/ How to

iPhone 7/7+ – How to Backup: Safeguarding Your iPhone Data

Backing up your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is critical to safeguard your data and ensure it is not lost if your device is damaged, lost, or upgraded. There are a few key methods to backup an iPhone 7/7 Plus.

Use iCloud Backup

One of the easiest ways to backup an iPhone 7/7 Plus is using iCloud Backup:

  • Enable iCloud Backup in Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  • Connect your device to power and WiFi to allow backups to complete.
  • iCloud will automatically backup your device daily when connected to power, WiFi, and with the screen locked.

Benefits:

  • Automatic daily backups.
  • Backups stored securely in iCloud.
  • Can restore from backup during iPhone setup process.

Drawbacks:

  • Large backups can take time to complete.
  • Limited free iCloud storage space.

Use iTunes (Finder) Backup

You can also backup your iPhone 7/7 Plus to your computer using iTunes (Finder on macOS Catalina or later):

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB.
  • Open iTunes / Finder and select your iPhone.
  • Click “Back Up Now” to manually initiate a backup.

Benefits:

  • Device backups are stored locally on your computer.
  • Unlimited backup storage space on computer.

Drawbacks:

  • Need to manually connect iPhone and initiate backups.
  • Computer must be available to restore backups.

Use Third Party iOS Backup Tools

There are also third party apps like iMazing and iCareFone that provide enhanced iPhone backup and restore functionality:

  • Offer wireless iPhone backups without cables.
  • Allow device backups to external drives.
  • Provide selective backup of specific app data.
  • Extra security options like backup encryption.

Benefits

  • More flexibility for backups.
  • Advanced management and restoration.

Drawbacks:

  • Paid software licenses required.
  • Setup and configuration needed.

Best Practices for iPhone Backups

To ensure your iPhone 7/7 Plus data is properly safeguarded:

  • Use both iCloud and computer backups for redundancy.
  • Backup iPhone before updating to new OS versions.
  • Encrypt iPhone backups for enhanced security.
  • Test restoring from old backups to confirm viability.
  • Backup iPhone before erasing device or trading it in.

Restore iPhone 7/7 Plus from Backup

When getting a new iPhone or to restore lost data, you can restore an iPhone 7/7 Plus from a previous iCloud or iTunes backup:

Restore from iCloud Backup

  • Erase your iPhone or set it up as new during Device Setup.
  • On the Apps & Data screen, tap “Restore from iCloud Backup”.
  • Sign in to iCloud and select desired backup.

Restore from iTunes Backup

  • Connect iPhone to computer via USB.
  • Open iTunes / Finder and select your iPhone.
  • Click “Restore Backup” and select desired backup.

Conclusion

Regularly backing up your iPhone 7/7 Plus using iCloud, iTunes, or third party tools helps safeguard all your important data including contacts, photos, messages and more. Be sure to backup before upgrading your OS or iPhone to easily transfer all your information to any new device. Following best practices ensures you have a complete, recent copy of your data that can be restored in case of emergencies or device issues down the road.

Related Posts