iPhone Backup: Manually Backup Before iOS 9

Preparing for iOS 9 and iPhone 6: Backing Up Your Data

As the release of iOS 9 and the new iPhone 6 approaches – anticipated in just a few weeks – ensuring the safety of your iPhone’s data is more crucial than ever.

To assist you in preparing for the upcoming launch, a comprehensive guide has been developed.

Backing Up Your Important Information

This guide details the methods for transferring essential data, including contacts, notes, text messages, and music, from your mobile device.

You can choose to copy this information to either a local hard drive for physical storage or securely link it to your iCloud account.

Local Hard Drive Backup: This method provides a physical copy of your data, stored directly on your computer.
iCloud Account Backup: Utilizing iCloud offers convenient, cloud-based storage and accessibility across multiple devices.

Prioritizing a backup now will safeguard your valuable information during the iOS 9 and iPhone 6 transition.

iCloud Backup

Related: How to Make Macs and iOS Devices Work Together Seamlessly with Continuity

One of the simplest ways to safeguard your iPhone’s data is through iCloud Backup. While being the most straightforward method, it often requires the longest processing time. Begin by locating and opening the Settings application on your iPhone.

Within the Settings menu, navigate downwards until you find the section designated as "iCloud". Select this option to access your iCloud settings and related information.

This screen serves as a central hub for all your iCloud related data. It also provides controls for determining which information is automatically saved to your cloud account when your device is connected to power.

Continue scrolling down the screen to find the "iCloud Backup" option.

If the feature is currently enabled, the button will display "On", as illustrated above. Otherwise, tap the button to access the following configuration menu.

This menu allows you to toggle the automatic backup function for your iPhone to your iCloud account. It also provides a direct option to initiate a backup immediately.

Provided sufficient storage space is available in your account, the backup process will commence automatically upon pressing the designated button.

iTunes Backup

Related: How to Share Your iTunes Library with Your iPhone or iPad

For individuals with substantial photo, video, or app collections on their iPhone, but limited iCloud storage, iTunes presents a more dependable backup solution. Like most offerings from Apple, the data backup procedure within iTunes is remarkably straightforward.

Begin by connecting your iPhone to the computer designated for storing the device’s image. Prior to initiating the backup, ensure sufficient free space is available on the target hard drive to prevent the need to restart the process with a different location.

After the device’s welcome screen appears, locate and navigate to the "Backup" section, as illustrated below.

Within this section, you can customize backup settings. These include managing local backups, choosing between automatic iCloud uploads or manual synchronization upon device connection, and overseeing previously stored backups on the computer.

This guide focuses on performing a manual backup, although enabling the automatic setting is generally recommended for consistent data protection. To initiate a manual backup or overwrite an existing one, simply select the "Backup Now" button; the process is then complete.

The duration of this process, ranging from five minutes to an hour, is dependent on the amount of data stored on your device and the speed of the USB port utilized.

If concerns exist regarding the security of your computer, you have the option to "Encrypt iPhone Backups" using a password. While this adds to the backup time, it provides an additional layer of security for your sensitive data.

Furthermore, the iPhone will not duplicate existing files during a backup. It will only copy new data added since the last backup was created.

Backing up your iPhone is a simple process, but the potential for data loss during an iOS upgrade is significant. Following these steps ensures you are fully prepared for any issues or bugs that may arise when a new operating system is released.