes
The second method involves less toggles on a small iPhone screen, and more clicking on a laptop or Mac. The biggest advantage of using iTunes for your iPhone 11 backup is that it offers unlimited storage without having to pay a single additional penny to Apple for additional space.
When you plug in your iPhone 12 to a laptop that has iTunes installed, the app will pop up. If it doesn’t, you can open it yourself too.
You may be asked whether you trust this computer on your iPhone 12, and you should tap on the ‘Always Trust’ or ‘Allow’ options. After your iPhone can be accessed by your laptop or Mac, you can follow these steps to back up your data:
1. Sign in to iTunes with your Apple ID and password
2. In the iTunes desktop app, select File, then Device, then Backup. This will begin the backup process and you will see the progress with a bar on top of the iTunes app.
3. If you want to back up all the data on your iPhone 12, you should select the ‘Encrypt Backup’ option on iTunes. Remember that this thorough backup will also include your saved passwords and credit card details from Apple Pay.
4. Create a password for your backup in iTunes. This is especially necessary to protect your sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.
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