Introduction
Normally, it’s recommended that iPhone smartphone users back up their devices every two weeks. Phone backups are life savers when unfortunate circumstances such as damage to the phone or loss of the phone happen. Then comes the popular question “so, how long will it take to back up my iPhone”. This article will not only provide answers to it. It’ll also give out every important detail iPhone users need to know as regards backing up their devices. Let us know how long does it take to backup an iPhone and how to update to the latest version of iPhone/iPad, macOS, and Windows in this article.
How long it takes to back up an iPhone differs from one device to another?
On a rough scale, it takes nothing less than 30 minutes to 2 hours to back up one’s iPhone. Apple recommended two major methods of backing up one’s device, and that’s the Cloud and iTunes. Keep reading to learn more.
How long it takes to back up an iPhone differs with devices – why?
The time it’ll take for Mr. A to back up his iPhone can differ from the time it’ll take for Mr. B to back up. This is so as a result of several factors.
The number one factor remains that backing up using iTunes is always a bit faster than backing up through iCloud. This is because backing up one’s device using iCloud means keeping one’s data in the cloud, a remote machine.
Whereas backing up using iTunes means keeping one’s data locally in the computer the person used to back up. Other factors that determine how long it’ll take to back up are as follows;
Is it the first backup?
There are no two ways around it. Backing up one’s iPhone for the first time will take longer than subsequent ones would. The reasons aren’t farfetched; backing up for the first time means backing up every data on the iPhone for the first time.
Where those data are new to iCloud or iTunes; whichever the user uses. So subsequently, iCloud or iTunes would’ve gotten used to your device and it’ll take less time.
iPhone type
The latest iPhone models are packed with premium features. They’re and will always be the best in terms of speed and efficiency. This affects the time rate of backup as well.
Thankfully users don’t have to buy the latest model to feel among and back up their devices in lesser minutes. All they need to do is update their device to the latest version.
How to update to the latest version of iPhone/iPad, macOS, and Windows?
For users with little to no knowledge of how to update their device. Here’s how to update to the latest version of iPhone/iPad, macOS, and Windows.
Update on iPhone/iPad
- Proceed to Settings.
- Search for and click on General Software update.
- Select Install next and watch your device update to the latest iOS in minutes.
Update on macOS
- Navigate to System Preference.
- Choose Software update.
- Tap on the Search for updates option.
- Follow the next instruction on how to update and that’s it.
Update On Windows
For windows, users will need to update their iTunes because that is what they’ll use to back up. Here’s how to do it;
- Open iTunes for Windows and tap on Help.
- Choose the Check for updates tab.
- Follow the next set of instructions to finally update and the user is good to go.
Too many unnecessary stuff on the device
Having too much unnecessary stuff ranges from having too many unnecessary apps, media files, and many backups. The longer the amount of data the smartphone possesses, the longer it’ll take for it to back up.
So what’s the way forward? It’s quite simple, iPhone users should do a thorough scrutinization of their devices and remove every unnecessary app, and media file.
Perhaps they feel so attached to their media that they can’t let go. They can just transfer those files. Especially videos and music to their PC or another device with less data to free up the phone.
Alternatively, instead of deleting apps and media. They can go to their iCloud settings and remove those unnecessary apps and media from the backup. This means those apps and data are off from the backup.
Some iPhone users go about backing up several useless iCloud backups without knowing. They can proceed to their managed storage in iCloud and remove those useless backups.
N.B; Data of apps, media files, and backups that have been disengaged from future backups can get lost forever when the phone goes missing. Or when it got spoiled and the user can’t access the phone again. Therefore it’s best to transfer those media files and disenabled backups to a PC or another device.
Weak internet connection
Every backup requires an internet connection, not just any internet connection. It requires a strong internet connection.
Some will advise that using a WiFi connection is the best. While some will advise using one’s network connection is the best.
The best advice however is to settle for the best internet connection the user can get. If the user starts with a network connection and it’s misbehaving, they can immediately switch to wifi.
Backing up on iCloud
No doubt the most trusted backup method Apple recommended to iPhone users is iCloud. However, it’s only fair that iPhone users understand the basic facts as regards using iCloud to back up their devices. Those facts are;
It comes at a cost
iCloud dashes out storage of 5 GB to users who want to use it to back up their devices. This means that if a user has 30 GB of data to back up. iCloud will only back up 5 GB of data out of 35 GB.
The user will need to purchase more iCloud storage space on iCloud to back up the whole 35 GB of data. iCloud storage space up for sale are;
- 2 TB: $9.99/month.
- 200 GB: $2.99/month.
- 50 GB: $0.99/month.
The user only needs to choose the storage space plan that suits their needs and pocket. Before they can proceed with the backup.
Backup is slower with iCloud
iCloud takes the longest time to back up. Between iCloud and iTunes, iCloud is the slowest.
Things iCloud Backs up
This backup method helps back up virtually everything on the user’s device. This range from;
- Application data.
- Video and pictures.
- Device setting.
- Messages.
- Ringtones
- Visual voice mail.
It helps retrieve back the app organization and home screen of the user as well.
Things iCloud doesn’t back up
iCloud doesn’t back up the following;
- The user’s face and touch identification.
- Health and keychain data. The user can do an encrypted backup of their keychain data.
- PDFs in Apple books.
Step by step guide to backing up on iCloud
Without further ado, here’s how to carry out one’s backup using the iCloud method;
- Visit the phone’s Setting.
- Navigate to iCloud and open it.
- Once it’s opened, go to the Your Name tab and click on it.
- Next, scroll downwards and select the iCloud Backup icon.
- Switched it on by clicking Enable.
- Then select Back up Now next. Immediately it’ll start creating the user’s backup.
- Wait till the backup creation finishes. Once it is finished, tap on the Backup option. Viola, your smartphone will start the backup.
Alternatively, the user can opt for automatic backup. That way they don’t need to create a backup every time they want to back up. Here’s how to opt for automatic backup;
- Proceed to Settings and choose iCloud Storage.
- Next, connect the iPhone to a computer to check if there’s available space on the device’s iCloud storage.
- If there is enough to switch to the automatic backup. The user should switch on Automatic backup. They’ll find it in the iCloud storage section.
Backing up on iTunes
iPhone users who don’t want to purchase extra storage space on iCloud. Or those who want a shorter time backup can opt for iTunes. The drawbacks of using iTunes however Include;
1. The user needs a laptop or Mac which they’ll connect to the iPhone for the backup.
2. iTunes does not validate your backup when it is created. So the user may discover that it’s corrupted or encrypted right when they need it to restore their data.
Step by step guide to backing up on iTunes
- Open iTunes and connect the smartphone to a laptop or a Mac.
- After a successful connection, it’ll show a pop-up on the screen of smartphone. The pop-up will ask if the smartphone trusts the computer or not.
- Choose Trust then input the password of the smartphone to confirm the smartphone trust the computer.
- Proceed to File on the iTunes window displayed on the laptop/Mac.
- Then move to Devices and select the Backup tab.
- To show that a successful backup is going on, the iTunes bar will change showing Backing up “iPhone”.
- Wait for it to finish back up and that is it.
Wrapping up
This article has provided not only how long it can take to back up an iPhone. It has provided several ways to ensure iPhone users enjoy a faster backup. As well as how to back up on iCloud and iTunes. Keep choosing Apple!
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it safe to use the iPhone during backup?
No, it isn’t safe to be operating the iPhone while it’s backing up.
2. Should I switch off my iPhone while it’s backing up?
No, it’s not a good idea to switch off the iPhone during backup. This can cause damage to the data that’s backing up.
