How to backup photos on iPhone
Quick methods to safeguard your memories
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Even the most responsible folks can end up misplacing or accidentally damaging their phones, which is why it’s crucial to understand how to backup photos on your iPhone.
A complete photo backup ensures all your mundane and important pictures are stored safely, and it’s convenient doing it withiCloudor iTunes, and more so with a Mac.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to backup your iPhone photos using iCloud or a computer. And in case you’re running out of space on your smartphone and laptop, we’ve rounded up thebest external hard drives for Mac.
Tools and requirements
Steps for how to backup photos on iPhone using iCloud
Step-by-step guide to backup photos on iPhone using iCloud
1. Open Settings > Tap your name
To start, openSettingsand thentap your nameat the top.
2. iCloud > Photos
Tap iCloudand thenselect Photosunder ‘Apps Using iCloud’.
3. Toggle on Sync this iPhone
Toggle on ‘Sync this iPhone’.
You can also backup your iPhone to the iCloud by going back to the iCloud menu,tappingiCloud Backupunder Device Backups, and thentoggling on’Back Up This iPhone'.
Steps for how to backup photos on iPhone using Windows
Step-by-step guide to backup photos on iPhone using Windows
Below, we cover the steps to backup iPhone photos using Windows.
To replicate the steps on Mac, connect your phone to the computer > Open Finder > Click on your phone’s name under Locations > Select where to backup the data > Click Back Up Now.
For more detailed coverage across Windows and Mac, read our guide onhow to back up an iPhone.
1. Connect your iPhone to the computer
Connect your iPhone to your computerusing a Lightning to USB-C, Lightning to USB-A, or USB-C to USB-C connector.
2. Launch iTunes and click the iPhone icon
Launch iTunesif it hasn’t auto-launched, andclicktheiPhone iconat the top left.
3. Click Back Up Now
Under Summary,scroll downto Backups.Select ‘This Computer’, and thenclick ‘Back Up Now’.
To encrypt the backup,select ‘Encrypt local backup’andset a password.
Final thoughts
Securing your memories with a photo backup on an iPhone is pretty straightforward. Whether you prefer iCloud’s convenience or a physical computer backup, your photo backup will be safe and retrievable. Photo backups aren’t restricted to the options we’ve covered above — many third-party backup options are also available, includingGoogle Photosand Dropbox.
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For more guides on iPhone, check outhow to copy and paste edits on iPhone,how to take different aspect ratio images on your iPhone, andhow to block text messages on iPhones.
Nikshep Myle is a freelance writer covering tech, health, and wellbeing. He has written for popular tech blogs like Tom’s Guide, GadgetReview, SlashGear, and Creative Bloq, and has extensively reviewed consumer gadgets. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him meditating, gaming, discovering new music, and indulging in adventurous and creative pursuits.
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