How to create a phone backup for Android and iPhone

A phone backup contains your favorite files and apps so you have a copy separate from your phone. It can become highly important for many scenarios. 

For example, backup files are a lifesaver if your mobile device breaks, making it easier to set up a replacement phone.

READ: How to factory reset your phone

Sometimes, phone updates can affect apps and files, so a backup lets you save your preferences. Here’s how to make one for Android and iPhone.

How to create Android phone backup

You may create a phone backup for free with Google One, the search engine’s cloud storage service. The free version lets you store 15GB, but you may expand that limit by paying for the Basic, Premium, and AI Premium plans.

Then, follow these steps from the Google support page on your Android device:

1. Download the Google One app.
2. Then, open the app and tap its Upgrade button.
3. Choose a storage limit. 
4. Next, tap Continue to confirm your selection.
5. Choose your payment method and tap Subscribe.

Afterward, start your first phone backup with these instructions:

1. Open the Google One app.
2. Next, tap Storage.
3. Scroll to the device backup section and tap the Set up data backup.
4. Afterward, tap Back up now.

You may also have your phone create backups automatically with these steps:

1. Open Google One. 
2. Next, tap the Storage button.
3. Scroll to Backup and select View.
4. Then, open Manage backup.
5. Choose your backup settings. Follow the on-screen steps if you receive instructions to install, update, or change settings. Afterward, return to Google One. 
6. Tap Allow permissions.
7. Next, tap the Back button.

How to create iPhone backup

Apple users may create a phone backup with iCloud, Mac, and PC. Create your first iCloud Backup by opening Settings and tapping your name.

Select iCloud and then tap iCloud Backup. Then, turn on iCloud Backup so that your iPhone saves backups automatically.

Tap Back Up Now to make a phone backup manually. Alternatively, you may create one on your Mac with these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone and your computer with a cable.
2. Then, click your iPhone in the Finder sidebar.
3. Click the General option.
4. Next, tap Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
5. Click Encrypt local backup to protect your phone backup with a password.
6. Afterward, click Back Up Now.

Back up your phone with a Windows PC by installing the iTunes app. Then, follow these instructions:

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a cable.
2. Click the iPhone button in your PC’s iTunes app.
3. Next, click Summary.
4. Click Back Up Now.
5. Afterward, click Encrypt local backup, enter a password, and then click Set Password.