If automated iCloud backups are not working on your iPhone, you can find below the steps to fix the problem of iPhone not backing up its data to iCloud.
iPhone Can’t Backup to iCloud
Once iCloud Backups are setup on iPhone, it automatically starts backing up its data to iCloud, whenever the phone is plugged in for charging and connected to a WiFi Network.
If iPhone Can’t Backup to iCloud, the problem could be due to Network connectivity issues, Apple ID not being recognized by iCloud or simply due to lack of Storage space in your iCloud Account.
In most cases, the problem of iPhone not backing up its data to iCloud can be fixed by using the following methods.
1. Check iCloud Backup Settings
Make sure that iPhone is set to automatically backup its data to iCloud.
Go to Settings > tap on your Apple ID > go to iCloud > iCloud Backup > make sure the toggle next to Backup This iPhone is set to ON position.
If the Battery life on your device is about 60%, you can manually backup iPhone to iCloud by tapping on Backup Now button.
2. Disable Low Power Mode
iPhone won’t be backing up to iCloud, if your device is in Low Power Mode. The solution in this case is to connect your device for charging.
If you have manually enabled Low Power Mode, disable low Power Mode by going to Settings > Battery and moving the Low Power Mode slider to OFF position.
3. Check iCloud Storage Space
The most common reason for iPhone not backing up to iCloud is due to lack of iCloud Storage Space.
Go to Settings > tap on your Apple ID > iCloud > On the next screen, you will see the amount of storage space remaining in your iCloud Account.
If you do not have enough iCloud Storage (less than 2 GB), you need to make efforts to free up iCloud storage space.
The other option is to buy additional iCloud Storage Space by tapping on Manage Storage > Change Storage Plan and selecting a Storage Plan that suits your requirements.
4. Sign-Out and Sign-In to Apple ID
Sometimes, the problem is due to your Apple ID not being recognized by iCloud and other iCloud glitches.
1. Go to Settings > tap on your Apple ID > On the next screen, scroll down and tap on Sign Out.
2. When prompted, enter your Apple ID password and tap on Turn OFF.
3. On the next pop-up, you can tap on the Sign Out option.
Note: You won’t be losing data, if you Sign Out without keeping a copy of data on iPhone. All the data will be downloaded back to iPhone, once you sign-in back into your Apple ID.
4. After 60 seconds, Sign-in back into your device by going to Settings and tapping on Sign in to your iPhone option.
After signing-in, see if you can make a Manually Backup iPhone to iCloud Backup by using steps provided below in the next steps.
5. Manually Backup iPhone to iCloud
Make sure your iPhone is connected WiFi, it is sufficiently charged (above 50%) and follow the steps below to initiate a manual backup of iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > scroll down and tap on iCloud Backup.
2. On the next screen, toggle on iCloud Backup and tap on Back Up Now
3. Patiently wait for the Backup process to be completed.
6. Reset Network Settings
If you cannot make a manual backup, the problem might be due to change or corruption of certain settings on your device.
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > On the pop-up, select Reset All Settings option.
2. Enter your Lock Screen Password > On the confirmation pop-up, tap on Reset All Settings to confirm.
3. Patiently wait for the Reset Process to be completed.
Note: During the Reset process, you will find your device restarting multiple times. Make sure that you do no interrupt the Reset process and patiently wait for the entire process to be completed.
After iPhone Restarts, connect your device to WiFi Network and see if you can Manually Backup iPhone to iCloud.
6. Try DFU Mode Restore
If above solutions did not help, you may have to restore iPhone using DFU Mode Restore.
DFU Mode Restore will Erase all the data and settings on your device and reinstall the latest version of Firmware and iOS on your device.
After the DFU Mode Restore is completed, you can setup your device as New iPhone or Restore from a stable backup (if available).
