Open Settings, tap your name at the top (this opens your Apple ID settings), then tap iCloud.
Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. This screen shows your backup status and the date of your last successful backup.
The toggle next to Back Up This iPhone should be green. If it's off, tap it to turn it on — this enables automatic backups going forward.
Tap Back Up Now to start a manual backup immediately. Make sure you're connected to WiFi before starting — iCloud backups don't run over cellular by default.
Keep your screen active (or let your phone sit plugged in) while the backup completes. Large backups with many photos can take 15–30 minutes the first time.
When done, the screen shows the date and time under Last Successful Backup. If you see a recent timestamp, your backup is good.
Follow the same path as above to reach the iCloud Backup screen.
Make sure the toggle is green. With this on, iCloud will back up your phone automatically — you don't have to think about it.
iCloud backs up automatically overnight when your phone is plugged into power, connected to WiFi, and the screen is locked. Just charging your phone at night is enough.
You get 5GB of free iCloud storage. If your backup fails with a storage error, go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Manage Account Storage to see what's using space or to upgrade your plan.
Use the Lightning or USB-C cable that came with your iPhone. Plug one end into your phone and the other into your Mac.
Your iPhone will appear in the Finder sidebar under Locations. Click its name to open it. If prompted, tap Trust on your iPhone and enter your passcode.
Once your iPhone is selected in Finder, click the General tab at the top of the main panel. This shows your backup options.
Under the Backups section, click Back Up Now. The backup runs on your Mac and doesn't use any iCloud storage at all.
Check Encrypt local backup if you want your backup to include saved passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi settings. You'll create a password for the backup — don't forget it.
A progress bar appears at the top of Finder while the backup runs. Don't disconnect the cable until it's done. When finished, the date and time of the backup appears in Finder.
If you don't already have it, download iTunes free from the Microsoft Store. Search for "iTunes" and install it like any other app.
Plug your iPhone into the PC and unlock your iPhone screen. iTunes will open automatically or you can open it from the Start menu.
Your iPhone will ask Trust This Computer? — tap Trust and enter your passcode. You only need to do this once per computer.
A small iPhone icon appears near the top left of the iTunes window. Click it to open your iPhone's summary page.
Under the Backups section, click Back Up Now. The backup saves to your computer — no internet connection required.
A progress bar shows in iTunes while it backs up. When it finishes, the date and time of the latest backup updates. Don't unplug your phone until you see it's done.
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