Backing up your iPhone is critical to protect your data and ensure you don’t lose your photos, messages, and other important information. The two main ways to back up an iPhone are to your computer or to iCloud. Both options have pros and cons to consider when deciding which method to use.
Quick Summary
– Backing up to your computer lets you store backups locally and provides more control, but requires connecting the iPhone to the computer periodically.
– iCloud backups happen automatically as long as the iPhone has an internet connection, but storage space is limited.
– Computer backups are downloaded at the time of the backup, while iCloud backups are downloaded when restoring, which may take more time.
– iCloud allows backing up multiple iOS devices to the same account, while computer backups are per device.
Backup Size Differences
One major difference between these two backup methods is the size of the backup. Backing up locally to your computer creates a full copy of almost all data on your iPhone. This includes:
– Photos and videos
– Messages
– Device settings
– Call history
– Contacts
– Calendars
– Apps
– Music
– Books
– Notes
Backups to iCloud are more limited and selective. An iCloud backup does NOT include:
– Photos already stored in iCloud Photos
– Music, movies, TV shows, apps and books purchased from Apple
– Email account data
– VPN settings
– Contacts, calendars or reminders if storing on iCloud
So computer backups tend to be much larger, often exceeding 10GB or more, compared to usually less than 10GB for an iCloud backup of the same device.
Backup Frequency
How often you backup your iPhone is another difference between computer vs iCloud backups.
Backing up locally requires manually connecting your iPhone to your computer periodically, such as once a week or once a month, and running the backup process. It takes some time and effort each time to complete.
In comparison, once enabled, iCloud can automatically backup your iPhone daily when locked, charging and connected to WiFi. This happens in the background without any work required on your part.
If you tend to go long periods without connecting your phone to your computer, iCloud can backup more frequently and keep data more current.
Restoring from a Backup
If you ever need to restore your data after a reset, repair or getting a new iPhone, the process differs between local and iCloud backups.
With an iTunes backup on your computer, you physically connect the iPhone to the computer via a cable. Then you select the backup you want to restore from iTunes, which downloads the data directly from the computer to the iPhone.
Restoring from an iCloud backup requires a WiFi connection and signing into your iCloud account on the iPhone. Once initiated, the iCloud data will download over the internet to the device, which can take more time compared to a local USB transfer. Progress depends on your connection speed.
Security of Backups
When considering where you store your iPhone backup, security of the data is important. Both iCloud and local computer backups allow encrypting the backups for improved protection.
Backups stored in iCloud are encrypted by default using your iCloud password. Only you can access and restore the data. However, law enforcement can request access to iCloud data in certain situations if following legal processes.
Encrypting local iTunes backups requires setting a password. Without the password, others cannot view the backup data. Storing backups only on your computer with encryption provides strong privacy and security.
Number of Devices Backed Up
For those with multiple iPhones and iOS devices, the number that can be backed up differs.
A single computer iTunes account can back up a limited number of devices. Typically storage space on the computer is the limiting factor. Each device backup is separate and sizable.
With iCloud, all devices logged into the same iCloud account can backup up automatically. Whether you have 2 or 5 or 10 iOS devices, they can all simultaneously backup to the same iCloud storage. Keep in mind the free 5GB of space, or paid storage amounts, apply for all device backups combined.
Cost Differences
One advantage of backing up to your computer is that after the initial purchase of the device and software, there are no ongoing costs for storage space or data transfer. You can backup as much as desired at no extra charge beyond electricity to run the computer.
iCloud starts with free 5GB storage space, which is ample for backups of a single iPhone. But with more devices or larger backups, you will likely need to upgrade to a paid iCloud storage plan. This starts at $0.99 per month for 50GB and goes up to 2TB for $9.99/month. Ongoing costs can add up over time if you want sufficient iCloud backup space.
Backup Location Options
When using iTunes on your computer, you have flexibility regarding where to store backup files. You can choose to save iPhone and iPad backups to a default iTunes folder location. Or you can customize the backup location to any folder or drive on your computer.
Storing backups externally on a USB flash drive, SD card or external hard drive allows creating off-site backups not attached to your computer. This provides an added layer of protection in case the computer is stolen, damaged or lost.
With iCloud backups you don’t have flexibility over the location. Backups sync automatically to Apple’s remote cloud servers over the internet. Access requires signing into your iCloud account online or on an iOS device.
Backup Accessibility
Accessing backups differs between the methods.
On your computer, you can directly browse iPhone and iPad backups like normal files and folders using Finder or File Explorer. You can view and extract photos, messages and app data from the backups.
There is limited accessibility to iCloud backups. You cannot directly browse the backup contents. Only by restoring the entire backup to a device is data accessible. Apple provides some tools to extract limited iCloud data to a Mac or PC. But options are less flexible overall compared to a local iTunes backup.
Older Device Compatibility
For those with older model iPhones that cannot upgrade to newer iOS versions, backup options may be limited.
Very old iPhone models that cannot update past iOS 9 or earlier can only backup locally to a computer. They do not support iCloud backups at all.
Devices that support iOS 10 and newer but not the latest iOS can utilize both iCloud and computer backups. But some iCloud backup features may not be available on older iOS releases.
Always running the latest iOS version allows access to all the newest iPhone backup technologies from Apple. Both iCloud and computer backups work best by keeping your iPhone software up-to-date.
Summary of Key Differences
| Backup Option | Local Computer | iCloud |
| Backup size | Larger, full device | Smaller, select data |
| Frequency | Manual, periodic | Automatic, daily |
| Restoring | Via USB, fast | Via internet, slower |
| Security | Encrypted | Encrypted |
| Number of devices | Limited | Unlimited |
| Cost | Free | Free/paid plans |
| Location flexibility | Full control | iCloud servers only |
| Accessibility | Full file system | Limited |
| Old device support | All devices | Limited on old iOS |
Recommendation
So which iPhone backup method is better? There is no definitive “best” option. The right backup solution for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
For ultimate control over backups, including location flexibility, accessibility, and larger backup size, a local iTunes backup to your computer is preferable. But it requires periodic manual connecting and backing up of your device.
If you want automated wireless backups without thinking about it, iCloud is far more convenient. But you either need the paid storage tiers or you’ll have limited backup history due to capped free space.
For robust protection, the recommendation is to use BOTH methods – regular local iTunes backups supplemented by ongoing iCloud backups for frequent interim data backups. This ensures you have the advantages of both approaches to protect your iPhone data.
Conclusion
Backing up your iPhone is too important to ignore. Whether locally to your computer or wirelessly via iCloud, having a backup can prevent data loss if anything happens to your device. Follow best practices around backup frequency, security, size, accessibility and convenience. Compare the pros and cons highlighted here to decide the best solution based on your iPhone usage patterns and needs.