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Tools · Files and backups

Backing up your phone

Turn on automatic backup tonight so a lost, stolen or broken phone doesn't take your photos, contacts and messages with it. On iPhone it's iCloud Backup, which runs when the phone is locked, charging and on Wi-Fi. On Android it's Google backup, with 15 GB free. Run one backup by hand, confirm the date, and turn on your phone's find-my-phone feature. Lock the phone with at least a 6-digit passcode.

Easy10 min to set up; the first backup can take hoursFree up to the storage limit; more storage costs extraChecked October 2, 2026

You'll need

  • Wi-Fi and a charger
  • Your Apple ID or Google account password

What to know

  1. iPhone: open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and make sure Back Up This iPhone is on. Source: Apple1
  2. iPhone automatic backups happen when the phone is plugged in, on Wi-Fi and locked, so overnight charging covers it. Source: Apple1
  3. Android: open Settings, tap Google, then All services, and turn Backup on. Pick what to include: photos and videos, device data, or both. Menus vary by phone and Android version. Source: Google2
  4. Run one backup now. On iPhone, tap Back Up Now and stay on Wi-Fi until it finishes; the date and time of the last backup appears underneath. Source: Apple1 On Android, tap Back up now under Backup and restore. Source: Google2
  5. Turn on the find-my-phone feature in your settings. It helps you find, lock or erase a lost or stolen phone. Source: FTC3
  6. Lock your phone with at least a 6-digit passcode. Source: FTC3 On Android, a PIN, pattern or password also helps protect your backed-up data; a swipe doesn't. Source: Google2
  7. Set your phone and apps to update automatically. Updates often include critical security fixes. Source: FTC3
Watch out Free storage runs out. Google gives 15 GB at no charge, then you'd need more storage. Source: Google2 On iPhone, you'll get an alert if iCloud doesn't have enough space to finish. Source: Apple1 Check the last backup date every month or so.

What Android backs up to your Google Account

  • Apps and app data Source: Google2
  • Call history Source: Google2
  • Contacts Source: Google2
  • Text and picture messages, SMS and MMS Source: Google2
  • Photos and videos, if you choose them Source: Google2

Monthly 1-minute check

  • Last backup date is within the past few days
  • Storage isn't full
  • Find My is on
  • Phone software is up to date

See it done

Video by Apple Support Apple's own how-to

How to back up your iPhone to iCloud

Watch on YouTube: How to back up your iPhone to iCloud | Apple Support

Full title on YouTube: “How to back up your iPhone to iCloud | Apple Support”2025 · Checked October 3, 2026

This is Apple's own how-to, so it's iPhone only. The Android steps are in the written steps.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • "Not enough storage"? Follow the on-screen steps to free up space or buy more. Source: Apple1
  • Android backup stuck? The first backup can take up to 24 hours. When it's done, "On" shows under the data types you chose. Source: Google2 Leave it on Wi-Fi and charging overnight.
  • Switching phones? Sign in with the same Google Account during setup to restore. You can't restore from a higher Android version onto a phone running a lower one. Source: Google2
  • Work phone? Google backup doesn't work on a company-owned device or a work-only profile. Source: Google2

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Why bother

Your phone holds passwords, account numbers, messages and photos. If you back up regularly, losing the phone doesn't mean losing your information. Source: FTC3

Not every app

Not all apps can back up or restore all their data. Check the ones you care about. Source: Google2

Take it with you

Printable cardDownload card (PDF)

Sources

  1. Apple Company source: its own product instructions How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud
  2. Google Company source: its own product instructions Back up or restore data on your Android device
  3. Federal Trade Commission How to protect your phone from hackers

Lesson T5.2 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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