How to back up an iPhone to a Mac or PC

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Connect the iPhone to the computer with a cable. On a Mac, open Finder and click the iPhone in the sidebar. On a PC, open the Apple Devices app. Choose to back up all data to this computer, tick Encrypt local backup, and click Back Up Now.

A backup on your computer is free, has no size limit beyond your disk and does not need iCloud storage. An encrypted one also saves passwords, Health data and Wi-Fi settings.

Step by step

  1. Connect the iPhone with a cable

    Unlock the phone and tap Trust This Computer if asked, then enter your passcode.

  2. Open Finder or the Apple Devices app

    On a Mac, click the iPhone under Locations in a Finder window. On Windows, install Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store. Older PCs use iTunes.

  3. Choose "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac"

    It is on the General tab.

  4. Tick Encrypt local backup

    Set a password and store it safely. Without the password the backup cannot be restored.

  5. Click Back Up Now

    Leave the phone connected until the progress bar finishes. The date of the latest backup is shown on the same page.

Good to know

To restore, connect the phone and click Restore Backup on the same page.

Backups can be large. Check free space on the computer first.

You can use both methods: iCloud for automatic nightly backups and the computer for an extra copy before an update or repair.

The iCloud route: how to back up an iPhone to iCloud.

In short: Cable, Finder or Apple Devices, encrypted backup to this computer, Back Up Now.

Sources
  • Apple Support: How to back up your iPhone or iPad with your Mac
  • Apple Support: Back up your iPhone or iPad in Windows

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.