The two ways to back up an iPad

You can back up your iPad to iCloud (Apple's cloud storage) or to a computer using iTunes or Finder. iCloud backs up automatically if you turn it on and stay connected to Wi-Fi. A computer backup gives you a file you control on your own device, which some people prefer because they own the copy outright.

Most people use iCloud because it requires almost no work after setup. If you have a computer and want a second backup, or if you do not trust cloud storage, a computer backup is straightforward too. You can do both at the same time — they do not interfere with each other.

Key Takeaways

  • iCloud backup happens automatically over Wi-Fi if you turn it on in Settings, and you need 5 GB of free iCloud storage (Apple gives this free; more costs money).
  • A computer backup using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) creates a file on your computer that holds everything on your iPad, and requires no internet after the backup finishes.
  • Automatic iCloud backup happens daily when your iPad is plugged in, locked, and on Wi-Fi, so you do not have to remember to do it.
  • A computer backup takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on how much is on your iPad, and you can use your iPad while it backs up.
  • If your iPad is lost or broken, you restore from whichever backup is newest — iCloud or computer — and your apps, photos, and settings come back.

Setting up iCloud backup

Open Settings on your iPad. Tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Turn on the toggle next to "iCloud Backup" so it turns blue.

Your iPad will now back up automatically every day when it is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. The first backup may take a few hours depending on how much data is on your iPad. You can check how much iCloud storage you have left by going back to Settings, tapping your name, then tapping iCloud, and looking at the storage bar at the top. If you are running low, you can buy more storage (200 GB costs about $3 per month) or delete old backups from other devices.

Backing up to a Mac computer

Plug your iPad into your Mac with a USB cable. Open Finder and look for your iPad in the sidebar on the left. Click it, then click the General tab at the top.

Under "Backups," click "Back Up Now." Finder will create a backup file on your Mac. The first backup takes longer than later ones because it has to copy everything. While it backs up, you can use your iPad normally — the backup continues in the background. When it finishes, Finder will say "Latest backup" with the date and time.

To back up again in the future, plug in your iPad and click "Back Up Now" in the same place. If you want Finder to back up automatically every time you plug in your iPad, check the box next to "Back up automatically" in that same window.

Backing up to a Windows computer

Plug your iPad into your Windows computer with a USB cable. Open iTunes (if you have not installed it, read it from Apple's website). iTunes will recognize your iPad and show it in the left sidebar.

Click your iPad in the sidebar, then click the Summary tab. Under "Backups," click "Back Up Now." iTunes will create a backup file on your computer. Like a Mac backup, the first one takes longer. You can use your iPad while it backs up.

To back up again, plug in your iPad and click "Back Up Now" in the same place. If you want iTunes to back up automatically every time you plug in, check the box next to "Automatically back up" in that same window.

Where your backups are stored

iCloud backups live on Apple's servers. You cannot see them as files on your computer — they exist only in your iCloud account. If you lose your iPad, you sign into iCloud on a new iPad and restore from that backup.

Computer backups are files on your Mac or Windows computer. On a Mac, they are usually in a folder called Backups inside your Library (which is hidden by default). On Windows, they are usually in a folder called Apple Computer inside your user folder. You do not need to find them yourself — Finder or iTunes will find them when you restore. But knowing they exist on your computer means you own that copy and can move it to an external hard drive if you want a second copy.

Restoring from a backup

If your iPad is lost, broken, or you get a new one, you can restore everything from a backup. During the setup process on a new iPad, you will see a screen that says "Apps & Data." Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Mac/PC" depending on which backup you want to use.

If you are restoring from iCloud, sign in with your Apple ID and choose which backup to restore from (the newest one is usually what you want). If you are restoring from a computer, plug the iPad into the computer, open Finder or iTunes, click your iPad, and click "Restore Backup." Choose the backup you want and click Restore. The process takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on how much data is on the backup.

Checking that your backup is working

For iCloud backup, open Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, tap iCloud Backup, and scroll down. You will see the date and time of your last backup. If it says "Last backup: today" or yesterday, your backup is working. If it says a date from weeks ago, your iPad may not have been plugged in and on Wi-Fi when the backup was supposed to happen.

For a computer backup, plug in your iPad, open Finder or iTunes, click your iPad, and look at the date next to "Latest backup." If it is recent, your backup is working. If you want to back up right now instead of waiting for the automatic backup, click "Back Up Now."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for iCloud backup?

Apple gives you 5 GB of free iCloud storage, which is enough for most iPad backups if you do not have thousands of photos. If you need more, you can buy 200 GB for about $3 per month or 2 TB for about $10 per month. A computer backup costs nothing because the file lives on your own computer.

Can I back up to both iCloud and a computer at the same time?

Yes. You can have iCloud backup turned on and also plug your iPad into a computer to back up there. They do not interfere with each other. This gives you two copies in case one fails.

What happens if I delete something from my iPad — will the backup have it?

If you delete something and then back up, the new backup will not have it. But older backups still have it. When you restore from an older backup, the deleted item comes back. iCloud keeps multiple backups, so you can usually restore from a backup from before you deleted something.

How long does a backup take?

The first backup takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on how much is on your iPad. Later backups are faster because they only copy what changed. iCloud backups happen in the background, so you do not have to wait. Computer backups also happen in the background while you use your iPad.

What if my iPad is stolen — can someone access my backup?

iCloud backups are protected by your Apple ID password, so someone with your iPad cannot access them without knowing your password. Computer backups are files on your computer, so they are as find as your computer is. If you want extra security, you can encrypt your computer backup by checking "Encrypt local backup" in Finder or iTunes.