As an Apple user, you’re likely familiar with iCloud, the company’s cloud storage and cloud computing service. One of the most useful features of iCloud is its ability to backup your device, ensuring that your important data is safe in case something goes wrong. But does iCloud backup everything? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what iCloud backs up, what it doesn’t, and how you can use this feature to protect your data.
What Does iCloud Backup?
iCloud backup is a convenient feature that allows you to store your device’s data in the cloud. This includes:
Device Settings
- Wi-Fi settings: Your Wi-Fi network names and passwords are backed up, making it easy to connect to your networks when you restore your device.
- Wallpaper: Your home screen and lock screen wallpapers are saved, so you can easily restore them later.
- Mail, Contacts, and Calendar: Your email accounts, contacts, and calendar events are backed up, ensuring that you don’t lose important information.
App Data
- App settings and data: Many apps store their data in iCloud, including game progress, documents, and other information.
- iCloud-enabled apps: Apps that use iCloud to store data, such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, are backed up automatically.
Photos and Videos
- Photos and videos: Your photos and videos are backed up to iCloud, including those taken with your device’s camera and those saved from other sources.
- Photo Library: Your entire photo library is backed up, including albums, events, and faces.
Music, Movies, and TV Shows
- Purchased content: Music, movies, and TV shows purchased from the iTunes Store are backed up and can be restored at any time.
- iCloud Music Library: If you have an Apple Music subscription, your iCloud Music Library is backed up, including your music collection and playlists.
What Doesn’t iCloud Backup?
While iCloud backup is a comprehensive feature, there are some things that it doesn’t back up. These include:
Non-iCloud Enabled Apps
- Apps that don’t use iCloud: Apps that don’t use iCloud to store data, such as some third-party apps, may not be backed up.
- App data stored locally: Some apps store their data locally on your device, rather than in iCloud. This data may not be backed up.
Content Not Purchased from Apple
- Non-Apple content: Music, movies, and TV shows not purchased from the iTunes Store may not be backed up.
- Content stored locally: Content stored locally on your device, such as movies and TV shows ripped from DVDs, may not be backed up.
Other Data
- Safari history and bookmarks: Your Safari browsing history and bookmarks are not backed up to iCloud.
- iMessage apps and stickers: iMessage apps and stickers are not backed up to iCloud.
How to Use iCloud Backup
Using iCloud backup is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Enabling iCloud Backup
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Tap on [Your Name] at the top of the screen.
- Tap on iCloud.
- Tap on iCloud Backup.
- Toggle the switch next to iCloud Backup to the On position.
Backing Up Your Device
- Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Tap on [Your Name] at the top of the screen.
- Tap on iCloud.
- Tap on iCloud Backup.
- Tap on Back Up Now.
Managing Your iCloud Backup
Once you’ve enabled iCloud backup, you can manage your backups in the iCloud settings. Here’s how:
Viewing Your Backups
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Tap on [Your Name] at the top of the screen.
- Tap on iCloud.
- Tap on iCloud Backup.
- Tap on Manage Storage.
Deleting a Backup
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Tap on [Your Name] at the top of the screen.
- Tap on iCloud.
- Tap on iCloud Backup.
- Tap on Manage Storage.
- Tap on Show All Files.
- Tap on Edit.
- Tap on the – icon next to the backup you want to delete.
- Tap on Delete.
Conclusion
iCloud backup is a powerful feature that can help protect your data in case something goes wrong with your device. While it doesn’t backup everything, it covers most of the important data on your device. By understanding what iCloud backup includes and excludes, you can use this feature to keep your data safe and secure.
What is iCloud Backup and How Does it Work?
iCloud Backup is a feature provided by Apple that allows users to automatically back up their iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, to their iCloud account. This feature is enabled by default, and it backs up data from the device to the iCloud servers. The backup process typically occurs when the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, locked, and plugged into a power source.
The iCloud Backup process includes various types of data, such as device settings, app data, home screen layout, iMessage and SMS messages, photos and videos, and more. However, it’s essential to note that not all data is backed up, and some types of data may require additional setup or configuration to be included in the backup. Understanding what’s included and what’s not is crucial to ensure that all important data is safely backed up.
What Types of Data are Included in an iCloud Backup?
An iCloud Backup typically includes a wide range of data types, such as device settings, app data, home screen layout, iMessage and SMS messages, photos and videos, and more. This includes data from various apps, such as contacts, calendars, reminders, and Safari bookmarks. Additionally, iCloud Backup also includes data from Apple’s built-in apps, such as Notes, Mail, and Music.
However, it’s essential to note that some types of data may not be included in the backup, such as data from third-party apps that don’t support iCloud Backup. In such cases, users may need to use alternative backup methods or configure the app to use iCloud Backup. Furthermore, data that’s already stored in iCloud, such as iCloud Drive files, iCloud Photo Library, and iCloud Mail, is not included in the backup, as it’s already stored in the cloud.
What Types of Data are Not Included in an iCloud Backup?
While iCloud Backup includes a wide range of data types, there are some exceptions. Data that’s already stored in iCloud, such as iCloud Drive files, iCloud Photo Library, and iCloud Mail, is not included in the backup, as it’s already stored in the cloud. Additionally, data from third-party apps that don’t support iCloud Backup may not be included in the backup.
Other types of data that may not be included in the backup include data from apps that use their own backup methods, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. In such cases, users may need to use alternative backup methods or configure the app to use iCloud Backup. Furthermore, data that’s stored on the device but not in an app, such as files stored in the Files app, may not be included in the backup.
How to Check What’s Included in an iCloud Backup?
To check what’s included in an iCloud Backup, users can follow a few simple steps. First, go to the Settings app on the device and tap on the user’s name at the top. Then, tap on “iCloud” and select “iCloud Backup.” From there, users can see the date and time of the last backup, as well as the size of the backup.
Additionally, users can also check the iCloud website to see what’s included in the backup. To do this, go to the iCloud website and sign in with the Apple ID. Then, click on “Account Settings” and select “iCloud Backup.” From there, users can see a list of all the data that’s included in the backup, including device settings, app data, and more.
How to Manage iCloud Backup Storage?
iCloud Backup storage is included in the user’s iCloud storage plan. The amount of storage available depends on the plan, with the free plan including 5 GB of storage. If the backup exceeds the available storage, users will receive a notification and can either upgrade their storage plan or manage their backup storage.
To manage iCloud Backup storage, users can go to the Settings app on the device and tap on the user’s name at the top. Then, tap on “iCloud” and select “iCloud Storage.” From there, users can see how much storage is being used by the backup and can manage their storage by deleting old backups or upgrading their storage plan.
Can I Use iCloud Backup to Transfer Data to a New Device?
Yes, iCloud Backup can be used to transfer data to a new device. When setting up a new device, users can choose to restore from an iCloud Backup. This will transfer all the data from the backup to the new device, including device settings, app data, and more.
To use iCloud Backup to transfer data to a new device, users need to make sure that the new device is running the same version of iOS as the device that was backed up. Additionally, users need to have a stable internet connection and enough iCloud storage to complete the restore process. It’s also essential to note that restoring from an iCloud Backup will erase all data on the new device, so users should make sure to back up any data on the new device before restoring from the iCloud Backup.
What are the Alternatives to iCloud Backup?
While iCloud Backup is a convenient and easy-to-use backup solution, there are alternative backup methods available. One alternative is to use iTunes to back up the device to a computer. This method provides more control over the backup process and can be used to back up data that’s not included in an iCloud Backup.
Another alternative is to use third-party backup apps, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. These apps provide additional features and flexibility, such as the ability to back up data from multiple devices and access the backup from anywhere. Additionally, users can also use a combination of backup methods, such as using iCloud Backup for device settings and app data, and using a third-party app to back up files and photos.