How to Back Up iPhone to Computer: Multiple Methods Explained

Summary

"My iPhone 14 Pro Max low storage (10GB left), wants to backup to Windows 11 PC (500GB+ free). Microsoft Store iTunes doesn't detect my iPhone and UI text missing after reinstalling. How do I back up my iPhone to my computer? "

Have you encountered such situation? If you want to back up iPhone to a computer without trouble, read this article. It will guide guide you through four distinct methods, including using iTunes, dedicated iPhone backup software, Apple Devices app, and Finder.

Part 1: How to Back Up iPhone to Computer via iTunes

For many years, iTunes was Apple's primary software for managing iOS devices on Windows. It enables you to back up a whole iPhone to a PC at once. However, you cannot access the backup data on the computer.

Here's how:

Step 1: If you don't have iTunes installed on your Windows PC, download it from the Microsoft Store.

Step 2: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. If this is the first time you're connecting your iPhone to this computer, you might see a "Trust This Computer?" alert on your iPhone screen. Tap "Trust" and enter your passcode if prompted.

Step 3: Once your iPhone is connected, it will appear as a small device icon near the top-left corner of the iTunes window. Click on this icon.

Step 4: Choose "Summary". In the "Backups" section, select "This Computer". Then click "Back Up Now" to start the process. Your iPhone data will be saved to your PC.

If iTunes doesn't detect your iPhone, you can fix it with the following tips or use an iTunes alternative in the subsequent parts.

1. Install iTunes directly from Apple's website.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Ensure Apple Mobile Device Support is running (Press "Win" + "R" to open the "Run" dialog, type services.msc and press "Enter", and look for "Apple Mobile Device Support").
4. Check Apple Driver installation.
5. Try a different USB cable and port.

Part 2: How to Back Up iPhone to PC via iPhone Backup Manager

This iPhone Backup Manager software is a professional backup and transfer tool for iOS devices. You can transfer your text messages, contacts, photos, videos, music, and more from your iPhone to your computer. It offers Windows and Mac versions, so whether your computer is Windows or Mac, you can back up your iPhone to your computer without trouble.

Key features of this iPhone backup software:

- Selectively transfer data from an iPhone to a computer for backup.

- Back up your iPhone data at one go with the super toolkit.

- Support the transfer of music, photos, videos, documents, apps, etc., from iOS to a computer.

- Allow you to edit your iPhone contacts on your computer.

- Enable you to access the backup iPhone data on your computer.

- Compatible with iOS 5.0 and upper and most iOS models, such as iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad, iPod touch, and more.

Download the iPhone backup software.

Here's how to back up your iPhone to your computer with this software:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable, and click "Trust" if prompted. Then launch the iPhone backup software on the PC after installing it.

Step 2: Choose a data type you want to back up, and view the detailed data on the interface. Then select your desired data, and click "Export" to transfer and save to your computer.

Step 3: If you want to back up your iPhone data at once, click "Super Toolkit" > "iTunes Backup & Restore". Then choose the "Backup" tab, and select a backup location. Finally, click "OK" to start backing up your iPhone data.

Part 3: How to Back Up iPhone onto Computer with Apple Devices App

For newer Windows 10 and 11 systems, Apple has introduced a dedicated "Apple Devices" app available through the Microsoft Store. This app streamlines the process of managing and backing up your iPhone on a Windows PC, similar to how Finder functions on macOS.

Follow these steps to back up your iPhone to a PC with this app:

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC and search for "Apple Devices". Download and install the app.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. If prompted, tap "Trust" on your iPhone and enter your passcode.

Step 3: Launch the Apple Devices app on your PC. Your connected iPhone should appear in the app window. Click your iPhone.

Step 4: Choose "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this computer", and click "Back Up Now". Once finished, remove the connection safely.

Tips: It can also back up your WhatsApp data from your iPhone to your PC.

Part 4: How to Back Up iPhone on Computer via Finder (Mac)

On Macs running macOS Catalina or later, iTunes has been replaced by dedicated apps for Music, Podcasts, and TV. The functionality for managing and backing up iOS devices has been integrated into Finder.

Here's how to back up your iPhone to a Mac computer using Finder:

Step 1: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac, and click "Trust".

Step 2: Open a new Finder window. In the left-hand sidebar of the Finder window, under "Locations", you should see your iPhone listed. Click on it.

Step 3: In the main Finder window, click on the "General" tab. In the "Backups" section, you'll see the option to back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac. Select this option. By the way, you can also encrypt your backup if you want it.

Step 4: Click the "Back Up Now" button. Finder will begin backing up your iPhone data to your Mac.

Tips: If you get a new iPhone, besides backup, there are other important steps you need to do.

Part 5: FAQs on iPhone Backup to PC

Q1: Why won't my iPhone back up to my PC?

Possible issues include:

1. Outdated iTunes version.
2. Faulty or unauthorized cable.
3. Insufficient storage space.
4. Permissions or trust issues (check your phone for the "Trust This Computer?" prompt).

Q2: Can I access individual files from an iPhone backup?

Yes, you can access individual files from an iPhone backup if you back up your iPhone data with the iPhone Backup Manager software. It will back up your iPhone files with original file formats, which are easily accessible on your computer.

Q3: Is backing up to PC better than iCloud?

It depends.

1. PC backups allow full, local control and don't require cloud space.
2. iCloud backups are wireless and automatic but limited by storage (free up to 5 GB).

Conclusion

It's a smart move to back up your iPhone to a computer because it can save you time and stress in case of data loss. If you want to view and access your backup data on your computer, you can use the iPhone Backup Manager software. It will not change the formats of your media files, and will back up your contacts and messages in readable formats.

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Charlotte Smith Senior Editor

Charlotte Smith, an accomplished editor in the dynamic landscape of mobile technology, has distinguished herself with her abundant experience and skills for iPhone, OnePlus, Sony, Vivo, Motorola, ZTE, Huawei, etc. Help readers and users solve the problems in iPhone Transfer and Mobile Data Management. Her proficiency extends beyond mere functionality, delving into the nuances of each brand with precision and clarity.