Top 9 Ways to Fix iPhone Not Backing Up to iCloud

Most users prefer iCloud backup when switching from an old iPhone to a new one. It is one of the best backup solutions and works seamlessly between Apple devices. However, there may be times when iPhone fails to backup device data to iCloud. Here are the nine best ways to fix iPhone not backing up to iCloud.

There can be multiple factors that lead to iCloud backup error on iPhone. We will discuss each scenario and solve the problem for you.

1. Enable iCloud Backup

You may have disabled iCloud backup on your iPhone before. It’s time to enable it from the settings menu.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

Step 2: Go to your profile.

Stage 3: Choose iCloud.

Step 4: Tap on iCloud Backup.

Step 5: Enable the iCloud Backup toggle from the menu below.

2. Make Sufficient iCloud Storage

By default, iCloud only comes with 5GB of storage. When your photos are enabled for iCloud backup, 5GB is not enough to perform a full iCloud backup.

You have to pay for one of the iCloud plans. The cheapest plan starts at $0.99 for 50GB. You also get other features like Hide My Email and iCloud Private Transfer.

Go to Settings and select the user profile. Tap iCloud and check the remaining storage.

3. Connect to Faster Wi-Fi Connection

iCloud backups do not come in small sizes. If you have dozens of app data to back up on iPhone, you might have a 5GB-7GB iCloud backup.

In this case, you need to connect your iPhone to a faster internet connection. Do not rely on high-speed 4G or 5G mobile connections. iCloud backup won’t start until you connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency, not 2.4 GHz for less failure rate.

4. Keep Your iPhone Charged

To successfully complete the iCloud backup process, you need to keep your iPhone charged. Keep your iPhone connected to a power source during the backup process and you’re ready.

5. Check iCloud Servers

If iCloud servers are having a down day, the backup process will not complete no matter what you try.

Apple provides a dedicated System Status page to check the current iCloud Backup status. Make sure the iCloud service shows a green indicator next to it and then proceed with the backup option.

6. Remove Large Apps from iCloud Backup

Apps like WhatsApp take up a large portion of iCloud backup storage. Since we have been using WhatsApp for a long time, it takes around 5GB-6GB for iCloud backup alone.

If not necessary, you can exclude such large apps from iCloud backup and try backing up again. Here’s how.

Stage 1: Open the iPhone Settings app.

Step 2: Go to your profile and select iCloud.

Stage 3: Scroll down and disable WhatsApp toggle.

Tap on iCloud Backup from the same menu and back up now Press the button from the menu below.

7. Manage iCloud Storage

In the second point, we showed how insufficient iCloud storage can lead to iPhone backup errors. Even the basic $0.99 50GB storage plan might be insufficient for you. You can always upgrade to higher plans at $2.99 ​​for 200GB or $9.99 for 2TB, but it’s costly when you consider it long term.

Instead, you can check what’s taking up your iCloud storage and remove junk files from there. Here’s how.

Stage 1: Tap your profile in the iPhone Settings app.

Step 2: Go to iCloud and select Manage Storage.

Stage 3: You will see a detailed breakdown of iCloud data.

Photos will get a big cake of iCloud storage for most users, followed by previous iPhone backups and apps like WhatsApp. You can remove photos, delete old backups, or make other changes to free up storage space in iCloud.

8. Update iPhone

iPhone not backing up to iCloud may be due to an outdated iOS build on your phone. You need to keep your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version.

Go to iPhone Settings and select the General menu. Tap on Software Updates and download the latest iOS update to your phone.

9. Use iTunes for backup

If none of the tricks work for you, it’s time to use old-fashioned iTunes software to take offline iPhone backup on PC.

Mac users need to use the Finder menu to take iPhone backups on the device. If you’re having trouble connecting your iPhone to PC, read our dedicated troubleshooting guide to fix it.

Get Regular iCloud Backups

After the iOS 15 update, when you transfer from an old iPhone to a new iPhone, Apple temporarily gives you unlimited iCloud storage for a hassle-free transfer. When upgrading to a new iPhone, you won’t encounter any iCloud storage promises.

It is always recommended to take regular iCloud backups to keep your data safe. It can help you restore data loss caused by accidental damage or blank screen issues.