iPhone (iOS) · Storage & Backup
Create a local backup using a Mac or PC
iPhone can be backed up to a computer's local storage using Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows, as an alternative or supplement to iCloud Backup.
How to open Back Up via Finder or iTunes
- Connect the iPhone to the computer with a cable.
- Open Finder (or iTunes on Windows) and select the iPhone.
- Under Backups, choose 'Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.'
- Optionally check 'Encrypt local backup' and set a password.
- Click Back Up Now.
What you should know
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, backups are managed through Finder rather than iTunes.
- On Windows or older macOS, backups are created through iTunes.
- Encrypted local backups also store saved passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi settings, unlike standard backups.
- Local backups don't count against iCloud storage and can be much faster to create and restore.
Why it matters
A local backup provides a complete, offline copy of the iPhone that doesn't depend on internet speed or iCloud storage limits, which matters when migrating to a new device quickly or when iCloud storage is too small to hold a full backup. Enabling encryption on a local backup unlocks categories of data, like saved Wi-Fi passwords and Health records, that standard iCloud backups don't fully capture in the same way. For anyone who regularly connects their iPhone to a computer, it's a faster and more complete alternative to cloud-only backup strategies.
Best practices
- Enable 'Encrypt local backup' to include passwords and Health data, and to protect the backup with a password.
- Store the backup encryption password somewhere safe, since it cannot be recovered by Apple if lost.
- Keep both a local and an iCloud backup for redundancy rather than relying on just one method.
Common problems and fixes
- Forgot the local backup encryption password.
- There is no recovery option from Apple; the only fix is to reset the option and create a new encrypted backup with a password you'll remember.
- Backup fails partway through.
- Check available storage on the computer and try a different USB cable or port, as connection issues commonly interrupt backups.
- The computer isn't recognizing the iPhone.
- Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust on the prompt asking whether to trust this computer.
Tips and tricks
- Use Wi-Fi syncing in Finder to trigger automatic local backups whenever the iPhone charges on the same network as the computer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both iCloud and local backups?
Yes, the two are independent and can be used together for extra redundancy.
Does a local backup include app data?
Yes, most app data is included, similar to an iCloud backup.
Related settings
- iCloud BackupiCloud Backup automatically saves a copy of your photos, app data, device settings, and more, so you can restore everything on a new or reset device.
- Quick Start Device TransferQuick Start uses a direct device-to-device connection to transfer settings, apps, and data from an old iPhone to a new one during setup, without necessarily relying on an iCloud or computer backup.
More Storage & Backup guides for iPhone (iOS)
- iPhone StorageiPhone Storage shows exactly what's using space on your device and offers one-tap recommendations — like offloading unused apps or reviewing large attachments — to free up room.
- Manage iCloud StorageThis screen breaks down exactly what's consuming your iCloud storage plan — Backups, Photos, individual apps, Mail — so you can free up space, buy more, or change your iCloud+ plan without guessing.
- Offload Unused AppsOffload Unused Apps is a toggle in App Store settings that automatically removes an app's binary — not its documents or data — when the iPhone is low on storage, so you can reinstall and pick up right where you left off.
- Optimize iPhone Storage (Photos)When iCloud Photos is on, 'Optimize iPhone Storage' keeps smaller, space-saving versions of your photos and videos on the device while the full-resolution originals stay safely stored in iCloud, downloading full quality only when needed.
- Music & Podcast DownloadsSongs, albums, and podcast episodes downloaded for offline listening take up local storage separate from Photos and app data, and can be managed or automatically cleared to save space.
- Keep Messages DurationThe Keep Messages setting controls whether Messages retains conversations forever or automatically deletes messages, photos, and attachments after 30 days or one year, directly affecting how much storage Messages consumes.