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How Long Does it Take to Backup an iPhone?

With iOS 14 in the market, it is only wise that you level up your iPhone to the latest version. If you want to do this, then backing up your phone would be a prerequisite. Backup happens through iTunes but you should be aware of potential data loss due to an unstable or interrupted network.

By SubinPublished 4 years ago 5 min read

With iOS 14 in the market, it is only wise that you level up your iPhone to the latest version. If you want to do this, then backing up your phone would be a prerequisite. Backup happens through iTunes but you should be aware of potential data loss due to an unstable or interrupted network.

When you have successfully backed up your data, it becomes easier for you to access all your files. Many people have wondered how long does it take to backup an iPhone and while there is no one answer because it depends on the user, let us see the factors which have a bearing on the time taken:

Factors determining the speed of Backup

Storage

The total time taken to backup your data can range from half an hour to two hours. If your storage is full and there has been constant notification from the device’s end to delete unnecessary data, then backup could take a while. This is why you should delete unnecessary files before proceeding with backup.

Network connectivity

Another factor that determines the speed is the network. If your device is connected to a decent network then iTunes or iCloud will backup your data pretty seamlessly but with a poor internet connection this process could take hours. Another huge issue with backup is that the process happens without any filtering of data. This means even the files that you don’t need will be backed up. So it is advisable to delete unused or unrequired files before initiating the process.

Unused third-party applications

Third party applications on your Apple device consume a lot of space because of in-app data. So if you are trying to backup your data chances are that it will take more time than usual because of those applications. Every device has its fair share of third party apps. So it is urged that you delete them before initiating any backup procedure.

Obsolete media files

Is your iCloud backup taking forever? The answer to this might lie in the amount of unused media files that you are hoarding. After you are done with the disposal of your third-party applications, explore your media files and see what can be done away with. Unused photos, songs and videos can hog a lot of backup time and their removal is going to speed up the backup process.

Transfer of media files

We understand the emotional attachment that some people might have towards their photos or videos. In this scenario they might be a tad bit uncomfortable with deleting them right away. One way of dealing with this situation would be to handpick your most important files and transfer them to your computer. Once this is done, your device is considerably emptied to begin the backup process.

Use iCloud/iTunes on a regular basis

If you are wondering how long does iCloud backup take, then the solution to this problem could be reached by the frequent use of the iCloud. Remember that iCloud only creates backup of new files so if you have been diligently using iCloud or iTunes then the number of new files will be considerably lesser than someone who uses it rarely. In this case your backup duration will be minimal.

What Does iCloud Backup?

iCloud backs up literally everything. It will backup your photos and videos from your camera roll. It will backup device settings and application data. It also retrieves home screen and app organization. It also saves all kinds of messages, visual voicemails and even ringtones.

Measures That you Could Adopt to Resolve your Backup Related Problems

If you are at a fix about how to deal with the perpetual backup related problems, here are some of the measures that you can follow:

Use alternatives to iCloud and iTunes

Since the speed of iCloud and iTunes is conditioned by so many external factors you can obviously switch it with third-party applications that are available in the market. Such data managers are very versatile in nature and can restore and backup at incredible speeds. This makes more sense if the kind of data that you want to backup are media files mostly. Read more at How Long Does it Take to Backup an iPhone?

Step 1- Connect your device to your computer and launch your third-party application.

Step 2- Since backup selects all your data by default, go to the backup manager and click on backup.

Step 3- Wait while the iPhone backup takes place. If you want to restore your backup later, click on the restore option and follow the steps on the screen.

Use the iPhone backup option more frequently

As mentioned above, if you backup your data using iCloud or iTunes for the first time then a slow backup is bound to happen. If you use your backup privileges more frequently then, in the time of need the actual backup volume will be pretty low which will enable you to save time.

Dispose unwanted apps or files from your device

If you have unused apps on your device, remove them. These apps with their extraordinarily large sizes and in-app data are going to slow down your backup process. If you are still burdened with the same problem then it is advisable to remove media files that you no longer use.

Disable applications with disproportionate sizes and files backup

If you are hesitant on deleting applications from your apple device then you can disable those applications that occupy enormous space in your device.

Step 1- Access the settings menu.

Step 2- Tap on your profile and an explorer will show you the iCloud tab.

Step 3- Open the tab to disable the backup.

Don’t back up useless data

Backing up useless data can hamper the speed of the device’s backup prowess. So it is advised that you stay away from unwanted backups. To do that first you need to make sure that there is a local copy of your data at your disposal.

Step 1- Visit your settings menu.

Step 2- Go to the iCloud option.

Step 3- In the delete backup option you can either delete the backup or switch the iPhone backup option in general.

Switching to a better network

If you want a faster backup then the first step would be to check your internet speed. Often the issue of “why does transferring data to new iPhone take so long” can be resolved by switching to a better connection with greater bandwidth.

So to conclude, there is hardly a thumb rule to increase the backup speed of your device. If you want the optimum speed for a backup then you should meet the above mentioned criteria. For Frontend Development, contact AngularJS Development Company

Related Article: The Incredible Journey of iPhone: How is it a Game-Changer?

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About the Creator

Subin

Subin is currently working as a Business Development Executive at CronJ IT Technologies, Bangalore. He has more than 2 years of experience in both Content Management and Business Development. He also loves to write tech related articles.

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