It's important to backup your data so that you can easily transfer it over to a new device. Most newer phones will automatically backup your data, however, it's best to do a manual backup of your data every so often.
I have an Apple device. How can I backup my data?
On your Apple device
Go to Settings.
Tap [Your Name]
Tap iCloud
Tap iCloud Backup
If your iCloud backup is not turned on automatically, switch it on. This means that your data will periodically be backed up throughout its use
To do a manual backup, tap Back Up Now
Once complete, your data will be backed up and ready to be transferred.
Via a Mac
Connect your Apple device to your Mac with a cable*
In the Finder sidebar on your Mac, select your Apple device you want to backup**
At the top of the Finder window, click General
Then click Back up all of the data on [your Apple device] to this Mac
If you want to encrypt your data and protect it with a password, click Encrypt local backup
To finish, click Back Up Now
Once complete, your data will be backed up and ready to be transferred.
*You can also connect your Apple device to your Mac wirelessly if you've set up Wi-Fi syncing between your devices.
**macOS 10.15 or later is required to backup your data using Finder. If you're using an earlier version of macOS, you'll need to back up your Apple device using iTunes instead.
Via a PC (requires iTunes)
Connect your Apple device to your Windows PC with a cable*.
From your iTunes app on your PC, click the iPhone button at the top left-hand side of the iTunes window.
Click Summary.
Click Back Up Now.
If you want to encrypt your data and protect it with a password, click Encrypt local backup, type a password and click Set Password.
Once complete, your data will be backed up and ready to be transferred.
*You can also connect your Apple device to your PC wirelessly if you've set up Wi-Fi syncing between your devices.
I have a Samsung device. How can I backup my data?
Using a Samsung account
Go to Settings and then tap Accounts and Backup
Tap Back up and Restore
Tap Back up Data under the Samsung Account tab. You may need to sign in to your Samsung account at this stage
Select the apps and data you'd like to backup, then tap Back up
Once complete tap Done. Your data will be backed up and ready to be transferred.
Using a Google account
Go to Settings and then tap Accounts and Backup
Tap Back up and Restore
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Under the Google Account tab, there will be several options to choose from:
Tap Back up my data, then activate the switch for automatic updates.
Tap Backup Account to choose or change which Google account your backups are saved to.
Tap Google Account to manage your account and backups.
Activate Automatic Restore to restore your app settings and data when an app is reinstalled to your device.
Once complete, your data will be backed up and ready to be transferred.
Using Smart Switch
Smart Switch is an easy way to create backups of your phone's data. It can create backups for iOS and Android devices and can restore data to another Samsung phone:
- Download and open Smart Switch on your computer
- Connect your phone to your computer using the USB cable
- Tap Allow on your phone's screen when you get a pop-up message
- On your computer, click More in the top right-hand corner and then click Preferences
- Select Encrypt backup data, click Ok, then click Confirm
- Click Backup on your computer and then switch to your phone
- Create a 4 digit PIN to encrypt your data. Tap Continue, re-enter your PIN, and click Confirm
Once complete, your data will be backed up and ready to be transferred.
Keep your 4 digit PIN safe as you'll need it to transfer your backed-up data to a new device
Need help?
For the latest instructions on backing up your device data, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s support pages as will take into include the most recent software updates for devices.