To back up your phone using built-in cloud tools, use iCloud for iPhone or Google Drive for Android to get automatic protection and easy restore on a new device, or use a computer for a local copy. For some 5G iPhones, check whether your carrier allows backup over cellular.
Why phone backups matter
A phone backup saves information not already synced to the cloud, like device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization, so you can recover your data after loss, damage, or replacement.
How to back up your phone: A quick decision summary
- Use the built-in cloud backup if you want automatic protection and easy restore on a new device.
- Use a computer backup for a local copy if your manufacturer supports it.
- Check whether your device, version, or carrier adds extra options, such as backup over cellular on supported 5G iPhones.
Back up your iPhone with iCloud
Apple’s iCloud Backup saves information and settings that are not already synced to iCloud. To set it up and run your first backup:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- To run a manual backup, tap Back Up Now.
Automatic iCloud backups happen when your iPhone is connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi‑Fi. Stay connected to Wi‑Fi until the backup ends; the last backup time appears under Back Up Now. On some 5G models, you may see a Back Up Over Cellular option in Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup if your carrier supports it.
iCloud Backup includes device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization. It excludes data already synced to iCloud, such as Contacts, Calendars, Notes, iCloud Photos content (if iCloud Photos is turned on), Apple Pay information and settings, Face ID or Touch ID settings, iCloud Music Library, App Store content, and offline maps. iCloud storage can go up to 12 TB, or up to 14 TB with an Apple One Premier plan combined with iCloud storage.
Back up your Android phone
Android backup steps vary by manufacturer. Use the paths below for Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices; other Android devices may differ.
Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Tap Google (or Google Account).
- Tap Backup.
- Turn on Back up by Google One (or Back up my data).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to choose what to back up.
Pixel backups save phone data and settings to your Google Account, including app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS messages. Photos and videos are backed up separately through Google Photos unless you turn that option off.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accounts and backup.
- Choose Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
- For Samsung Cloud: tap Back up data and select the items to back up, then tap Back up now.
- For Google Drive: tap Back up data under Google Drive and turn on the items you want to back up, then tap Back up now.
Samsung Cloud backs up device settings, home screen layout, apps, contacts, calendar, and Samsung account data. Google Drive backs up app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS messages.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I back up my phone?
A backup protects data and settings that aren’t already synced to the cloud, so you can recover after the device is lost, damaged, or replaced. It also simplifies setting up a new phone.
How often should I back up?
Enable automatic cloud backups so your phone backs up daily when idle, charging, and on Wi‑Fi. Run a manual backup before a major update or switching devices.
What does a backup include?
An iCloud backup includes device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization, but excludes items already synced to iCloud. Pixel and Samsung backups include similar device data and settings but exclude content already synced to your Google or Samsung account, such as contacts and calendar events.
Can I back up over mobile data?
iPhone: On some 5G models, the Back Up Over Cellular option appears if your carrier supports it. Android: Some carriers or manufacturers allow backup over mobile data, but this varies; check your device and carrier settings.
What if I need help managing and transferring photos?
For managing and transferring photos, use iCloud Photos on iPhone or Google Photos on Android to keep your photo library synced across devices and accessible from any web browser.
How do I transfer photos from phone to computer?
To transfer photos from phone to computer, connect your phone with a USB cable and drag the photos to your computer’s folder, or use iCloud for Windows (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android) to download them wirelessly.
