How to Create a Complete iPhone Backup Before Restoring or Upgrading

Secure your iPhone data before a reset or device transfer. Follow these steps to perform a manual iCloud or local computer backup.

1. Initiate an iCloud manual backup. Open the Settings app and tap your Apple ID banner at the top of the menu. Select iCloud, tap iCloud Backup, and select Back Up Now. Ensure the device remains connected to Wi-Fi until the process concludes.
2. Force a sync for Health and Keychain data. Sensitive data such as passwords and health metrics are end-to-end encrypted. Toggle iCloud Keychain and Health to off and back on within the iCloud settings menu to force an immediate server-side synchronization of your latest data.
3. Connect the device to a local computer. Connect your iPhone to a Mac using macOS Finder or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app installed. If prompted on the iPhone, tap Trust and enter your device passcode to authorize the connection.
4. Configure local encryption settings. In the General tab of your device window, navigate to the Backups section. Select Encrypt local backup and create a memorable, secure password; this is mandatory to include saved passwords and health data in the local backup file.
5. Execute the full local backup. Click Back Up Now within the device management window. Wait for the progress bar to complete in the status bar at the top of the Finder or Apple Devices window. Once finished, confirm the 'Latest backup' timestamp matches the current time.