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iCloud to Backup your iPhone

With iCloud, you can back up all of your important iPhone data to your own virtual hard drive. Your iPhone is like a bank vault where all kinds of stuff is stored. So what happens if your iPhone gets lost or goes? Nothing, that is what. Thanks to iCloud, all of your data is automatically backed up and kept safely in your own could storage space. When your iPhone is connected to a power source and a Wi-Fi network, all of your media, photos, videos, settings, app data and messages are backed up.

Active iCloud and Backup your Data

When you set up a new iOS device or need to restore the information on the one you already have, iCloud Backup does all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi, enter your Apple ID and all of your important data will appear on your device without you have to worry about a single thing.

As you will no doubt have read elsewhere in this bookazine, the benefits of using iCloud are vast, and the way in which it goes about its business in the background without you having to worry is just another prime example of how Apple is striving to make your life easier.

Active iCloud and Backup your Data

  1. Update to iOS:
    iCloud is part of iOS, so connect your device to your computer through iTunes and check you have the latest free software update on your device.
  2. Launch Settings:
    From your Home Screen, launch your Settings app, and navigate to the category called 'iCloud'. Tap on this and then enter your Apple ID and password.
  3. Set Up:
    Once your iCloud has been set up and you have selected which apps you want to sync, tap on the 'Storage & Backup' option at the bottom of the list.
  4. Turn on 'iCloud Backup':
    On this screen you can monitor and manage your iCloud storage space. Ensure that the slider on the 'iCloud Backup' option is switched to 'On'.
  5. Wait for the activation:
    A message saying your iPhone will no longer sync to iTunes when connected to your computer will pop up. Tap 'OK' to activate the 'Backup' feature.
  6. Start backing up:
    Your iPhone will now back up when connected to a power source and Wi-Fi. Access this screen and tap 'Back Up Now' to back up whenever you want.

Backing Up with iCloud

Once activated, your iCloud will back up your data automatically

iCloud will Back Up your Data Automatically
  • Manage your Space:
    You can see how your free 5GB allocation of cloud storage space is used by tapping on the 'Manage Storage' option.
  • Backup:
    When the 'iCloud Backup' option is turned on, all settings, documents, media and photos will beautomatically backed up when your device is connected to a power supply and Wi-Fi.
  • Instant Backup:
    Back up your data by taping 'Back Up Now'. Do this if you change your settings or buy new media. The 'Back Up Now' button will change to 'Cancel Backup' when backing up.
  • Progress bar:
    When your device is backing up, a progress bar will appear that shows how far along the process it is. You can cancel the backup at any time.

Manage your Storage

By tapping on the 'Storage & Backup' option in the iCloud Settings screen and then going to 'Manage Storage', you will be able to see exactly how your iCloud is used with individual breakdowns of how much of your free 5GB of space your apps use. If you find that you need to purchase more space then you can do so through this screen.