How to back up your phone
A backup means a lost, broken or stolen phone is an inconvenience, not a disaster. Set it up once and it runs automatically.
iPhone
- iCloud backup: Settings › your name › iCloud › iCloud Backup › turn on. It backs up overnight on Wi-Fi while charging.
- Computer backup: connect to a computer and back up locally for a full copy you control.
Android
- Google backup: Settings › System › Backup (names vary by phone) › turn on Backup by Google One. It covers apps, settings, call history and more.
- Google Photos: turn on backup in the Photos app to save every picture and video to the cloud.
The two things people regret losing most are photos and contacts — make sure both are backed up to the cloud, and check once a month that the backup date is recent.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I back up my phone?
Automatic cloud backup runs daily on its own. Just check occasionally that the last backup date is recent and that photos are syncing.
Does a backup save my photos?
Phone backups often cover app data and settings; photos are usually saved by a photo service (iCloud Photos or Google Photos). Turn that on too.