Having an iPhone backup can save your iPhone data, photos, and more from being lost in the event that your iPhone is damaged or lost. These same backups help migrate information from your old iPhone to a new iPhone.
You can back up your iPhone online with iCloud, by saving your information to Finder while plugged into a Mac, or by using iTunes on a Windows PC. All of these options can help you in a pinch, but we recommend using more than one of these methods for extra peace of mind.
Backing Up Your iPhone with iCloud
Backing up your iPhone to iCloud is one of the easiest ways to automatically save your data. This method not only works for your iOS devices but also works for iPad and iPod touch models, so long as your iCloud account has enough cloud storage available.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on [Your Name], then iCloud, then iCloud Backup.
- Switch iCloud Backup to On.
- (Optional) You can force a manual backup by tapping Back Up Now.
Once you have this set up, your iPhone will automatically back up your information when it is locked, connected to Wi-Fi, and charging. You may need to purchase more iCloud storage from the base 5GB to use this method, but there are options outside of just using iCloud, such as the Mac and Windows backup methods detailed below, if you don’t upgrade. You can check your current storage and iCloud plan by tapping Subscriptions inside the Apple ID menu in the Settings app.
Some carriers will give you the option to back up your device over 5G networks, but I strongly recommend against that. Even with unlimited data plans, you’re likely to end up with throttled speeds if you exceed your full-speed allotment. You can learn more about unlimited data plans and how they work in our complete guide on the subject.
Backing Up Your iPhone with a Mac
To back up your iPhone using a Mac computer, you’ll need to make sure you’re using macOS 10.15 or later. If you are using a previous version of macOS, you’ll use the iTunes method below.
- Connect your device to your Mac with a cable.
- Open Finder and select your device.
- Click General at the top of the Finder window.
- Click Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
- (Optional) You can choose to encrypt your backup with a password by clicking Encrypt local backup.
- Click Back Up Now to start a backup immediately.
This method works for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and saves the backup to your Mac’s hard drive. Backing up your mobile device with a Mac is a simple but manual way to ensure your information isn’t lost. I’d recommend creating a backup using this method, or the PC method below, once a month or so—even if you have automatic iCloud backups enabled.
Get a great deal on a new iPhone
Backing up your phone because you’re looking to buy a new iPhone? Make sure that you’re getting the best deal on an iPhone before you buy, regardless of whether you buy outright, use a tab, or lease your new device.
Backing Up Your iPhone with a Windows PC
Getting your iPhone backed up to a Windows computer will use the iTunes app, so make sure you have that downloaded and ready to go before you start the steps below.
- Plug your iPhone into your PC using a cable.
- Open iTunes on your PC.
- Click the iPhone button, which is near the top left corner of the window.
- Click Summary.
- Under Backups click Back Up Now to start the process.
- (Optional) You can encrypt your backup by clicking Encrypt local backup. Type in a password and then click Set password to do so.
Note that your app sign-in information for things like social media may not save in a backup, so restoring your iPhone will likely require you to sign in to your apps again. Instead, the backup will include data such as your iPhone contacts, iMessage information, and the pictures in your Photos app.
Unresponsive phone?
You can also use iTunes to put your iPhone into recovery mode if you run into a performance issue with your device. Check out our complete guide on resetting frozen and unresponsive iPhones for more information.
All of these backup methods will allow you to safely store copies of your information for whenever you may need it, like upgrading to a new iPhone 13. Remember that having backups made in more than one format is always safer than relying on just one. Even saving an old iPhone as a backup isn’t a bad idea if you don’t need to sell your device.
New iPhone Recommendations
We have you covered when it comes to your new iPhone. There are options for those that want the best the smartphone world has to offer alongside options for those who miss the smaller phones of yesteryear.
iPhone 13s at a glance
| iPhone | Display | Cameras | Battery life | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro | 6.1 inches ProMotion Super Retina XDR | 12MP telephoto 12MP wide 12MP ultrawide | Video playback: 22 hours | $1,399 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 6.7 inches ProMotion Super Retina XDR | 12MP telephoto 12MP wide 12MP ultrawide | Video playback: 28 hours | $1,549 |
| iPhone 13 | 6.1 inches Super Retina XDR | 12MP wide 12MP ultrawide | Video playback: 19 hours | $1,099 |
| iPhone 13 mini | 5.4 inches Super Retina XDR | 12MP wide 12MP ultrawide | Video playback: 17 hours | $949 |
The brand new iPhone 13 Pro (and 13 Pro Max) are the best of what Apple currently offers. While expensive, they have several storage options, exceptional ProMotion displays, strong battery life, and a triple camera system that will allow you to capture memories with vivid detail. The Pro Max offers a nearly identical experience outside of a bigger screen and slightly better battery life.
The iPhone 13 might not have all of the 13 Pro’s bells and whistles, but it still offers exceptional performance, a cheaper price point, and all the benefits of using an Apple device. The iPhone 12 is still a great option, but the iPhone 13 costs just $80 more than the iPhone 12 for the 128GB model.
Not into the large phones that seem to be everywhere? Apple has you covered with the iPhone 13 mini. This little sibling features the capability of the iPhone 13 in a compact and easily pocketable form factor. The 12 mini, like the iPhone 12, is just $80 cheaper than the 13 mini for the same 128GB storage, so we recommend picking up the 13 mini.
iPhone Plans
Switching to a new iPhone and need a new plan? Lucky for you, WhistleOut tracks cell phone offers from 19 of Canada’s cell phone carriers. Some of our favourite plans that will help you secure a new iPhone 13 are below. If none of these look like the perfect option for you, use our constantly updated search engine to keep an eye on every new iPhone plan in Canada.
Popular iPhone 13 128GB Plans
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#1
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Bell 
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#2
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Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile) 
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#3
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Koodo Mobile 
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#4
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Fido 
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#5
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Telus 
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How to Back Up an iPhone: FAQs
How do I back up everything on my iPhone?
You can back up everything on your iPhone through iCloud, a Mac computer, or by using iTunes on a Windows PC. We recommend using more than one of these options as having multiple kinds of backups reduces your risk of losing your information.
How do I back up my iPhone without iCloud?
You can use a Mac or Windows computer to back up your iPhone without iCloud. Our step-by-step guides above walk you through how to do so on both types of computers.
How do I manually back up my iPhone?
You can manually back up your iPhone inside of the Apple ID section of the Settings app on your iPhone via iCloud, through a Mac's Finder, or on a Windows PC with iTunes by using the Back Up Now option. For more detailed steps, read our guides for each method above.
How do I back up my iPhone before I get a new one?
The easiest way to back up your iPhone's data and then transfer it to a new one is through iCloud.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on [Your Name], then iCloud, then iCloud Backup.
- Switch iCloud Backup to On.
- Force a manual backup by tapping Back Up Now.
You can also use a Mac or Windows computer to create a backup for your new iPhone.
How do I back up my iPhone on the computer?
Both Mac and Windows computers can be used to create an iPhone backup. You'll need to have a cord ready to plug your phone into the computer and then you can follow the guides above depending on your operating system.
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