How to Back Up Your iPhone Before Updating iOS

Short answer: Apple’s update instructions start with a backup. Back up with iCloud, a Mac or a Windows PC, confirm the backup’s date and time, then update in Settings > General > Software Update.^1,2

How this guide was made: SpecCairn did not run these backups on a test iPhone. The steps follow Apple Support.

Before you begin

Choose a method. iCloud needs Wi-Fi and enough iCloud storage; a computer backup needs a cable and a Mac or Windows PC.^3,4,5
Health and Activity data are saved in a computer backup only if you encrypt it. An encrypted backup cannot be restored without its password; keep that password safe.^4,5
For the update itself, plug the iPhone into power and use Wi-Fi.¹

Option A: back up with iCloud

Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi.³
Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud.³
Tap iCloud Backup, then Back Up Now.³
Stay on Wi-Fi until it finishes.³

Option B: back up with a Mac

Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a cable. If asked, click Allow.⁴
Open the Finder and select the iPhone in the sidebar. On macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes instead.⁴
If asked, trust the computer and enter the iPhone passcode.⁴
To include Health and Activity data, select Encrypt local backup and set a password.⁴
Click Back Up Now and wait.⁴

Option C: back up with a Windows PC

Open the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if the PC doesn’t have it) and connect the iPhone with its cable.⁵
Follow the prompts to enter the passcode or trust the computer.⁵
Click General in Apple Devices, or Summary in iTunes.⁵
Optionally select Encrypt local backup, then click Back Up Now.⁵

How to check it worked

The date and time of your last backup appear under Back Up Now for iCloud. For a computer backup, Apple says they appear after a successful backup in the Finder, or in the iTunes window.^3,4,5 Check that they show today’s date before you update.²

Then update iOS

Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install and follow the onscreen instructions.¹

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
Problem	What to do
Not enough iCloud storage	Follow the onscreen steps to buy more storage, or back up to a computer instead.^3,4
The Mac or PC asks to trust the device	Follow the Trust prompts on both devices.^4,5
You forgot an encrypted-backup password	Apple says an encrypted backup can’t be restored without its password. Apple’s Windows backup page links to its help article about encrypted backups.^4,5

FAQ

Do I need to back up before every update?

Apple’s update steps begin with a backup.¹

Which is better, iCloud or a computer?

Either works. Apple lists both, and a computer backup only includes Health and Activity data when it is encrypted.^1,4

About this guide

Not affiliated with Apple. See the methodology.

Scope: iPhone (Apple also covers iPad). Research-based from Apple Support; not device-tested.