Making a periodic backup of iPhone or iPad on Mac is a good practice that can bail you out, in case you end up losing data on your iPhone. You will find below the steps to Backup iPhone to Mac using the Finder.
Backup iPhone to Mac Using Finder
While it really easy to setup automated Backups to iCloud on iPhone, you need to be aware that iCloud Backups are not considered as a complete backup of iPhone.
iCloud Backups do not include data that is already available on iCloud. This practically means that iMessages, Photos, Notes and Calendars won’t be available in iCloud Backup, if these are also available on iCloud.
Also, your iPhone won’t be able to back up its data to iCloud, if the size of data available on your iPhone is greater than the allowed 5 GB in a Free iCloud Storage plan.
In such a case, you will have to either Free up iCloud Storage Space or go for Apple’s monthly paid iCloud storage plans.
Hence, we are providing below the steps to download a complete backup of iPhone to Mac using the Finder on your Mac.
1. Backup iPhone to Mac Using Finder
Follow the steps below to Backup iPhone to Mac using Finder.
1. Connect your iPhone to the USB port of Mac using its supplied Lightning to USB cable.
2. Unlock iPhone by entering your Lock Screen Passcode or using Touch ID/FaceID.
3. Click on the Finder icon on your Mac.
4. Next, select your iPhone in the left pane. In the right-pane, scroll down to “Backups” section > select Backup all the Data on your iPhone to this Mac option and click on Back Up Now button.
5. Wait for the Backup process to be completed.
The time to complete the backup will depend on the amount of data available on your iPhone.
2. Make Encrypted iPhone Backup on Mac
In order to protect your Passwords and other sensitive data, you can download a copy of encrypted iPhone Backup on your Mac.
1. Connect your iPhone to the USB port of Mac using its supplied Lightning to USB cable.
2. Unlock iPhone by entering your Lock Screen Passcode or using Touch ID/FaceID.
3. Click on the Finder icon on your Mac.
4. Next, select your iPhone in the left pane. In the right-pane, scroll down to “Backups” section > select Backup all the Data on your iPhone to this Mac, select Encrypted local backup option and click on Back Up Now button.
Note: When you select Encrypted Local Backup option for the first time, you will be prompted to setup a Password to access the Encrypted Backup File on your Mac.
Important: Make sure that you do not loose the Encrypted Backup password. You won’t be able to access the encrypted backup without entering this password.
How to Check iPhone Backups on Mac
Before disconnecting your iPhone from Mac, it is good practice to confirm that backup of your iPhone has been made and is available on your Mac.
To Confirm, click on Manage Backups button (Under Backups section) and this will immediately bring up a list of all iPhone Backups available on your Mac.
Once a Backup is available on Mac, you will be able to use this Backup to restore the Data on your iPhone (in case required).
