How Long Does It Take To Back Up An iPhone? (2023 Updated)

 

Creating a backup of your iPhone data is important to avoid data loss.

Because of iPhone’s rigorous security features, though, backing data can be quite time-consuming.

However, the time-consuming aspect of backing up data is not always because of iPhone’s security.

There can be other contributing factors to it as well.

 

How Long Does It Take To Back Up An iPhone?

 

Typically, it takes around 20 minutes to two hours to completely backup an iPhone, whether you are backing it up on iTunes or iCloud.

However, the time might vary depending on the data, internet, and the phone’s model.

The time might even reduce to a few minutes if you have a habit of creating regular backups.

However, there can be some exceptions and the time required for backing up data can surpass the time limit of two hours.

 

Major Factors That Influence The Time For iPhone Backup

 

Certain factors have a direct influence on the backup time.

You need to be aware of them and act accordingly for better results.

 

1. Amount Of Data

The amount of data that needs to be restored plays the most crucial part in the backup time.

The time required for backing up 64 GB will surely be considerably less than what would be needed for backing up 128 GB.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to keep backing up your data regularly.

This practice will utilize less data for backup, and you will be able to get the job done quickly.

 

2. WiFi Speed

Since all the backed-up data is stored on the cloud, internet speed plays a vital part in the backup time.

Your internet speed should be up to the mark without any offline issues.

For example, at a speed of 2MBPs, it might take you around one hour to back up about 64 GB.

The backup slows even more if you use any network’s internet instead of any cable net.

 

3. Phone Model

Your phone’s model is another critical aspect when it comes to data backup.

The latest iPhones have a fast data transfer rate compared to some of the older models.

Every new model comes with better features, a better battery life, and improved data transfer/backup efficiency.

If you have an older model, you will have to bear some additional time during the backup process.

Yes, that can be frustrating, but unfortunately, there is no way solution around that.

 

4. Data Type

The data type is another factor to consider before you begin backing up your data.

We all deal with the same crisis when it comes to smartphones: there is an overload of media in our galleries.

Media files such as videos, images, and songs generally take a lot more time than other data types.

Applications, web data, and settings take the least amount of time.

If you have a lot of media files to back up, you should expect a slight delay.

 

5 Ways To Make The iPhone Back Up Faster

 

If you have realized that your iPhone takes forever to back up, there might be another issue at hand.

You need to diagnose the problem correctly to get it fixed.

Here are some tips that can reduce the backup time of your iPhone.

 

1. Remove Unnecessary Data

Most people do not filter out and delete unnecessary files before creating a backup.

Although the data is entirely unimportant, people include it in their backups, and eventually, the data size is increased.

This can lead to an unexpected delay in the backup.

To avoid this issue, you must check for unnecessary and unusable files and delete them.

This will free up space and less data will be required for the backup.

 

2. Use iCloud And iTunes Alternatives

You can choose any alternative to iCloud or iTunes if you need an urgent backup.

There are some great options for cloud storage software alternates that you can consider if you are facing backup delay issues.

Currently, the best alternative for iCloud and iTunes is pCloud.

It is end-to-end encrypted cloud storage that includes fast speed and massive data storage spaces.

However, there is a small charge for the sign-up process.

 

3. Disable Heavy Applications

Disabling larger applications will allow you to reduce any additional data that may cause extra time in the backup.

However, you need to also keep in mind that disabling these applications means their data won’t be backed up and you will have to create backups for them individually.

To disable an application, follow the steps below.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Click Application.
3. Select the applications you want to disable.
4. Select Disable.

 

4. Switch To Network Internet

Network internet, like 4G and 5G networks, perform really well when it comes to creating backups.

On the other hand, WiFi internet and Ethernet have much lower data transfer rates, which can cause delays in backups.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to subscribe to a network’s internet package when you are about to start creating a backup.

 

5. Remove Less Used Apps

If your iPhone is filled with unnecessary applications, it is better to remove them before starting the backup.

Although you are not using these applications, they can still take up excessive space on your phone.

Once you begin creating the backup, all that space adds up to become a vast data storage that can consume lots of unnecessary time.

 

6. Switch Useless Backup Off

Another great way of increasing your iPhone’s backup speed is by switching the useless backup off in your phone’s settings.

Follow the steps below to turn the useless backup off.

1. Go to the Settings application on your phone.
2. Click on your name and proceed to general settings.
3. Tap Storage & Cloud Settings.
4. Click Manage Storage in iCloud.
5. Select the name of the application/device you want.
6. Tap Turn Off/Delete to switch off the backup for that application/device.

 

How To Create A Backup On iPhone

 

You can create a backup on your iPhone in different ways.

People choose different methods based on their preferences and convenience.

However, the most reliable method is the one that Apple recommends.

Let us discuss the three easy and recommended ways to back up an iPhone.

 

1. By Using iCloud

The most used and trusted backup method is iCloud.

Most iPhone users find it trustworthy because it is the official service of Apple that guarantees safe and secure data storage.

The backup storage can be hectic sometimes as it can be time-consuming.

To back up your data on iCloud, follow the steps below.

1. Go to Settings.
2. In the iCloud option, select the Your Name option.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and click the iCloud Backup option.
4. Enable the option.
5. Click the Back up now option, which will start creating a backup of your data.
6. Make sure you wait until the backup is finished, then click the back option.

Once done, you can repeat the process to check out the backed-up data on iCloud.

However, if you want your device to create backups of your data automatically, you need to take the following steps.

1. In Settings, select iCloud storage settings.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer to check the available space in your iCloud.
3. Once you find that the phone has the necessary space, turn on automatic backup settings from the iCloud storage option.

This procedure will allow your phone to create an automatic backup of your data, so you don’t have to do it every time.

 

2. By Using iTunes

Backing up data using iTunes is another viable option for people who don’t have a massive amount of data to back up.

The time required for data backup on iTunes is also low compared to iCloud.

To get started with the data backup on iTunes, you will need a Mac or a laptop that can be connected to your iPhone.

1. Once you have that, follow the steps below.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
3. Open iTunes application.
4. Make sure your computer and the iPhone have a stable internet connection.
5. Then sync the data between the two devices.

This will create a backup for all the data on your iPhone, including the media files, settings, applications, website data, etc.

 

Important Note:

Your iTunes application will prompt for verification when you log in with your computer for the first time.

Follow the steps on the screen to get verified.

Once verified, you will be allowed to access your iTunes application from the computer.

 

3. By Using Third-Party Cloud Storage

Third-party cloud storage can also be used as a viable source of backing up your iPhone data.

These applications offer lightning-fast speed and substantial storage space in exchange for a minimal cost.

The process for getting your data backed up by such software might vary, but the basics remain the same.

However, before we begin with the process of creating backups, choosing the right software is important.

In our case, we will take the example of pCloud as mentioned above.

1. Purchase the package that suits your requirements from the official pCloud website.
2. Create an account once you have purchased the service.
3. Login to your account and connect your iPhone via cable.
4. Start syncing the data by following the steps that the software takes you through.
5. Once the backup starts, make sure to wait until it is completed.

The completion of the process means all your data is now backed up on pCloud.

You will be able to access it any time by logging in to your portal on your pCloud portal.

 

Can I Use My Phone During The Backup?

 

Yes, you can use your phone while the phone is on manual backup.

You can do this by simply pulling it out from the menu without canceling the backup.

However, it is highly recommended to not use the phone while it’s on backup.

The continuous usage might take additional time to the backup.

The application might even hang, resulting in an enormous waste of time.

On the other hand, if you are creating a backup with the help of the Mac or the PC, you are free to use your phone.

Since data processing speeds on computers are relatively fast, you can freely use your phone.

 

Is It Necessary To Backup Data On iPhone?

 

Although no backup will not cause you any harm, it is still recommended to create backups on iPhone to avoid any data loss.

iPhone itself recommends creating data backup because of its strict security features.

If you have no backup and your phone is switched off for any security reason, your data will be completely lost and there will be no chance of recovery.

Therefore, it is better to create a backup than to face any significant loss.

 

Is iCloud Storage Free?

 

Apple provides you five gigabytes of storage space for free when you sign up on the platform for the first time.

However, if your data storage exceeds this limit, you will have to purchase the premium service.

The charges of iCloud+ vary from region to region.

The prices get higher with the increased storage space.

Any additional service can also add to the current price of the iCloud+.

If you have been a regular iPhone user and have lots of data that needs to be backed up, you will have to purchase one of their packages based on your needs.

 

How To Upgrade Your iCloud Storage Plan?

Since the basic iCloud storage has little to no data storage available, most people purchase the iCloud+ plans.

The process for upgrading to the iCloud storage plan is very much straightforward.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap the My Name option.
3. Proceed to manage storage by clicking on iCloud Storage.
4. Scroll to the bottom and click Purchase more storage.
5. You will be redirected to the available packages page.
6. Select the available package and pay. If you don’t already have an account, create one.
7. Once you have completed the payment, your package will be upgraded to the one you chose.

You need to be aware that the price for the storage is recurring and you will be charged according to your selected package every month.

However, you can cancel it anytime if you have a one-time data requirement.

 

Is It Safe To Delete Backup From iCloud To Free Up Space?

 

Yes, you can delete your previous phone’s data to free up space on your iCloud.

However, once you do that, your data will be gone forever, and you won’t be able to access it.

Because of this, it is highly recommended to get some additional space instead of clearing your iCloud spaces again and again.

You never know the data you will delete can be of some use in the future.

 

How Many GBs Should I Back Up From My Phone?

 

Once you start creating a backup of your phone, the complete data will transfer no matter how many GBs you want to back up.

This is a completely automated process, and no user can actually control it manually.

However, you can choose to remove the unnecessary files before creating the backup if you don’t want these files to consume space on your backup storage.

 

Why Is My iCloud Storage Always Full?

 

The primary reason your iCloud storage might be full is the continuous backup of data.

Although you might not be aware of low storage issues, this may be the primary reason.

iPhones come with a default setting of automatic backup.

If you see that your storage is full time and again, it’s because the iPhone is constantly backing up your data on iCloud.

 

Conclusion

Data backup on iPhone can be time-consuming at times, while at other times, it can be a quicker process that takes only a few minutes.

Make sure to follow the methods we discussed in the article to improve backup time on your iPhone.

Once you follow all the requisites of fast data transfer, you will surely notice a significant reduction in the data backup time.

There are many third-party applications providing cloud storage services.

However, most people avoid trusting them and prefer the official services provided by Apple.

Go for what suits you better and do your due diligence.

Technology can be challenging and even frustrating at times.

We hope following the information in this article has made your life slightly easier.