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Apple Account and iCloud

iCloud Backup

Most people call this the nightly copy of your phone in iCloud.

iCloud Backup copies your device settings, app data, messages and photos to iCloud automatically when the phone is locked, charging and on Wi-Fi.

Available

This setting is present on your iPhone.

  • We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.

Where to find it - iOS 16 and later

  1. Settings
  2. Apple Account
  3. iCloud
  4. iCloud Backup

What it does

The backup covers what is not already synced. You can choose which apps are included, which matters when the backup will not fit in your storage plan. A backup over cellular can be enabled on newer releases.

What changes

When it is on

The phone backs itself up overnight.

When it is off

Nothing is backed up unless you connect to a computer.

Should you turn it on?

Good reasons to turn it on

  • Restoring to a new phone takes one step.
  • It happens automatically with no effort.
  • Messages and app data are preserved.

Good reasons to turn it off

  • A full backup rarely fits in the free storage tier.
  • You may prefer a local computer backup you control.

Battery

No real change

Privacy

Depends how you use it

Performance

No real change

Cellular data

Depends how you use it

Storage

No real change

Out of the box: Offered during setup.

Worth reading first

Where this setting used to live

Apple moves settings between releases. This is every location we have on file.

  1. iOS 16 and later

    Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > iCloud Backup

  2. iOS 13 to iOS 15

    Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup

Questions people actually ask

Why is my iPhone not backing up?
Usually not enough iCloud storage. Check Settings, then Apple Account, then iCloud, then Manage Storage.
Does iCloud Backup include photos?
Only if iCloud Photos is off. When iCloud Photos is on, the library is synced separately rather than included in the backup.

If it is not working

  • The most common failure is not enough iCloud storage. Exclude large apps or buy more space.
  • It needs the phone locked, charging and on Wi-Fi unless cellular backup is enabled.
  • Low Data Mode and Low Power Mode both pause it.

Related settings