Introduction / Why This Is Needed
An iPhone backup is a complete copy of all your device's data: contacts, messages, photos, app settings, and more. Creating a backup via iTunes allows you to save this information to your computer, which is particularly useful when replacing your iPhone, resetting to factory settings, or if you prefer to store data locally rather than in iCloud.
In this guide, we will thoroughly cover how to create an iPhone backup using iTunes on a computer running Windows or macOS (up to version 10.15 Catalina). For users on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later, iPhone backups are handled through Finder, not iTunes.
Requirements / Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- A computer with Windows (7 and later) or macOS (10.13–10.14). For macOS 10.15 and later, use Finder.
- iTunes installed (version 12.9 or newer). On macOS prior to Catalina, iTunes is pre-installed.
- A Lightning cable (original or certified) to connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Sufficient free space on your computer (the backup size can reach several tens of gigabytes).
- An iPhone with an unlocked screen and sufficient battery charge (at least 50% is recommended).
Also, when connecting your iPhone to the computer for the first time, a prompt will appear on the device asking to trust the computer — be sure to confirm it.
Step 1: Prepare Your Computer and Install iTunes
If iTunes is not already installed, download and install it:
- For Windows: download the installer from the official Apple website or get it from the Microsoft Store. After installation, launch iTunes and complete the initial setup (sign in with your Apple ID, etc.).
- For macOS (prior to Catalina): iTunes is pre-installed. Update it via the App Store if a newer version is available.
After installation, open iTunes and verify it is functioning correctly.
Step 2: Connect Your iPhone to the Computer
- Using the Lightning cable, connect your iPhone to a USB port on your computer.
- On your iPhone, if the prompt "Trust This Computer?" appears, tap "Trust".
- Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
If iTunes does not display your device, try:
- Reconnecting the cable.
- Using a different USB port.
- Restarting both your iPhone and the computer.
- Installing the latest Apple Mobile Device drivers (for Windows).
Step 3: Launch iTunes and Select Your Device
After a successful connection, an iPhone icon will appear in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window (or in the top bar, depending on the version). Click it to access the device management section.
If the icon does not appear, ensure your iPhone is unlocked and you have tapped "Trust."
Step 4: Create the Backup
In the left part of the iTunes window (with your device selected), locate the Backups section.
- Under Backups, select "This Computer".
- (Optional) Check "Encrypt local backup" if you want to save passwords, health data, and other sensitive information. You will be prompted to set a password.
- Click the "Back Up Now" button.
- Wait for the process to complete. A status message "Latest Backup" with the date and time will appear.
⚠️ Important: Do not disconnect your iPhone or close iTunes during the backup process to avoid data corruption.
Step 5: Create an Encrypted Backup (Recommended)
If you did not check "Encrypt local backup" in Step 4 but later decide to create an encrypted copy:
- In the Backups section, check "Encrypt local backup".
- Set a strong password (minimum 6 characters; a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols is recommended).
- Confirm the password.
- Click "Back Up Now".
An encrypted backup will include:
- Wi-Fi, website, and app passwords.
- Health and activity data.
- Message history (iMessage, SMS).
- Privacy settings and other protected data.
💡 Tip: Write down the password for your encrypted backup and store it in a secure location. Without the password, restoring from such a backup will be impossible.
Verify the Result
After creating the backup, confirm it was successful:
- In iTunes, in the Backups section, under "Latest Backup", the current date and time should be displayed.
- You can click "Show Backups" (in Windows: via the "Edit" menu → "Preferences" → "Devices"; in macOS: via the iTunes menu → "Preferences" → "Devices") to see a list of all backups for your iPhone.
- Also, check the backup storage folder on your computer (see FAQ). The size of the created backup should match expectations.
If the backup failed, iTunes will display an error — in that case, refer to the "Potential Issues" section.
Potential Issues
1. iTunes Doesn't Recognize iPhone
- Cause: faulty or non-original cable, drivers not installed (Windows), iPhone not unlocked.
- Solution: use an original Apple cable, install the latest Apple Mobile Device drivers (for Windows), ensure your iPhone is unlocked and you have tapped "Trust".
2. "Not Enough Space" Error
- Cause: insufficient free space on the computer for the backup.
- Solution: free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files, or select a different disk for backup storage (in iTunes: "Preferences" → "Devices" → change location).
3. Error Creating Encrypted Backup
- Cause: password does not meet requirements (too simple) or the password has expired (if an old one was used).
- Solution: set a complex password (at least 6 characters, with letters and numbers). If a password was set previously, try entering it, then create a new encrypted backup.
4. Backup Does Not Include All Data
- Cause: certain data (e.g., Apple Pay, Touch ID/Face ID settings, encrypted data without an encrypted backup) is not saved.
- Solution: use an encrypted backup to save passwords and health data. For Apple Pay and biometric data, perform a settings reset on your iPhone before creating the backup (this will remove them from the backup, but they will be restored after entering your Apple ID password).
5. Backup Is Corrupted or Cannot Be Restored
- Cause: interrupted backup process, file corruption.
- Solution: delete the corrupted backup (via iTunes settings) and create a new one. Ensure the backup creation process is not interrupted.