How to: Conduct a Backup of Your iOS Device

Overview

This article will go through the steps on how to conduct a backup of your iOS or iPadOS mobile device. Please ensure you are following the instructions that corresponds with the device you will be using to backup your data (computer). The computer of your choosing will hereby be referred to as the Host Device while your mobile device (iPhone or iPad) will hereby be referred to as the Target Device.

Please scroll down to the bottom on this article on the instructions for how to restore an Apple mobile device with a backup.

Windows PC

  1. Ensure your target device is in the highest supported OS version. This is to ensure you are able to transfer your data without hiccups (whether it's to a new device or the same device post-wipe). Instructions on how to do so can be found here. ***You must do this prior to starting any other steps!***
  2. On your host device, ensure you have Apple Devices downloaded on your computer via the Microsoft Store. If you need to download the application, ensure you initiate an ABR session prior to downloading the application. If the Microsoft Store prompts you to sign in, use your Directory ID (@umd.edu) and associated password.
  3. Once the target device has finished upgrading to the highest supported OS, follow this article on how to use Apple Devices on Windows PC to conduct your backup. Ensure your host device is connected to power and network.
    1. For Step 4, ensure you are selecting Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this computer.
    2. Additionally for Step 4, ensure Encrypt local backup is DISABLED.
  4. Select Backup Now to initiate the backup. This process may take time. Ensure your computer does not sleep or lock during the process. You can change your sleep/lock settings to prevent your computer from pausing the backup. You may need administrative privileges to do so.

Apple macOS

  1. Ensure your target device is in the highest supported OS version. This is to ensure you are able to transfer your data without hiccups (whether it's to a new device or the same device post-wipe). Instructions on how to do so can be found here. ***You must do this prior to starting any other steps!***
  2. Once the target device has finished upgrading to the highest supported OS, follow this article on how to use Finder to conduct your backup. Ensure your host device is connected to power and network.
    1. Ensure Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac is enabled.
    2. Ensure Encrypt local backup is disabled.
  3. Select Back Up Now to initiate the backup. This process may take time. Ensure your computer does not sleep or lock during the process. You can change your sleep/lock settings to prevent your computer from pausing the backup. You may need administrative privileges to do so.

Windows PC: Restoring a Backup From Apple Devices Application

Restoring Backup onto SAME Device (Migration):

  1. Ensure your target device is in the highest supported OS version. This is to ensure you are able to transfer your data without hiccups (whether it's to a new device or the same device post-wipe).
  2. Complete all the setup screens until you reach the home screen. If not already, connect your device back into the computer (host device).
  3. Please follow the instructions listed under Restore your Apple device from a backup. Ensure your host device is connected to power and the network. Ethernet is preferred. You will need a separate cable that allows you to plug your target device directly into the host device.
  4. It will take time for the restoration to complete in the background. Do not be alarmed if data does not instantly re-appear on your phone. You can facilitate this process by ensuring the device stays on and connected to the network.

Restoring Backup onto NEW/DIFFERENT Device:

Preface:

***If you are transferring to a new device, the new device must ALSO be on the highest supported OS. If the device is not on the highest OS, you will need to complete the iPhone setup, complete the software update, and immediately erase it to start from the beginning. You must also use the same computer you used to conduct the backup to restore it to your new phone.

To erase your device that's using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset [Device] -> Erase All Content and Settings. On iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings -> General -> Reset -> Erase All Content and Settings. This erases all data on your device. After you erase it, your device restarts and the "Hello" screen appears.


Once the new device is on the highest supported OS, please follow the steps on how to transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone or iPad.

MacOS Computer: Restoring a Backup From Finder Menu

Restoring Backup onto SAME Device (Migration):

  1. Ensure your target device is in the highest supported OS version. This is to ensure you are able to transfer your data without hiccups (whether it's to a new device or the same device post-wipe).
  2. Complete all the setup screens until you reach the home screen. If not already, connect your device back into the computer (host device).
  3. Please follow the instructions listed under Restore your device from a backup on your computer. Ensure your host device is connected to power and the network. Ethernet is preferred. You will need a separate cable that allows you to plug your target device directly into the host device.
  4. It will take time for the restoration to complete in the background. Do not be alarmed if data does not instantly re-appear on your phone. You can facilitate this process by ensuring the device stays on and connected to the network.

Restoring Backup onto NEW/DIFFERENT Device:

Preface:

***If you are transferring to a new device, the new device must ALSO be on the highest supported OS. If the device is not on the highest OS, you will need to complete the iPhone setup, complete the software update, and immediately erase it to start from the beginning. You must also use the same computer you used to conduct the backup to restore it to your new phone.

To erase your device that's using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset [Device] -> Erase All Content and Settings. On iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings -> General -> Reset -> Erase All Content and Settings. This erases all data on your device. After you erase it, your device restarts and the "Hello" screen appears.


Once the new device is on the highest supported OS, please follow the steps on how to transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone or iPad.

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