Need help backing up your iPhone to iCloud? This article explores common reasons behind the issue and provides troubleshooting steps to resolve it. By understanding and addressing the source of the problem, you can ensure your important data is safely backed up and protected.
Quick Preview show
Your iPhone is meant to do a daily iCloud backup to ensure your latest photos, messages, and other media are stored in the cloud. So, if you’re having issues backing up your data, it is necessary to find out what is causing this and how to fix it. This article aims to help you find solutions to the most common iPhone backup into iCloud problems.
1. Insufficient iCloud Storage
Apple offers every user a unique ID and 5GB of free Storage. If you’re a heavy user like most, this Storage depletes pretty quickly. When it does, the backup process may fail until the issue is sorted.
There are two options for solving this. One is to upgrade your plan to iCloud+, which offers more Storage. The other solution is to delete unnecessary data and free up more space.
Step 1: On your iPhone, navigate to the settings app.
Step 2: Tap on your name at the top.
Step 3: Tap on iCloud.
Step 4: Tap on Manage Account Storage.
This page will give a clear view of all the iCloud applications and the space they have taken up. Proceed to delete some files. You can also remove certain application(s) from uploading to iCloud.
2. Inadequate Wi-Fi Connection
Ensure your internet connection is stable and functional. For the automatic backup, you need a good Wi-Fi connection. You can check for the connection by doing this.
Step 1: On the settings app, tap on Wi-Fi
Step 2: Check that it is turned on.
Step 3: Tap on a different connection if turned on, but there’s still no network.
If this does not restore, you can try resetting the network.
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Tap on General.
Step 3: Tap on Reset
Step 4: Reset Network Settings
Once the connection is restored, do a manual backup by following these steps:
Step 1: While still on the settings app, tap on your name at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Go to iCloud and then iCloud Backup.
Step 3: Tap on Back Up Now.
3. The device is not connected to a power source
Lack of charging could be the other reason your iPhone is not backing up. For backup to happen automatically, it must be connected to a power source. If it is and the backup does not commence, check if the charger is faulty. Try switching from wireless to cable to see what works best. When successfully connected, initiate the manual backup described above.
4. Outdated Software
Outdated iOS software could result in compatibility issues that impair the backup process. You can have iOS updates automatically if the phone is set to receive updates. If not, do the following.
Step 1: Go to the settings app
Step 2: Scroll down to General
Step 3: Tap Software Update
Step 4: Select Customize Automatic Updates
Step 5: Enable Install iOS updates to allow for automatic updates.
5. Restricted Background Activity
If you have restricted background activity for iCloud, it may interfere with the backup process. Check your settings by taking these steps:
Step 1: Go to Settings
Step 2: Tap on General
Step 3: Tap on Background App Refresh and ensure iCloud Drive is enabled.
6. iCloud Server Issues
Occasionally, iCloud servers may experience temporary outages or maintenance. You can check Apple’s System Status page to ensure iCloud services function properly.
7. Corrupted iCloud Backup
If your previous iCloud backup is corrupted, it may prevent new backups from being created. In this case, you may need to delete the existing backup and initiate a new one.
Step 1: Go to Settings
Step 2: Tap on your name
Step 3: Go to iCloud on the Apple ID screen
Step 4: Go to Manage Storage on the iCloud menu
Step 5: Proceed to Backups
Step 6: Select your device and choose Delete Backup. Try setting up a new backup.
8. Unlocked screen
An unlocked screen will prevent iCloud backup. The screen can remain unlocked if the auto-lock feature is set to never. It can also be caused by apps that keep the screen on constantly. Do the following to change the auto-lock feature:
Step 1: Open the settings app.
Step 2: Scroll to Display and Brightness.
Step 3: Tap on Auto-Lock and remove the setting from never. Set a time such as 2 minutes.
9. iPhone restoring
Restoring reverts your phone to factory settings. It wipes away all data, including the operating system. There are several instances when you need to do a restore.
- Purchase of a second-hand iPhone
- Purchase of a new iPhone
- Software glitches such as applications crashing
- Network errors
The process of restoring your data could take 24-48 hours. The timeframe depends on the size of the backup. During this time, the iCloud backup option is usually greyed out. The backup will only take place when the restoration is done. Speed things along by ensuring the phone is charging over a good Wi-Fi connection.
10. Mobile Device Management (MDM) restrictions
MDM is a way of managing mobile devices mainly used by organizations. An MDM-managed device will have certain restrictions, including the ability to do automatic iCloud backup. An MDM-managed device will also have the organization’s name on the settings page where the name should appear.
Another way of checking for MDM is to do the following:
Step 1: In the settings app, scroll down to General.
Step 2: Proceed to VPN and Device Management.
Step 3: Check for the organization profile.
You will need the MDM login information from your organization to remove this restriction from your phone. Take the following steps to remove the restriction:
Step 1: Return to the VPN and Device Management page
Step 2: Choose the MDM profile.
Step 3: Tap on Remove Management.
Step 4: Enter login details and complete the MDM removal.
Conclusion
Backing your device is essential for preserving important data and ensuring peace of mind. The challenges discussed in this piece emphasize the importance of regularly checking iCloud storage availability, maintaining a stable internet connection, and keeping iOS up to date.
In case these solutions do not work for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Apple Support directly for further assistance tailored to your specific situation.
