How to backup your iPhone to Apple's iCloud

When iPhone first launched, backing up data was a cumbersome process that required users to transfer their files to a Mac or PC via iTunes. Apple has since moved to the cloud with iCloud, providing an incredibly simple way to back up iPhones, iPads and iPods without a host computer.

Backing up an iPhone to iCloud requires users to have an active account and be logged-in on their device. This is normally completed during the activation process, but if you are not logged into iCloud, the appropriate settings are accessible via the Settings app under iCloud.

Once you're logged-in, backing up an iPhone to iCloud is an insanely easy process.

First, open the Settings app on iPhone and navigate to iCloud, as seen in the screenshot above. Next, scroll down and tap on Backup. If it's not already activated, tap the iCloud Backup option.

You will see a brief description of the backup process. The backup includes device settings, messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS), ringtones, all app data (including Health app and HomeKit configuration data), location settings (such as location-based reminders), and Home screen and app organization. Any data created in a native iPhone app is already synced in your iCloud account and not part of the iPhone backup.

By default, all app data will be backed up to iCloud. Users can manage which apps are backed up by going to Settings > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.

iCloud backups occur automatically when the iPhone is plugged in to a power source with the screen locked and connected to a Wi-Fi network. There is also an option to backup manually. To do so, simply tap Back Up Now in the iCloud settings menu. iCloud is capable of storing up to three device backups. In order to conserve storage space, Apple reserves the right to delete old iCloud backups if a user has not backed up his iPhone for 6 months.

Unlike other platforms, iCloud doesn't require any third-party software, and it doesn't create a partial backup of data (as with, for example, Android). Rather, iCloud backs up all data on the iPhone and automatically syncs new app data dynamically.