Tools · Files and backups

Backing up your phone

Turn on automatic backup tonight so a lost, stolen or broken phone doesn't take your photos, contacts and messages with it. On iPhone it's iCloud Backup, which runs when the phone is locked, charging and on Wi-Fi. On Android it's Google backup, with 15 GB free. Run one backup by hand, confirm the date, and turn on your phone's find-my-phone feature. Lock the phone with at least a 6-digit passcode.

Easy10 min to set up; the first backup can take hoursFree up to the storage limit; more storage costs extraChecked October 2, 2026

What to know

iPhone: open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and make sure Back Up This iPhone is on. Source: Apple
iPhone automatic backups happen when the phone is plugged in, on Wi-Fi and locked, so overnight charging covers it. Source: Apple
Android: open Settings, tap Google, then All services, and turn Backup on. Pick what to include: photos and videos, device data, or both. Menus vary by phone and Android version. Source: Google
Run one backup now. On iPhone, tap Back Up Now and stay on Wi-Fi until it finishes; the date and time of the last backup appears underneath. Source: Apple On Android, tap Back up now under Backup and restore. Source: Google
Turn on the find-my-phone feature in your settings. It helps you find, lock or erase a lost or stolen phone. Source: FTC
Lock your phone with at least a 6-digit passcode. Source: FTC On Android, a PIN, pattern or password also helps protect your backed-up data; a swipe doesn't. Source: Google
Set your phone and apps to update automatically. Updates often include critical security fixes. Source: FTC

Watch out Free storage runs out. Google gives 15 GB at no charge, then you'd need more storage. Source: Google On iPhone, you'll get an alert if iCloud doesn't have enough space to finish. Source: Apple Check the last backup date every month or so.

What Android backs up to your Google Account

Apps and app data Source: Google
Call history Source: Google
Contacts Source: Google
Text and picture messages, SMS and MMS Source: Google
Photos and videos, if you choose them Source: Google

Monthly 1-minute check

Last backup date is within the past few days
Storage isn't full
Find My is on
Phone software is up to date

If it doesn't work

"Not enough storage"? Follow the on-screen steps to free up space or buy more. Source: Apple
Android backup stuck? The first backup can take up to 24 hours. When it's done, "On" shows under the data types you chose. Source: Google Leave it on Wi-Fi and charging overnight.
Switching phones? Sign in with the same Google Account during setup to restore. You can't restore from a higher Android version onto a phone running a lower one. Source: Google
Work phone? Google backup doesn't work on a company-owned device or a work-only profile. Source: Google

Good to know

Why bother

Your phone holds passwords, account numbers, messages and photos. If you back up regularly, losing the phone doesn't mean losing your information. Source: FTC

Not every app

Not all apps can back up or restore all their data. Check the ones you care about. Source: Google

Sources

Apple Company source: its own product instructions How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud
Google Company source: its own product instructions Back up or restore data on your Android device
Federal Trade Commission How to protect your phone from hackers

Lesson T5.2 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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