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

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With the prevalence of mobile devices, more and more people rely on cloud backup to protect their data. iCloud, as one of the cloud services provided by Apple, is widely used for data backup by iPhone users. However, sometimes, you may encounter iCloud backup failures, which can be confusing and frustrating. Why does my iPhone keep saying iCloud backup failed? Carefully read the tutorial to identify the reasons for iCloud backup failures and find solutions.

icloud backup failed

 

Part 1. Why Does My iCloud Backup Keep Failing?

Before exploring specific solutions to fix the iCloud backup keeps failing issue, it's important to know why iCloud backup failed first so that appropriate actions can be taken. The most common reasons for iCloud backup not working lie in:

Unstable network connection: iCloud backup requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the connection is unstable, the backup may be interrupted.

Insufficient storage space: If iCloud doesn't have enough space to store new backups, the backup will fail.

Outdated software version: An outdated iOS version on the iPhone may cause backup issues.

System settings problems: Incorrect system settings may prevent iCloud from backing up properly.

Server status: Occasionally, Apple's servers may encounter issues, which can affect iCloud backup functionality.

Corrupted backup files: In some cases, corrupted backup files may prevent the backup process from completing.

Incorrect Apple ID and password: Ensuring your Apple ID and password are correct is crucial for the iCloud backup process.

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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 stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial. If the Wi-Fi signal is unstable or there are connection issues, it may result in iCloud backup keeps failing. Therefore, it's important to first ensure that your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network with a strong signal. If there are Wi-Fi connection problems, you can try moving closer to the router or restarting the router to improve the connection quality. Only with a stable Wi-Fi connection can iCloud backup proceed smoothly.

Solution 2. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings is a common method for resolving Wi-Fi connection issues. By resetting network settings, you can clear the network configuration information on the device and then reconfigure the network connections, which sometimes can resolve Wi-Fi connection problems. If you encounter Wi-Fi connection issues, you can try using this method to reconnect, thereby resolving iCloud backup failures. Here are the steps:

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

Step 2. If prompted, enter the password and confirm the reset.

reset network settings to fix icloud backup failed

Solution 3. Reset All Settings

Sometimes, certain settings on the device might interfere with iCloud backup, so resetting all settings could be a method to resolve backup failures. By resetting all settings, you can clear all settings and configurations on the device, restoring it to its factory default state. Here is how to do it:

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

Step 2. Tap the "Reset All Settings" again to confirm the operation. Your iPhone will shut down, reset, and turn on.

Step 3. After turning it on, you will need to reconfigure all device settings, like Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth, etc.

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

Further Reading:

iPhone Backup Failed But I Have Enough Storage - Solutions Inside!

Why Is iCloud Backup Stuck? How to Solve iCloud Backup Not Working?

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

If your iCloud storage space is insufficient, you can consider changing your iCloud storage plan to obtain more storage space. Here are the steps:

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

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

Step 3. Select "Change Storage Plan", then choose a storage plan that suits 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

Sometimes, iCloud accounts may experience login anomalies or synchronization issues, leading to backup failures. Therefore, logging out and then logging back into your iCloud account may be a method to resolve backup failure issues. Here is how to do it:

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.

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

Temporarily disabling and re-enabling iCloud backup can help resolve any temporary issues. You need to follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > your name > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup".

Step 2. Turn off the "iCloud Backup" switch and wait for a few seconds.

Step 3. Turn the switch back on and manually initiate the backup.

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

Learn More:

How to Fix iCloud Drive Not Syncing on Windows 11/Mac/iOS Devices?

Backup Essentials: How Much iCloud Storage Is Needed for a Backup?

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

When encountering iCloud backup keeps failing issues, you can try resolving them by restarting your iPhone. Restarting your iPhone can clear temporary system issues and cache, restoring the device to normal operation. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the sleep/wake button on the side or top of the device until the "slide to power off" option appears.

Step 2. Slide the "slide to power off" button to turn off the device.

Step 3. Wait for the device to shut down completely, then press and hold the sleep/wake button again to turn on the device.

Step 4. Wait for the device to fully boot up, then proceed to perform iCloud backup again.

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.

Also Read:

Restore from iCloud Paused? Fix It with 9 Solutions Here!

Fix Family Sharing iCloud Storage Not Working with Useful Tricks (Safe)

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

If you encounter the "iCloud backup failed" issue, you can use the methods mentioned above for repair. Coolmuster iOS Assistant is highly recommended as an alternative solution for backing up iPhone data. Not only is it powerful and easy to use, but it also helps avoid the data loss issues caused by iCloud backup failures. If you encounter iCloud backup failures, consider trying Coolmuster iOS Assistant to resolve the problem and safeguard your important data.

If you think this tutorial is helpful, please share it with more Apple users.

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