Goal 5
Step B

Set Up Mobile Device Backups

Built-in cloud backups make mobile setup easy.

Updated January 29, 2024

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For mobile device backups, the quickest and easiest method is using the built-in tools provided by Apple and Google. They work wirelessly and make a copy of a lot of important data directly to the cloud. There is, however, usually a cost associated with both.

There are downsides to these cloud backups, though, so I'll cover local backup options as well. Opt for both cloud and local backups of your mobile device for the most protection.

How to back up iOS devices to the cloud

iOS includes a built-in cloud backup tool called iCloud Backup. If you lose your phone or get a new one, you can restore a good amount of your data automatically using this backup.

If you are already signed in to iCloud on your device, this may already be enabled, but you should definitely review your settings. See Apple's guide for enabling iCloud Backup.

By default, all iCloud accounts include 5GB of storage, but most folks will need more. Apple offers the paid iCloud+ service at reasonable price points. This includes 50GB, 200GB and 2TB plans, along with some additional tools. Take a look at Apple's info about iCloud+ here.

This is a great time to improve the security of your iCloud account, if you haven't already. You'll want it to be as secure as it can be if you'll be storing your backups there.

Unfortunately, iCloud Backup does not provide end-to-end encryption. While Apple's security should be strong, it doesn't offer protection in the event of a leak or other iCloud compromise. For this reason, some may wish to use the local methods mentioned below.

How to back up iOS devices locally

You can back up your iOS devices to macOS and Windows laptops and desktops. Apple provides tools to do this easily with your computer and a USB cable. This method also allows use of encryption, which also enables even more of your device's data to be backed up and restored.

See Apple's guide for your OS:

Be sure to check the “Encrypt local backup” box to increase your security and get better backups. You can read more about that here. You'll need to create another strong and unique password using your password manager for this encryption key.

But what if you want this to be wireless and automated?

Another option for local backups is the third-party app iMazing. With this tool, you'll be able to perform wireless, automatic, encrypted backups to your computer while you're at home. There is a paid version, but the free version should be most of what you need. Have a look at iMazing's Getting Started Guide for more info.

How to back up Android device to the cloud

More recent Android versions include an automatic backup option using your Google account storage. Some important data is stored but other items, such as your files and photos, would need to be backed up separately through the corresponding Google service.

Here are Google's guides to enable the various backup services:

By default, all Google accounts include 15GB of storage, but most folks will need more. Google offers the paid Google One service at reasonable price points. This includes 100GB, 200GB and 2TB plans. Take a look at Google's info about Google One here.

This is a great time to improve the security of your Google account, if you haven't already. Google also uses your mobile device Screen Lock code to encrypt your files, so review its strength as well. You'll want it to be as secure as it can be if you'll be storing your backups there.

How to back up Android devices locally

Some files can be manually copied from Android to your laptop or desktop. You'll need a USB cable to connect your device to your computer.

See Google's guide for your OS: