"My Backup now is greyed out, and my iPhone hasn't backed up in 4 months. How can this be fixed?"
- from Apple Community
When preparing to enable iCloud Backup on an iPhone or iPad, many users encounter a perplexing issue: the iCloud Backup option is greyed out and cannot be clicked. Whether you're setting up a new device, preparing for a system update, or simply want to protect important data, the inability to turn on iCloud Backup can be unsettling.
Don't worry. This article will analyze the common reasons behind the "iCloud Backup greyed out" issue and provide several proven solutions to help you successfully restore iCloud Backup functionality.
Why is my iCloud Backup greyed out? The following are some possible reasons:
* The device is not logged into iCloud with an Apple ID.
* iCloud services are restricted by the system (such as Screen Time or profiles).
* Network connection is unstable or limited.
* System error or iOS malfunction.
* Apple server issues.
The following fixes are arranged from simplest to most advanced. It's recommended to try them in order.
One of the most common reasons for the iCloud Backup now button being greyed out is that the device is not properly signed in to iCloud. Without an active iCloud account, backup features will be disabled automatically.
If you are already signed in, account synchronization errors may still prevent backups. Signing out and back in refreshes account permissions and often fixes greyed-out options.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Apple ID".
Step 2. Scroll down and tap "Sign Out". (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
Step 4. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
Step 5. Sign back in to iCloud and recheck iCloud Backup.
iCloud backup relies on a stable network environment. If the current network is limited, the system may directly grey out the backup option.
Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data. You can also go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings" to reset the network.
Note: This action will not delete data, but it will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Temporary system glitches can cause iOS settings to display incorrectly. Restarting the device clears cached processes and often restores disabled options.
For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or newer:
For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation):
For iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5, or earlier:
When iCloud storage is full, iOS may disable backup options to prevent failed backups, resulting in iCloud Backup being greyed out. To check iCloud storage space, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Apple ID" > "iCloud".
Step 2. Tap "Manage Storage".
Step 3. Check available space. If it is not enough, try the following solutions:
If restrictions were previously applied to iCloud features, it may cause the iCloud Backup option to appear greyed out and unclickable.
To disable it, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Restrictions" to check if "Restrictions" is enabled.
Step 2. If it is, tap on "Accounts" under "Restrictions" and set it to "Allow Changes".
Sometimes the issue isn't on your device at all. If Apple's servers are down, iCloud Backup will be unavailable regardless of your settings. You can visit Apple's official System Status page to look for iCloud Backup. If it's marked as unavailable, wait until service is restored.
Outdated iOS versions may contain bugs that interfere with iCloud services. Updating ensures compatibility and bug fixes.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > Tap "Software Update". (iPhone software update failed?)
Step 2. Download and install the latest iOS version.
Step 3. Restart the device and recheck backup settings.
Enterprise, school, or beta configuration profiles may restrict system functions, including iCloud backup. You can remove the profile from the device to restore the iCloud backup process.
Here is how to do it:
Step 1. Open "Settings" on your device.
Step 2. Select "General" from the menu.
Step 3. Tap on "VPN & Device Management" to view the profiles installed on your device. Locate the profile that may be causing the iCloud Backup issue, and remove it.
You can also resolve the iCloud Backup greyed-out issue by enabling automatic backup to iCloud via iTunes. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
Step 2. Select your iPhone, then go to the "Summary" section.
Step 3. Under "Backup" > "Automatically Backup", choose "iCloud".
Step 4. Disconnect your iPhone from the computer, and the iCloud Backup button should no longer be greyed out.
If none of the above solutions work, the system may be severely damaged. A factory reset is the last resort. This will erase all content and settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Therefore, make sure to back up your device before proceeding.
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings", then confirm your action by tapping "Erase iPhone" when it pops up.
Step 2. Later, you can restore your data from iTunes or iCloud backup.
If you frequently encounter issues like iCloud backup greyed out, failed backups, or limited storage, relying solely on iCloud may not be ideal. A local backup solution offers more control and stability.
Coolmuster iOS Assistant allows you to back up your iPhone or iPad directly to your computer without using iCloud or Wi-Fi. Unlike iCloud, you can easily view your backup files on your computer without any restrictions after backing up your iOS data to your computer.
Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
* Back up iPhone/iPad to the computer in 1 click.
* Easily back up and restore all your data on iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
* Transfer iOS data freely after selecting and previewing it.
* Manage your iTunes backups and iOS data directly from your computer.
* Add, delete, or edit data on your iOS devices from a PC with full flexibility.
* Fully compatible with all iPhone and iPad models, including the latest iPhone 17 series.
Here is how to back up your iPhone without iCloud or iTunes:
01First, download and install the software on your computer.
02Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. When prompted on your iPhone, tap "Trust" and follow the on-screen instructions to allow the software to detect your device. Once recognized, the main interface will appear.
03To back up your entire iPhone, go to the "Super Toolkit" section and select "iTunes Backup & Restore". Click "Backup", choose your iPhone from the drop-down menu, and then click "Browse" to select a folder on your computer where the backup will be saved. Click "OK" to start the backup.
If you only want to back up specific files, go to the "My Device" section, select the file types from the left panel, preview, and choose the files you want to transfer, and then click "Export" to save them to your computer.
Video Tutorial:
The iCloud backup function is indeed unstable and malfunctions from time to time. But don't lose heart. On how to fix iCloud Backup greyed out, this article provides 11 effective solutions. If you are tired of iCloud, you can also choose iCloud best alternative - Coolmuster iOS Assistant.
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