Backing up your iPhone without Wi-Fi is an easy process that only takes a few steps. Here's how to do it:
iTunes
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable provided with the device. A prompt should appear on the iPhone asking you to "trust" or "accept" the connection. Once accepted, a window will pop up on your computer with an icon of a phone and other information.
2. Open iTunes if it doesn't open automatically. You will be able to see when the last backup was completed in the Summary tab of iTunes. If it has been over 24 hours since the last backup, or if you've never backed up your phone before, you should back it up now.
3. To start a backup, click File > Devices > Back Up Now in iTunes (or press Command + B). The time required to complete the process depends on how much data needs to be stored and how fast your computer is able to transfer files from one device to another.
4. Once complete, you can find the backup by going into Finder > Library > Application Support > MobileSync> Backup, where all of your backups are stored as encrypted files that can only be accessed with your Apple ID password or system password (if applicable).
5. You can also create an additional copy of this data by copying and pasting these files onto an external hard drive or storing them in cloud storage.
Services such as Google Drive or Dropbox are great solutions. You have multiple places in which this important data can be safely stored offsite from its original location just in case anything should ever happen, like theft, loss, or damage to your laptop or desktop computer containing these important backups.
Not to mention that cloud solutions also offer an option to deal with high iPhone storage size as you can transfer certain files from the device to the cloud.
iCloud
To start, make sure your iPhone is connected to a cellular data network. This can either be done via 4G/LTE or 3G networks, depending on what type of connection you have available. Once this is done, open the settings app and tap "iCloud". Here, you will see the option to back up your iPhone to iCloud without Wi-Fi enabled; click this option and follow any further instructions given by the app.
Once the backup process begins, it may take some time for it to complete if there are a lot of files and data stored on your phone. You'll want to ensure that your device stays connected to its data network until the backup has finished so that it's successful – this means not switching between cellular networks or disconnecting from them completely during the process.
In addition, you will also need enough available storage space in your iCloud account in order for the backup to complete successfully. If you find yourself running low on space, you can purchase additional storage through Apple directly or opt for one of their bundled plans which offer more capacity at a discounted rate.
Finally, keep in mind that while backing up an iPhone without Wi-Fi is possible with these steps above, it's still best practice to back up regularly when within the range of wireless networks as well. That way, if something were ever to happen and your mobile data connection became unavailable, you'd still have access to all your pertinent information and documents stored safely within iCloud's cloud storage system.
Why Should You Back Up Your iPhone?
First, backing up an iPhone can help protect against theft or accidental damage. Having a recent backup allows you to quickly restore lost data if the device is stolen, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Not only will this help you maintain access to your contacts, photos, music, and other essential information, but it may even help track down anyone who had stolen your phone in the first place.
Second, backing up an iPhone helps protect against viruses and malware that could corrupt or delete data on the device. By creating regular backups of your device to iCloud or another form of secure storage, you can easily restore any corrupted information by simply restoring from a prior version.
This method also gives peace of mind when downloading new applications; if questionable software corrupts essential files on the device then restoration to a prior version is as easy as a few clicks away.
Third, having an updated backup means that you'll never lose out on important documents and files due to accidental deletion. When backing up an iPhone regularly it ensures that any deleted items are not lost forever but rather stored safe in your cloud storage for easy recovery later if needed.
Finally, regularly backing up an iPhone makes switching devices much faster and easier than before. No longer do you have to search through all of your old messages and contacts; everything you need can easily be moved over between two devices.
Closing Thoughts
While backing up over Wi-Fi is more convenient than having to attach a USB cable every time you'd like to back up, doing so without Wi-Fi is still possible so long as you have the necessary tools.
