How to Create a Complete iPhone Backup Before Restoring or Upgrading
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- iOS 18.4 - iPhone 15 Pro
- You will need
- Wi-Fi connection, Apple ID credentials, Lightning or USB-C cable (for local backup), macOS or Windows PC with iTunes/Devices app
Step by step
Initiate an iCloud manual backup
Open the Settings app and tap your Apple ID banner at the top of the menu. Select iCloud, tap iCloud Backup, and select Back Up Now. Ensure the device remains connected to Wi-Fi until the process concludes.
Note: Verify the 'Last Successful Backup' timestamp updates before proceeding.Force a sync for Health and Keychain data
Sensitive data such as passwords and health metrics are end-to-end encrypted. Toggle iCloud Keychain and Health to off and back on within the iCloud settings menu to force an immediate server-side synchronization of your latest data.
Note: Ensure your device is passcode protected to enable end-to-end encryption.Connect the device to a local computer
Connect your iPhone to a Mac using macOS Finder or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app installed. If prompted on the iPhone, tap Trust and enter your device passcode to authorize the connection.
Note: A local backup provides a more robust recovery option than cloud storage alone.Configure local encryption settings
In the General tab of your device window, navigate to the Backups section. Select Encrypt local backup and create a memorable, secure password; this is mandatory to include saved passwords and health data in the local backup file.
Note: Do not lose this password, as it cannot be reset.Execute the full local backup
Click Back Up Now within the device management window. Wait for the progress bar to complete in the status bar at the top of the Finder or Apple Devices window. Once finished, confirm the 'Latest backup' timestamp matches the current time.
Note: Keep the cable connected until the application confirms the backup is successful.