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iCloud Backup Failed | iPhone Not Backing Up to iCloud (14 Fixes)

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With the growing popularity of mobile devices, an increasing number of people rely on cloud backup for safeguarding their data. iPhone users rely heavily on iCloud, one of Apple's cloud services, for data backup. However, you may occasionally have iCloud backup failures, which can be puzzling and annoying. Why does my iPhone keep saying iCloud backup failed? Read the tutorial carefully to figure out why iCloud backups fail and how to fix it.

icloud backup failed

 

Part 1. Why Does My iCloud Backup Keep Failing?

It's crucial to understand why iCloud backup failed before looking into particular fixes for the issue so that the proper steps can be performed. The following are the most typical causes of iCloud backup keeps failing:

Unstable network connection: A steady Wi-Fi connection is necessary for iCloud backup. The backup could be interrupted if the connection is erratic.

Insufficient storage space: An iCloud backup will not succeed if there is not enough room for future backups.

Outdated software: Backup problems on the iPhone could be brought on by an out-of-date version of iOS.

Issues with the system settings: Improper system settings can hinder iCloud backup functionality.

Server status: iCloud backup functionality may occasionally be impacted by problems with Apple's servers.

File corruption: In rare circumstances, file corruption may make it impossible for the backup process to finish.

Incorrect Apple ID and password: The iCloud backup procedure depends on your having the correct Apple ID and password.

Part 2. What to Do When iCloud Backup Fails?

When you encounter the "iCloud backup failed" error, the following methods may help resolve the issue.

Solution 1. Check the Wi-Fi Signal and Connection

When performing an iCloud backup, a strong Wi-Fi connection is required. If the Wi-Fi signal is unstable or there are connection issues, it may result in iCloud connection error and iCloud backup failing. To begin, make sure your iPhone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network with a good signal. If you are having Wi-Fi connection troubles, consider moving closer to the router or restarting it to enhance connection quality. Only a strong Wi-Fi connection allows iCloud backup to run smoothly.

Solution 2. Reset Network Settings

A popular way to fix problems with a Wi-Fi connection is to reset the network settings. You can clear the device's network configuration details and then set up the network connections again by resetting the network settings. If you have trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, you can use this way to reconnect, which should fix any problems with your iCloud backup. These are the steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings".

Step 2. Type in the password and accept the reset if asked.

reset network settings to fix icloud backup failed

Solution 3. Reset All Settings

Certain device settings might occasionally interfere with iCloud backup; therefore, resetting all settings may be a solution to backup issues. By resetting all settings, you can remove all settings and configurations from the device and return it to its factory default state. Here's how you do it: (What happens if you reset your iPhone?)

Step 1. Open the iPhone's "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset All Settings".

Step 2. Tap "Reset All Settings" again to confirm the action. Your iPhone will turn off, reset, and restart.

Step 3. After turning it on, you'll need to reconfigure all device settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth.

reset all settings to fix icloud backup keeps failing

Solution 4. Ensure the iPhone Screen Is Locked

As a matter of fact, your iPhone screen must be locked to perform the automatic iCloud backup. If you have turned off the Auto-Lock option, you may forget to lock your screen at night. To check whether you have enabled the Auto-Lock option on your iPhone:

Step 1. Launch the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down to select the "Display & Brightness" option.

Step 3. Click "Auto-Lock" and choose the lock frequency between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.

lock your iphone to fix why icloud backup failed

Solution 5. Clear the iCloud Storage

iCloud provides limited storage space, and if it runs out of space, backups cannot be completed. Therefore, if you encounter iCloud backup failures, you can try cleaning up iCloud storage by deleting unnecessary backup data or files to free up space. To solve this:

Step 1. Run the "Settings" app on your iPhone and tap your name on the top.

Step 2. Select "iCloud" > "Manage Storage" to see how much storage is left and which app takes up the most space.

Step 3. If the iCloud storage is insufficient, delete the unnecessary files on your iPhone or upgrade your iCloud+ plan.

clear the icloud storage to fix why does my iphone keep saying icloud backup failed

Once you have made room for more storage space, try backing up your iPhone to iCloud again.

Solution 6. Change the iCloud Storage Plan

iCloud storage is another reason of iCloud backup failed. If your iCloud storage space is insufficient, you can adopt the following steps to upgrade to a higher storage plan:

Step 1. Navigate to "Settings" > "your name" > "iCloud".

Step 2. Tap "Manage Storage" or "iCloud Storage".

Step 3. Choose "Change Storage Plan" and then select a storage plan that meets your needs.

change the icloud storage plan to fix why does my icloud backup keep failing

Solution 7. Sign Out and In Your iCloud Account

Backups may not succeed when iCloud accounts encounter anomalous logins or synchronization problems. Therefore, one way to fix backup failure difficulties would be to log out of your iCloud account and then back in. It can be done as follows:

Step 1. Run the iPhone's "Settings" app and tap your name on the top.

Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom to tap the "Sign Out" option. (Why can't I sign out of my Apple ID?)

Step 3. Later, click the "Sign In" button again when it shows up on the screen.

Step 4. Enter your Apple ID and password, and enable the auto-backup to iCloud again.

sigh out and in icloud to fix icloud backup failed

Solution 8. Disable iCloud Backup and Re-enable

Turning off and then on iCloud backup can assist in fixing any short-term problems. You must take the following actions:

Step 1. First, select "Settings" > your name > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup".

Step 2. Then, turn off the "iCloud Backup" switch and wait for a few seconds.

Step 3. Turn on the "iCloud Backup" switch to initiate the backup progress.

turn off and turn on icloud backup to fix why does my icloud backup keep failing

Solution 9. Update iOS Software

Sometimes, iCloud backup failures may occur due to an outdated iOS software version on the device. Therefore, promptly updating the iOS software could be a method to resolve backup failure issues. To update the iOS software, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and select the "General" option.

Step 3. In the General settings page, tap on "Software Update".

Step 4. If a new version of iOS software is available, tap on "Download and Install".

Step 5. Wait for the update to complete, then proceed to perform iCloud backup again.

update ios to fix icloud backup keeps failing

Solution 10. Restart the iPhone

If your iCloud backup keeps failing, you can try rebooting it to fix the problem. Your iPhone can be brought back to normal operation by restarting in order to clear any temporary system difficulties and cache. The steps are as follows:

Step 1. Until the "slide to power off" option shows, press and hold the sleep/wake button on the side or top of the device.

Step 2. To switch off the device, slide the "slide to power off" button.

Step 3. After the device has fully shut down, press and hold the sleep/wake button once again to switch it back on.

Step 4. After the device has finished booting up completely, carry out another iCloud backup.

restart iphone to fix why icloud backup failed

Solution 11. Back Up iPhone with iTunes/Finder

What if the iCloud backup fails every time? Instead of backing up your iPhone to iCloud, you can try iTunes or Finder to back up your iPhone to a Windows PC or Mac. Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Plug your iPhone into your computer via a USB cable and run the latest version of iTunes.

Step 2. Tap the iPhone icon when it appears in the iTunes window and select This computer under "Summary" > "Backups".

Step 3. Tap "Back Up Now" to back up your iPhone to the computer.

back iphone with itunes to fix icloud backup failed

Solution 12. Check System Status

Sometimes, iCloud backup failures may occur due to iCloud service issues or maintenance. Therefore, when encountering backup failure problems, it's advisable to first check the status of iCloud services. You can visit the official Apple website and access the iCloud Service Status page to check for any relevant issues or maintenance information. If you find any service disruptions, it could be due to server issues causing backup failures. In such cases, you may need to wait until the service is restored to normal before attempting to backup again.

check system status to fix icloud backup keeps failing

Solution 13. Contact Apple Support

If you encounter the iCloud backup failed issue and none of the above methods resolve the problem, it's advisable to contact Apple's official customer support for assistance. It's not bad to contact Apple's technical department, and you get two ways to do so:

  • Make a toll-free telephone call at 800 915 904 between 8:00 and 19:45.
  • Submit an appointment online under "Support" > "Contact Support" > "Talk to us" on apple.com.

Part 3. The Best iCloud Alternative to Back Up iPhone

Although iCloud is a convenient backup tool, you may encounter the iCloud backup failed problem. In that case, you can back up your iPhone to a computer with the alternative app Coolmuster iOS Assistant. It is a powerful iOS data management tool that can help users easily backup and restore iPhone data. It is better to use than iCloud backup and backs up everything from your iPhone to a computer without iTunes, iCloud, or network consumption.

Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • One-click to back up iPhone data to a PC or Mac.
  • Restore computer backups to your new iPhone/iPad/iPod.
  • Selectively export iPhone data to a computer.
  • Selectively import backups from the computer to your iPhone.
  • User-friendly and secure.
  • Consume no network during backup.
  • Edit, add, or delete data stored on iOS devices directly from your PC or Mac with complete freedom.
  • Widely compatible with all iPhone models (iOS 17 supported).

Here is how to back up your iPhone to the computer using iOS Assistant:

01Install and open Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer.

02Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable and trust the computer if asked. Once connected, you will see the home interface below.

the interface of ios assitant

03Click the "Super Toolkit" section on the top and choose "iTunes Backup & Restore". After that, tap "Backup" > select your iPhone from the list > define a location to store your data. Finally, hit "OK" to start the backup process.

one click to back up iphone using ios assistant

Part 4. FAQs on iCloud Backup

Q1. What's Included in the iCloud Backup?

iCloud will only back up the information and settings saved on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, not including information in iCloud, like contacts, notes, bookmarks, calendars, messages, voice memos, iCloud photos & shared photos.

Q2. How Long Should iCloud Backup Take?

There is no standard time for an iCloud backup, depending on your data size, Wi-Fi condition, and device performance. But it normally takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to back up everything on your iDevice.

Final Verdict

The above-mentioned techniques can be used to fix the "iCloud backup failed" issue. As a substitute for iCloud data backup, Coolmuster iOS Assistant comes highly recommended. It's not only robust and user-friendly, but it also helps prevent data loss problems brought on by failed iCloud backups. Try Coolmuster iOS Assistant if you experience issues with your iCloud backups in order to fix the issue and protect your valuable information.

Please forward this tutorial to other Apple users if you find it useful.

Related Articles:

13 Solutions to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing on iPhone/iPad/Mac

The Last Backup Could Not Be Completed [Reasons & Solutions]

How Many Backups Does iCloud Keep? Find Out the Answers Here!

How to Download iCloud Backup with Ease? 4 Methods [Updated]

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