The three ways to back up your iPad

You can back up your iPad through iCloud (Apple's cloud storage), a Mac or Windows computer, or both at the same time. iCloud backs up automatically when your iPad is plugged in and on Wi-Fi, so it requires almost no work from you. A computer backup gives you a complete copy stored locally on your device, which is useful if iCloud runs out of space or you want a second backup. Most people use iCloud alone, but combining both methods protects you against losing access to either one.

Each method backs up different things: your apps, app data, photos, messages, settings, and passwords. Photos and videos stored in your Photos app are included, but files in cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox are not — those services back themselves up. If you use iCloud Photos, your photo library is stored in iCloud separately from your regular backup.

Key Takeaways

  • iCloud backs up automatically when your iPad is on Wi-Fi and plugged in, and you get 5 GB free; paid plans start at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.
  • A computer backup stores everything locally on your Mac or Windows PC and requires you to plug in your iPad and run the backup manually or on a schedule.
  • You can use both iCloud and computer backups at the same time, and Apple recommends doing so for maximum protection.
  • Restoring from a backup happens during iPad setup or through Settings, and takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on backup size.

Setting up iCloud backup

To turn on iCloud backup, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Toggle it on, then tap Back Up Now. Your iPad will back up immediately if you are on Wi-Fi. After that, it backs up automatically every time your iPad is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.

iCloud gives you 5 GB of storage free, which is enough for most people if you do not store many photos or videos in your Photos app. If you run out of space, iCloud will not back up until you either delete old backups, buy more storage, or turn off iCloud Photos so your photo library does not count against your backup limit. You can buy 50 GB for $0.99 per month, 200 GB for $2.99 per month, or 2 TB for $9.99 per month through the same iCloud settings screen.

Check how much space your backup is using by going to Settings, your name, iCloud, Manage Account Storage. Tap Backups and you will see a list of all your devices and how much space each one uses. If a backup is taking up too much space, you can delete it by tapping the device name and then Delete Backup, though this will erase that backup permanently.

Backing up to a Mac or Windows computer

To back up to a computer, plug your iPad into a Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable. On a Mac, open Finder and click your iPad in the sidebar under Locations. On Windows, open iTunes or the Finder app (depending on your Windows version). Click your iPad when it appears.

In the window that opens, you will see a Backup section. Choose "This computer" instead of iCloud. If you want to encrypt your backup so it includes passwords and health data, check the box next to "Encrypt local backup." Then click Back Up Now. The backup will take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on how much data is on your iPad.

After the first backup, you can set up automatic backups by checking the box next to "Automatically back up when this iPad is connected." Your iPad will then back up every time you plug it in, as long as the computer is awake. You can also back up manually at any time by plugging in your iPad and clicking Back Up Now again.

What gets backed up and what does not

A backup includes your app data, messages, notes, reminders, calendar events, contacts, settings, passwords, and home screen layout. It also includes photos and videos in your Photos app, but only if they are stored on your iPad itself — photos synced from a computer or stored only in iCloud Photos are not included in the backup file.

A backup does not include files stored in cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, because those services keep their own copies. It also does not include content you have not downloaded, such as movies or TV shows you have only rented through iTunes, or books you have only borrowed through Apple Books. Audiobooks and podcasts you have downloaded are included.

If you use iCloud Photos, your photo library is stored separately from your backup and is not counted against your backup size. This means you can have a small backup even if you have thousands of photos, because the photos live in iCloud Photos instead of on your iPad.

Restoring from a backup

To restore from a backup, you can do it during iPad setup or later through Settings. During setup, when you see the Apps & Data screen, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Mac/PC Backup" depending on where your backup is stored. Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted, choose which backup you want to restore, and wait for the process to finish. This usually takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on backup size and your internet speed.

If your iPad is already set up and you want to restore later, you will need to erase it first. Go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. This erases everything on your iPad and returns it to factory condition. When you set it up again, you can choose to restore from a backup.

Restoring from a computer backup works the same way: plug your iPad into the computer, open Finder or iTunes, click your iPad, and click Restore. You will be asked to choose a backup file. The process erases your iPad and installs the backup, which takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on size.

Choosing between iCloud and computer backup

iCloud backup is simpler because it happens automatically and you do not have to think about it. You do not need a computer, and your backup is available from anywhere as long as you have your Apple ID and password. The downside is that you are limited to 5 GB free, and if you lose access to your Apple ID, you cannot restore your backup.

A computer backup gives you a complete copy stored on a device you control, so you are not dependent on Apple's servers or your internet connection. It is useful as a second backup or if you have a lot of data and do not want to pay for extra iCloud storage. The downside is that you have to plug in your iPad regularly, and if your computer breaks or gets stolen, your backup goes with it.

Most people use iCloud alone because it is automatic and free for small backups. If you have a lot of photos or apps, or if you want extra protection, use both iCloud and a computer backup. This way, if one backup fails or becomes unavailable, you have another one to restore from.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does iCloud back up my iPad?

iCloud backs up automatically once per day when your iPad is plugged in, locked, and on Wi-Fi. You can also back up manually at any time by going to Settings, your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup, and tapping Back Up Now. Manual backups happen immediately if you are on Wi-Fi.

What happens if I run out of iCloud storage?

iCloud will not back up until you free up space. You can delete old backups of other devices, delete photos from your Photos app, or buy more storage. If you turn off iCloud Photos, your photo library moves to on-device storage and no longer counts against your backup limit.

Can I back up to an external hard drive instead of my computer?

Not directly through iPad settings. You can back up to your computer first, then move the backup file to an external drive using your computer's file manager. The backup file is usually stored in a hidden folder, so you may need to show hidden files in your file manager to find it.

Will restoring from a backup restore my deleted apps?

Yes, restoring from a backup will reinstall all the apps that were on your iPad when the backup was made. If you deleted an app after the backup was created, it will not be restored. You can always download it again from the App Store afterward.

Do I need to back up if I use iCloud Photos?

Yes. iCloud Photos stores your photo library separately, but a backup stores everything else: your messages, app data, settings, and passwords. You need both to have a complete backup of your iPad.