Learn · iPhone & iPad
Turn on iCloud Backup
5 min · essential
Why this matters. A backup is what turns a disaster (dropped in a lake, stolen, ransomware) into an inconvenience. iCloud Backup runs by itself each night while the phone is charging, locked and on Wi-Fi, so you never have to remember it. The free plan is 5 GB; most families need iCloud+ (50 GB or more) to fit photos.
1
Open iCloud settings
Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud.
9:41
‹ Settings
Your name
Name, Phone Numbers, Email
Sign-In & Security
Payment & Shipping
iCloud
Tap iCloud
Family Sharing
Find My
2
Turn on iCloud Backup
Tap iCloud Backup and turn on Back Up This iPhone. Then tap Back Up Now once so you have a copy today.
9:41
‹ iCloud
iCloud Backup
Back Up This iPhone
Automatically back up this iPhone when it's connected to power, locked and on Wi-Fi.
On, and a recent 'last successful backup'
Back Up Now
Last successful backup: Today at 2:14 AM
If it says there isn't enough space, upgrade to iCloud+ or turn off backing up big apps you don't need.
3
Check it actually finished
Come back tomorrow and look at 'Last successful backup'. If it's more than a few days old, the phone isn't getting a chance to back up: charge it overnight on Wi-Fi.
Check your understanding
When does iCloud Backup run?
Automatically, when the phone is charging, locked and on Wi-Fi, usually overnight.
Is iCloud Photos the same as a backup?
Not quite. iCloud Photos syncs, so deleting a photo on one device deletes it everywhere (after 30 days in Recently Deleted). A backup is a separate copy.
Want a checklist that tracks this for your whole family? Sign in to HomeOS.
Checked against:
Apple: Back up iPhone with iCloud
· last reviewed 2026-09