To fix iCloud Backup not working on your iPhone or iPad, connect to working Wi-Fi, make sure your available iCloud storage can hold the next backup, and tap Back Up Now in iCloud Backup settings. For automatic backups, enable device backup, connect to power and Wi-Fi, and lock the screen. After retrying, check the last successful backup time to confirm completion.
The short version
- Try manually: Open Settings, tap your name, then open iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.
- Check cloud space: Compare available iCloud storage with Next Backup Size.
- Check the connection: Try another working Wi-Fi network and turn off Low Data Mode for automatic backups.
- Protect your data: Make a computer backup if iCloud Backup keeps failing.
| Fix | When to use it | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Start a manual backup | You need to check whether backup completes | Check the time beneath Back Up Now |
| Enable automatic backup | Automatic backups are out of date | Connect to power and Wi-Fi, then lock the screen |
| Check service status | Backups fail despite a working connection | Wait for any relevant Apple incident to end |
| Reduce app backup data | The next backup exceeds available space | Excluded apps lose their existing backed-up data |
| Delete an unneeded backup | An old device backup occupies storage | Deletion also disables backup for that device |
| Increase iCloud storage | You want to retain the data being backed up | Purchase menus depend on your software version |
| Repair or switch Wi-Fi | The connection is unreliable | Try another working network |
| Disable Low Data Mode | Automatic backups are paused | Change it for the connected network |
| Allow more upload time | A backup takes unusually long | Leave power and Wi-Fi connected for 24 hours |
| Wait for restoration | iCloud Backup is grayed out during a restore | Let the restore finish first |
| Restore account access | You are signed out or your account is locked | Complete sign-in or account recovery |
| Allow account changes | Screen Time blocks account settings | A parent must authorize restrictions they control |
| Restart the device | Backup still fails after basic checks | Use the button sequence for your model |
| Install a compatible update | A software update is available | Create a computer backup first |
| Disable connection filtering | A VPN or security app interferes | Consult IT about required settings |
| Forget and rejoin Wi-Fi | The saved connection keeps failing | You will need the network password |
| Reset network settings | Simpler connection fixes fail | Saved network passwords and other network settings reset |
| Back up with Finder | You have a compatible Mac | Retain the encrypted backup password |
| Back up with Apple Devices | You have a compatible Windows PC | Retain the encrypted backup password |
| Contact Apple Support | The applicable fixes have failed | Provide the exact error and troubleshooting results |
Start a manual backup and check the result
Connect your iPhone or iPad to Wi-Fi, open Settings, and tap your name. Open iCloud > iCloud Backup, tap Back Up Now, and stay connected until the backup finishes. The date and time beneath Back Up Now show the last successful backup.
For automatic backups, turn on Back Up This iPhone or Back Up This iPad on the same screen. Connect the device to power and Wi-Fi, then lock the screen. If manual backup works but automatic backups remain out of date, check those conditions and Low Data Mode.
A service incident can also interrupt backups. Open Apple's System Status page in a browser and inspect iCloud Backup and related account services. If Apple reports an incident affecting them, retry after it is resolved.
Make enough room in iCloud
Open Settings, tap your name, and open iCloud to check your available storage. Next, open Storage or Manage Account Storage, select Backups, and select your device. Wait for Next Backup Size to calculate, then compare it with the space available.
If the next backup needs more space, reduce what it includes or increase your iCloud storage. On the device's backup storage screen, turn off an app whose backed-up data you no longer need, then tap Turn Off. This removes that app's existing backed-up data, so keep separate copies of anything you want to retain. Some apps cannot be excluded.
An old device backup can also take up space. Under Backups, select an unneeded device, tap Turn Off and Delete from iCloud, then tap Turn Off and Delete. Deleting a backup also disables iCloud Backup for that device, so re-enable it on any device still in use.
For more storage on iOS 27 or iPadOS 27, open Settings, tap your name, and open iCloud. Existing subscribers can tap Manage Plan under iCloud+ Features; new subscribers can tap Storage or Almost Full, then Get More Storage. Choose a plan and complete the purchase.
On iOS or iPadOS 18.4 through 26, existing subscribers open Settings, tap their name, then open Subscriptions > iCloud+; on iPhone, tap See All Plans. For a first subscription on iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then open iCloud > Upgrade to iCloud+. After changing storage or reducing the backup, retry Back Up Now.
Cloud files and synced messages can consume the same iCloud storage allocation. Before removing messages, access your messages synced with iCloud to review them and keep separate copies of anything you need. Deleting content with Messages in iCloud enabled also deletes it from other syncing devices.
Fix Wi-Fi and allow automatic backups
Open Settings > Wi-Fi, turn on Wi-Fi, and select your network. Check for the connection checkmark, then return to Settings and turn off Airplane Mode. For Wi-Fi connection problems, Apple also directs you to turn off Connectivity Assist under Wi-Fi where that control appears. If backup still fails, connect to another working Wi-Fi network and retry.
Low Data Mode pauses automatic iCloud backups. Open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the Info button beside the connected network, and turn off Low Data Mode. Keep Wi-Fi connected, reconnect to power, and lock the screen for automatic backup.
When your home network is unreliable, move within router range and test internet access on another device. Try the other wireless band if your router provides separate bands, then unplug the router and modem and reconnect their power. Check the router manufacturer's firmware-update instructions. If multiple devices cannot get online, contact your internet provider.
For a backup that takes unusually long, check the connection's upload speed. Apple recommends leaving your iPhone or iPad connected to power and Wi-Fi for 24 hours. If it still has not finished, save separate copies of important information before retrying.
Resolve restore and account restrictions
If iCloud Backup is grayed out, open Settings, tap your name, then open iCloud > iCloud Backup and check whether restoration is still running. Let the restore finish before trying to create another backup.
When the device is signed out or account setup is incomplete, open Settings > Apple Account and tap Sign in Manually. Enter your Apple Account email address or phone number and password, then provide the verification code when requested. For a locked or inactive account, tap Request Access in the alert or use Apple account recovery.
Screen Time restrictions can block changes to account settings. On current iPhone and iPad menus, open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If All Restrictions is enabled, find Privacy Restrictions > Allow Changes to Settings > Accounts and select Allow. Enter the Screen Time passcode when requested.
A parent or guardian must authorize changes they control. Once access is restored, return to iCloud Backup and retry the manual backup.
Restart and install a compatible update
Restart your device before trying more involved connection changes. On a Face ID iPhone, hold either Volume Up or Volume Down together with Side until the shutdown slider appears. On iPhone SE second or third generation, hold Side instead. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, then hold Side until the Apple logo appears.
For an iPad without a Home button, hold either Volume Up or Volume Down together with Top until the slider appears. On an iPad with a Home button, hold Top instead. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, then hold Top until the Apple logo appears.
If backup still fails, install the latest software compatible with your device. Make a computer backup using the steps below, then connect to power and Wi-Fi and open Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install when an update is offered, complete it, and retry iCloud Backup.
Remove connection interference and reset the network
A VPN, security app, parental-control app, or network filter can interfere with connectivity. Open the relevant app and disable its connection-filtering features, then restart and retry backup. You can also search Settings for VPN, profile, firewall, or filter to locate related configuration. Consult your administrator before changing organization-required settings.
If the connection keeps failing, forget the Wi-Fi network and join it again. Open Settings > Wi-Fi > Edit, tap More Info beside the network, then tap Forget This Network and Forget. Return to Wi-Fi, select the network, and enter its password again. Some managed networks prevent you from forgetting them.
Save a network reset for after these simpler checks, and consult IT first for organization-configured networks. On iPhone, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset, then tap Reset Network Settings. On iPad, use Transfer or Reset iPad in that path. This resets saved network passwords, cellular settings, and applicable VPN and APN settings, so reconnect to Wi-Fi before retrying backup.
Make a computer backup if iCloud still fails
A local computer backup protects your data while the iCloud problem remains unresolved. On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, connect your iPhone or iPad, open Finder, and select the device. Click Allow or Trust when requested, then tap Trust on the device and enter its passcode.
Select Encrypt local backup, create and verify a password, and click Set Password. Keep that password, then click Back Up Now. This saves a backup on your computer; you still need to resolve the iCloud failure separately.
On a compatible Windows PC, get Apple Devices from Apple's download page, then connect the iPhone or iPad and open Apple Devices. Select your device in the sidebar, open General, and complete the device trust request when shown. Select Encrypt local backup, create and retain its password, then click Back Up Now.
Get help for a persistent backup error
If the applicable checks still leave backup failing, open Apple's iCloud Backup troubleshooting page and select Get suggestions. Have the exact error, your device and software version, available iCloud storage, and the results of trying another network ready. Include whether a manual backup completed.
Keep using the computer backup fallback while the issue is unresolved. When iCloud Backup succeeds again, confirm the updated date and time beneath Back Up Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you back up over cellular instead of Wi-Fi?
On a compatible 5G-capable iPhone with carrier support, open Settings, tap your name, then open iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn on Back Up Over Cellular. Availability depends on your carrier, and cellular data usage and charges can increase.
What if the backup completes but an app's data is missing?
On the iPhone or iPad whose backup you want to change, open Settings, tap your name, then open iCloud > iCloud Backup and select that device. Tap Show All Apps when needed, then turn on backup for the required app if it is listed. Some Apple apps store their data in iCloud and aren't included in the list, and data that already syncs to iCloud, such as iCloud Photos or Messages in iCloud, isn't stored in the device backup. You can change app inclusion here only for the device currently in use.
Can you use family storage instead of buying a separate plan?
If your Family Sharing group shares iCloud+, open Settings > Family > Subscriptions > iCloud+ and tap Use Family Storage. If you use the free 5 GB plan, you are normally added automatically. The subscription purchaser manages increases to the shared storage plan.
Is extra backup storage available when moving to a new iPhone or iPad?
If you bought a new iPhone or iPad and your current allocation cannot hold the transfer backup, you may qualify for temporary iCloud storage. First, update your current iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone or Transfer or Reset iPad, then tap Get Started under Prepare for New iPhone or Prepare for New iPad. If offered, tap Turn On Backup to Transfer, then tap Continue when free additional storage is offered. Let the backup finish; the temporary backup normally expires after 21 days.
Will removing downloaded iCloud Drive files free iCloud storage?
Removing a download alone does not free cloud storage. Deleting the actual iCloud Drive file removes cloud data and propagates to devices using iCloud Drive. Keep separate copies of wanted files before deleting them.
Why does iCloud Backup fail on an iPhone still running iOS 8?
Apple ended new iCloud backups and access to those backups for iOS 5 through iOS 8 after December 18, 2024. If your hardware is eligible, update to iOS 9 or later through Settings > General > Software Update, or use a supported computer backup method.