How to Back Up iPhone to Mac? You Get 4 Ways Here!
One of the smartest ways to protect your data from any expected loss is to keep a backup of your iPhone on a Mac. It could be photos, contacts, or files; learning how to back up iPhone to Mac or MacBook is a must, ensuring you can restore them whenever you need them. Thankfully, Apple has built-in options and other reliable tools to help you do so. Explore the four easy ways to back up iPhone to Mac, from complete device backups to selective transfers.
| Method | Type of Backup | Key Features | Best For |
| Finder | Full | Built into macOS Catalina and later, it can encrypt data and save apps, settings, and files | Newer macOS users who want Apple’s native tool |
| iTunes | Full | Works on older Macs; can encrypt data and store full device content | Users with macOS Mojave and earlier |
| AnyRec PhoneMover | Selective or Full | Can backup photos, music, messages, contacts; let you manage files and have restore options | Anyone who wants a quick and customizable backup |
| iCloud | Cloud-based | Automatic wireless backup with 5GB free storage | Users who wish for wireless and cloud storage |
Guide List
Back Up iPhone to Mac with Finder [macOS Catalina and Later] Back Up iPhone to Mac with iTunes [macOS Mojave and Earlier] Selectively or Entirely Back Up iPhone to Computer with AnyRec PhoneMover Back Up iPhone to Mac with iCloud [5GB and Smaller]Back Up iPhone to Mac with Finder [macOS Catalina and Later]
For users of macOS Catalina or newer, the primary tool to back up iPhone to Mac is Finder. This app requires no separate application since the functionality is built directly. It offers a familiar and straightforward process that uses Mac power to save a complete copy of your iPhone data. Here's how it works:
Steps:
- 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac via USB cable. Then, launch Finder, and in the sidebar, from "Locations", select your iPhone.
- 2. In the main Finder window, click the "Back up all of data on your iPhone to this Mac" option. You can also select "Encrypt local backup" and set a password for your data.
- 3. Lastly, click the "Back Up Now" button.
- Pros
- Much faster than backing up to iCloud.
- Can encrypt the backup with a password
- Cons
- Needs a physical connection to backup.
- It can take up a lot of space on your Mac's hard drive.
Where to find the backup?
Open Finder, click "Go" to "Go to Folder", then enter the path: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.
Back Up iPhone to Mac with iTunes [macOS Mojave and Earlier]
For Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier versions, you can use iTunes (or iTunes alternatives for Windows and Mac) to make a backup of iPhone to MacBook Air and Pro. While the app is no longer covered on newer operating systems, it is still the standard for older Macs. iTunes not only handles music and media but also all aspects of device management, such as backups and updates.
Steps:
- 1.Upon connecting your iPhone to your Mac, open iTunes. Ensure that your Mac is allowed to access your iPhone data.
- 2.Select your device from the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
- 3.Then, under the "Summary" tab, click the "Back Up Now" button.
- Pros
- Can back up almost all data on your device.
- The backup is stored directly on your PC's hard drive.
- Cons
- No longer updated and is for older Macs only.
- It is slow compared to modern software.
Where to find the backup?
Click on "iTunes" then select "Preferences". Click the "Devices" tab, then right-click on the backup you want and select "Show in Finder".
Selectively or Entirely Back Up iPhone to Computer with AnyRec PhoneMover
Designed to give everyone more control over their iPhone, AnyRec PhoneMover is what you need to do a selective and complete back up iPhone without iCloud or iTunes. Unlike the previous methods, which create a single file, this iPhone manager lets you browse and choose specific files to back up. This saves a considerable amount of storage space on your computer and gives you the power to back up only what's important. Plus, it provides a way to move data between different devices and platforms, making it a versatile tool for anyone who wants to spread files across multiple devices.
Simply back up the entire device and restore it with a single click.
It lets you transfer, edit, add, and delete files directly from your computer.
Preview selected data to ensure you have picked the right one to back up.
Can transfer data between iOS devices, Android devices, and computers.
Secure Download
Step 1.Open AnyRec PhoneMover, then link your iPhone to it with a USB cable. If prompted, tap "Trust" when the notification appears on your iPhone.
Step 2.On the sidebar, choose the data type you wish to back up, such as Photos, Music, Videos, etc. You can then either pick specific files you'd like to save or choose them all. Then, click the "Export to PC" button.
Step 3.For easier management, you can import data to your iPhone, organize your files, and delete unwanted items.
Secure Download
- Pros
- Can back up specific files or file types.
- Gives you a clear view of your data.
- Works between iOS and Android devices.
- Cons
- Not a completely free solution.
Where to find the backup?
The backup file is saved in the folder you chose during the backup process.
Back Up iPhone to Mac with iCloud [5GB and Smaller]
iCloud is Apple's cloud-based storage that offers an effortless solution to back up messages and more from iPhone to Mac wirelessly. It is your convenient option as it backs up your iPhone automatically once it is connected to Wi-Fi and power. While it has 5GB of free storage, it is often insufficient for a full backup, so you may need a paid storage plan. If you don't mind, you can use iCloud as your free iPhone backup tool.
Steps:
- 1. Connect your iPhone Wi-Fi. Then, head to the "Settings" app and tap on your Apple ID at the top, and tap on "iCloud".
- 2. Scroll down and select "iCloud Backup", and turn it on.
- 3. Tap the "Back Up Now" button. Wait to complete the manual iPhone data backup.
- Pros
- Automatic, wireless backup.
- Accessible from any Apple device.
- Limited free storage space of 5GB.
- Cons
- Does not back up everything.
- The speed is dependent on how stable your network is.
Where to find the backup?
Click the "Apple Menu" on your Mac, then go to "System Settings". Click on your name and then click "iCloud", and from there, click "Manage" and then "Backups" to see a list of your backups.
Conclusion
Backing up your iPhone to Mac is a crucial step to protect your important files. In addition to Apple's built-in options like Finder and iTunes, you can rely on iCloud or the flexibility of a third-party iPhone backup software; each method suits every need. If you want to fully control iPhone data for backup and transferring, AnyRec PhoneMover is highly suggested. That's all to back up your iPhone to Mac selectively or entirely. Choose the method you prefer to back up your iPhone and secure your data effortlessly today!
Secure Download
