Back Up an iPad

This article teaches you how to back up all of your iPad's data to either iTunes or iCloud.

10 Second Summary

1. Open iTunes on a computer.
2. Attach your iPad to the computer.
3. Click the iPhone-shaped device icon in the upper left side of iTunes.
4. Click Back Up Now.

Steps

Backing Up iTunes

  1. Open your computer's iTunes program. It's the multicolored musical note on a white background icon.
    • If iTunes prompts you to download the most recent version when you open it, do so. You'll need to restart your computer after the update installs to complete the process.
  2. Attach your iPad to your computer. You'll do this by plugging the large side of the iPhone charger cable into a USB port on your computer, then plugging the small side into your iPad's charging port.
    • Although you can use any USB-to-iPhone charger, use the one that came with your iPad for best results.
  3. Click the device icon. It's shaped like an iPhone; you'll find this option in the upper left section of the iTunes window, above and to the right of the Music sidebar.
  4. Click Back Up Now. This is under the "Backups" section in the middle of the Device page. Doing so will prompt your iPad to begin backing up to your computer.
  5. Unplug your iPad when the backup is complete. You'll be able to watch the backup progress in the status bar at the top of the iTunes window; when the backup is complete, the bar will disappear.
    • Depending on how much data you have to back up, this process can take up to an hour.

Backing Up to iCloud

  1. Open your iPad's Settings. It's the grey gear icon on the Home screen.
    • If you don't have upgraded iCloud storage, you won't be able to backup your iPad to iCloud if your data creates a backup file larger than 5 gigabytes.
  2. Scroll down and tap iCloud. This option is about halfway down the Settings page.
  3. Scroll down and tap Backup. It's near the bottom of the page.
    • If you aren't signed into your Apple ID, enter your Apple ID email address and password and tap OK.
  4. Slide the iCloud Backup switch right. It will turn green, signifying that your iPad is ready to back up to iCloud.
  5. Tap OK.
  6. Tap Back Up Now. It's at the bottom of the screen. As long as your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and your iCloud account has enough storage space, your backup will begin.
  7. Wait for your iPad to finish backing up. Backing up your data to iCloud will take anywhere from one minute to half an hour depending on how much data you have and how strong your internet connection is.

Tips

  • Wireless iCloud backups will only be performed when your iPad is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.

Warnings

  • If you don't have enough iCloud storage to back up your device, you'll need to use the iTunes backup method.

Related Articles

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Back_Up_an_iPad&oldid=266419"