Quick answer: On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now on Wi-Fi. On Android, go to Settings > Google > All services > Backup and tap Back up now. For a second copy, back up an iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC with a cable.
Phones get lost, dropped and stolen, and a backup is what turns that from a disaster into an annoyance. A good backup holds your contacts, messages, settings and photos so a new phone can pick up where the old one stopped.
This guide applies in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and across Europe, because the steps come from Apple and Google support pages rather than from any one country. Menu names can vary slightly by software version and phone maker. Related reading is in our Mobile category.
How do I back up an iPhone to iCloud?
Apple’s iCloud backup guide describes two ways. For a manual backup:
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup, then Back Up Now.
- Stay connected to Wi-Fi until the process finishes.
For automatic backups, make sure Back Up This iPhone is switched on in the same menu. Apple says automatic backup happens when the device is plugged into power, on Wi-Fi and locked. To confirm it worked, return to iCloud Backup. The date and time of your last backup appear under Back Up Now.
If you get a storage alert, you will need to follow the onscreen steps to buy more iCloud storage or free up space. Our guide to freeing up phone storage helps with that.
How do I back up an iPhone to a computer?
A computer backup is a useful second copy. On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, Apple explains the Finder method:
- Connect your iPhone to the Mac with a cable and allow the connection if asked.
- Open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
- Click Trust on the Mac and on the phone if prompted, and enter your passcode.
- Optionally choose Encrypt local backup.
- Click Back Up Now and wait for it to finish.
Encrypting the backup lets it save Health and Activity data. Apple warns that you cannot recover the backup without the password, so store it somewhere safe. Apple also has a separate guide for backing up with Windows, and a page on how to locate and manage backups.
How do I back up an Android phone?
Google’s Android backup page says to open Settings, then Google services (or Google), then All services. Choose Photos and videos, Device data, or both, and switch Backup on. To back up immediately, go to Settings > Google > All services > Backup and tap Back up now.
What does Android back up?
Google lists apps and app data, call history, contacts, device settings and SMS/MMS messages. Some extras depend on the app: RCS messages in Google Messages, call settings and blocked numbers in Phone by Google, and photos and videos in Google Photos. Our explainer on RCS messaging shows what that means for chats.
How much storage do I get?
Each Google Account gets 15 GB free, and Google One offers more. A Google One backup can take up to 24 hours to finish. If you run short, see how to free up Google storage.
Which backup method should I choose?
Most people do best with two layers. Keep automatic cloud backup switched on, because it runs without effort whenever the phone is charging and online. Then make an occasional cable backup to a computer, particularly before a software upgrade, a repair or handing the phone over. The cloud copy protects against a lost or stolen phone, and the computer copy protects against a cloud account problem.
None of this needs a paid plan to begin with. Apple and Google both give you free storage to start, though the amount you need depends on how many photos and apps you keep. If a backup fails repeatedly, the usual cause is not enough storage or a Wi-Fi connection that dropped partway.
How do I check that my backup worked?
- iPhone: Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup shows the last backup time.
- Android: Settings > Google services > Backup, then review the Backup details section.
Google also notes that deleting all data in your Google Account dashboard removes your device and WhatsApp backups, so avoid that unless you mean it.
What should I know before restoring to a new phone?
Google says you can restore during setup or after a factory reset, and the process can take up to 24 hours. The new device should run the same Android version as the old one or later, because restoring to an older version can cause an incomplete transfer. Google also advises a PIN, pattern or password screen lock to protect backups. Swipe and Smart Lock do not provide that protection.
Switching platforms? Our guide to moving from Android to iPhone covers that path.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I back up my phone?
Leave automatic backup on so it runs regularly, and run a manual backup before updates, repairs or trade-ins.
Do I need Wi-Fi?
For iCloud backup, yes. Apple says to stay connected to Wi-Fi until it finishes. Computer backups use a cable instead.
Are photos included in Android backup?
Photos and videos are backed up through Google Photos, when you switch on that option.
Is a computer backup better than iCloud?
Neither is strictly better. A cable backup to a computer is a good extra copy, and an encrypted one can include Health and Activity data.