How to backup your iPhone

Backing up an iPhone to iCloud requires users to have an active account and be logged-in on their device. This is normally completed during the activation process, but if you are not logged into iCloud, the appropriate settings are accessible via the Settings app under iCloud.
Once you’re logged-in, backing up an iPhone to iCloud is an insanely easy process.
You will see a brief description of the backup process. The backup includes device settings, messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS), ringtones, all app data (including Health app and HomeKit configuration data), location settings (such as location-based reminders), and Home screen and app organization. Any data created in a native iPhone app is already synced in your iCloud account and not part of the iPhone backup.
Before you do anything else, make sure you have an up-to-date backup of your iPhone. That way all your data is safe and secure and you’ll be able to easily restore it to your new iPhone when you get it. iCloud automatically makes a backup overnight, as long as you’re plugged in, but a manual backup will make sure you’re absolutely up to date.

1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi. (If you’re low on power, plug in as well.)
2. Launch Settings from the Home screen.
3. Tap on iCloud.
4. Tap on Backup.
5. Tap on Back Up Now.

iCloud backups occur automatically when the iPhone is plugged in to a power source with the screen locked and connected to a Wi-Fi network. There is also an option to backup manually. To do so, simply tap Back Up Now in the iCloud settings menu. iCloud is capable of storing up to three device backups. In order to conserve storage space, Apple reserves the right to delete old iCloud backups if a user has not backed up his iPhone for 6 months.
Unlike other platforms, iCloud doesn’t require any third-party software, and it doesn’t create a partial backup of data (as with, for example, Android). Rather, iCloud backs up all data on the iPhone and automatically syncs new app data dynamically.
If you prefer to use iTunes, you should also trigger a manual update to make sure you have all of your recent data backed up.

1. Plug your iPhone into your Mac or Windows PC.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. Click on the iPhone icon in the menu bar when it appears.
4. Click on Back Up Now. (Click on Encrypt Backup and add a password— you want the security.)
5. Back up Apps, if asked.