What is the average time it takes to back up an iPhone? (2022 Updated)
To avoid data loss, it is essential to create a backup of your iPhone’s data.
Backup data can be time-consuming due to iPhone’s strict security features.
The time-consuming task of backing up data does not have to be done because of security issues with iPhones.
It could also be caused by other factors.
How long does it take to back up an iPhone?
It takes between 20 and 2 hours to backup your iPhone completely, regardless of whether it is on iTunes or iCloud.
However, depending on data and internet connections, the time may vary.
If you make a habit out of backing up regularly, the time could be reduced to just a few seconds.
There are exceptions, however. The time it takes to back up data may exceed the two hour limit.
The Major Factors that Influence the Time for iPhone Backup
Backup time can be affected by certain factors.
For better results, you must be aware of these issues and take the necessary steps to address them.
1. The Data
The most important aspect of backup time is the amount of data to be restored.
It is certain that backing up 64GB takes less time than backing up 128GB.
It is highly recommended that you back up your data frequently.
This will allow you to use less data as backup and will enable you to complete the task quickly.
2. WiFi Speed
Because all data is stored in the cloud, the internet speed plays an important role in backup time.
Internet speed should not be a problem offline.
At 2MBPs speed, backing up 64 GB might take around an hour.
If you use an internet network instead of a cable net, the backup will slow down even more.
3. Phone Model
Data backup is also dependent on the model of your phone.
Comparable to older iPhones, the latest iPhones offer a faster data transfer rate.
Each model is equipped with new features, longer battery life, and better data transfer/backup efficiency.
You will need to take extra time for backup if you have an older model.
It can be frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no solution.
4. Type of data
Before you start backing up your data, it is important to know what data type you have.
Smartphones are a common problem. We all face the same problem: we have too many media.
Media files, such as songs, videos, and images, take up a lot longer than other types of data.
The most time is spent on applications, web data, or settings.
You should expect some delay if you have many media files to backup.
5 Tips to Make Your iPhone Backup Faster
You might have another problem if your iPhone is taking forever to backup.
To fix the problem, you must first diagnose it correctly.
These are some ways to reduce the backup time on your iPhone.
1. Get rid of unnecessary data
Many people don’t filter out and delete unneeded files before creating backups.
The data may not be very important, but people keep it in backups and the data size eventually increases.
This could cause unexpected delays in backup.
This will save you the hassle of dealing with the problem.
This will allow for more space, and backups will require less data.
2. Use iTunes and iCloud Alternatives
If you require an immediate backup, you can choose from any other option than iTunes or iCloud.
If you have backup delays, there are many cloud storage software alternatives that you can choose from.
pCloud is currently the best option for iTunes and iCloud.
It’s end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, which includes massive storage space and fast speed.
Sign-up is free, but there’s a small fee.
3. Remove heavy applications
You can reduce the amount of data that could cause additional backup time by disabling large applications.
You should also remember that disabling these apps means their data will not be backed-up and you will need to make backups for each one.
Follow these steps to disable an application.
- Go to Setting.
- Click Application.
- Choose the applications that you wish to disable.
- Select Disable.
4. Switch To Network Internet
When it comes to backups, network internet such as 4G or 5G networks performs really well.
WiFi internet and Ethernet, on the other hand, have lower data transfer rates which can lead to delays in backups.
It is highly recommended that you subscribe to an internet package from a network before you start creating backups.
5. Reduce less-used apps
It is better to delete unnecessary apps from your iPhone before you start the backup.
These applications can take up too much space even if you don’t use them.
All that space can quickly add up and become a huge data storage, which can take a lot of time.
6. Change to a useless backup
You can also increase your iPhone’s backup speed by turning off the unimportant backup in your phone’s settings.
Follow these steps to disable the backup.
- Go to the Setting app on your smartphone.
- Click on your name to go to the general settings.
- Tap Storage & Cloud Settings.
- Click Manage Storage on iCloud.
- Choose the name of the app/device that you would like.
- To turn off/disable the backup for this application/device, tap Turn Off/Delete
How to Create a Backup on iPhone
There are many ways to create a backup of your iPhone.
Different methods are chosen by people based on their convenience and preferences.
Apple’s recommendation is however the best.
Let’s talk about the three best ways to backup an iPhone.
1. Using iCloud
iCloud is the most trusted and widely used backup method.
It is trusted by most iPhone users because it is Apple’s official data storage service.
Backup storage can sometimes be a time-consuming and hectic task.
Follow these steps to back up your data using iCloud.
- Go to Setting.
- Select the Your name option in the iCloud menu.
- Scroll to the bottom, and click on the ICloud Backup button.
- Allow the option.
- Click the Back up nowoption to create a backup.
- Wait until the backup is complete before clicking the back button.
You can then check the backed up data on iCloud again.
You can make your device automatically create backups by following these steps.
- In Settings, select iCloud storage settings.
- To check how much space is left in your iCloud, connect your iPhone to your computer.
- After you have verified that your phone has enough storage, activate automatic backup from the iCloud storage.
This will enable your phone to automatically back up your data so that you don’t have it to do every time.
2. Use iTunes
You can back up your data with iTunes if you don’t have much data.
The time it takes to backup data on iTunes is much lower than iCloud.
You will need either a Mac or a laptop capable of connecting to your iPhone in order to get started with data backup on iTunes.
- Once you’ve got that, continue the steps below.
- Connect your iPhone with the computer
- Open iTunes app.
- You must ensure that your iPhone and computer have stable internet connections.
- Next, sync data between both devices.
This will create a backup of all your data on iPhone, including media files, settings and applications data.
Important Note:
When you log in to iTunes, your iTunes application will prompt you for verification.
To verify your account, follow the steps shown on the screen.
After verification, you can access iTunes from your computer.
3. Use Third-Party Cloud Storage
You can also backup your iPhone data using third-party cloud storage.
These applications provide lightning fast speed and large storage space for very little cost.
Although the process of backing up your data with such software may vary, the basic principles remain the same.
But, it is crucial to choose the right software before we start creating backups.
We will use the above-mentioned example of pCloud in our case.
- The official Cloud website allows you to choose the package that best suits your needs.
- Once you have purchased the service, create an account.
- Register to your account, and then connect your iPhone via the cable.
- Follow the steps provided by the software to start synchronizing data.
- After the backup has started, wait until it is complete.
All your data will be backed up now that the process is complete.
Logging in to your portal via your pCloud portal will allow you to access the file at any time.
Is my phone safe to use during the backup?
Yes, you can use your phone even if it is on manual backup.
This can be done by pulling the backup from the menu and not cancelling it.
It is strongly recommended that you do not use your phone while it is on backup.
The backup may take longer to perform continuous usage.
You might find the application hangs, which can lead to a huge waste of time.
You can use your phone if you’re creating a backup using the Mac or the computer.
Because data processing speeds on computers can be relatively quick, your phone can be used freely.
Backup Data on iPhones: Is it necessary?
Even though no backup is necessary, it is recommended that you create backups for your iPhone in order to prevent any data loss.
iPhone recommends data backup due to its security features.
Your data will be lost if you don’t have a backup or your phone is turned off for security reasons. There will be no recovery.
It is much better to have a backup than to be faced with any major loss.
Is iCloud Storage Free?
Apple gives you five gigabytes free storage space when you sign up for the platform for your first time.
If your data storage exceeds the limit, you’ll need to buy the premium service.
The cost of iCloud+ varies from one region to the next.
With more storage space, the prices go up.
Additional services can be added to the iCloud+ price.
You will need to buy one of their packages if you are a frequent iPhone user with lots of data to back up.
How to Upgrade Your iCloud Storage plan?
Most people buy the iCloud+ plans because the basic iCloud storage offers very little or no data storage.
It is easy to upgrade to the iCloud storage plan.
- Go to Setting.
- Select the My name option.
- Click on ICloud Storage to start managing storage.
- Scroll down and click to purchase more storage.
- You will be redirected directly to the page with available packages.
- Pay for the package you choose. Register for an account if you don’t have one.
- After you make the payment, your package is upgraded to the one that you selected.
It is important to know that storage costs are recurring. You will be charged each month according to the package you choose.
If you have a unique data need, however, you can cancel the contract at any time.
Can I Delete My Backups From iCloud to Free Up Space?
You can delete the data from your phone to clear space on your iCloud.
However, once that happens, all your data is lost forever and you will not be able access them.
It is a good idea to have additional space than clearing out your iCloud space again and again.
It is impossible to predict what data you might delete in the future.
How many GBs should I back up from my phone?
You can transfer all your data once you have created a backup.
It is completely automated and can be controlled by no one.
If you don’t wish these files to occupy space on your backup storage, you can opt to delete them before you create the backup.
Why is my iCloud storage always full?
Your iCloud storage may be full because of the constant backup of your data.
Low storage may not be obvious, but it could be the main reason.
iPhones have an automatic backup setting by default.
You may notice that your storage space is empty again and again. This is because your iPhone is always backing up your data to iCloud.
Conclusion
Backup of data on iPhone can sometimes be slow and tedious. However, at other times it can be quick and take only a few moments.
To increase the backup time of your iPhone, make sure you follow the steps we have discussed.
You will notice a significant decrease in backup time if you follow the requirements for fast data transfer.
Many third-party apps offer cloud storage services.
But, they are not trusted by most people and prefer official Apple services.
Do your research and choose what is best for you.
Technology can sometimes be frustrating and difficult.
We hope that you find this article helpful.