Although the procedures involved in backing up your iPhone to a Windows PC is simple and easy, it is not as straightforward as backing up your iPhone data to either iCloud or Mac, both of which are also Apple products.
Just as was earlier revealed in my previous tutorials where I discuss the step-by-step guides on how to backup your iPhone data to Mac and how to backup your iPhone data to iCloud. In this tutorial, I would be discussing how to backup your iPhone data to a Windows PC.
Well, your Windows PC may not be an Apple product, Apple has made provisions for it such that you can also backup your iPhone to as many operating systems as possible and that include Windows, Linux and even ChromeBook
Having said that, let's now proceed to the main topic for discussion which is; "how to backup your iPhone to a Windows PC".
To start with, allow me begin with the basic requirements;
Requirements for Backing Up iPhone to A Windows PC
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iTuns Must Be Installed on your Windows PC
Although, there are third-party applications that serve the same or nearly the same purposes as iTunes, I recommend using iTunes. Not just because it's an official application from Apple but also because it is the safest application designed for these purposes.
iTunes, in this regard, is a desktop application that is installable on Windows PC and Mac or MacBook. The application serves as an intermediary between your PC and your iPhone, iPad or iPod.
With iTunes installed on your PC, you can manage your entire media collection in one place. Subscribe to Apple Music to access millions of songs. Buy music and movies from the iTunes Store. And sync content from your computer to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
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Compatible USB Cable for your iPhone
A compatible and relatively fast (for data transfer) USB cable is a requirement. If you already have one, you are good to go otherwise, be sure to get one ready.
Okay. Now, how exactly can you backup your iPhone to a Windows PC?
How to Backup your iPhone to Windows PC
After you might have gotten the requirements for backing up your iPhone to a Windows PC ready, the following step-by-step guides illustrate how to backup your iPhone to a Windows PC.
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Boot "ON" your Windows PC
Here, I am assuming your Windows PC is turned-off, in sleep mode or hibernation. In any case, switch-on or boot "On" your Windows PC.
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Open or Launch iTunes on your Windows PC
Remember that iTunes is listed as the number one major requirement for these procedures? Once your PC is booted and that you already have iTunes installed on your PC, open or launch iTunes on the PC.
Hints
There is an iTunes version for every Windows PC from Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1, Windows 10 and to the current Windows 11.
If you have yet installed iTunes on your PC, you can download iTunes from here and install it on your Windows PC.
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Connect your iPhone to the PC
To connect your iPhone to a Windows PC for this purpose, you'll need a compatible USB cable for your iPhone. Particularly, an Apple certified USB cable is recommended
Hints:
If this is the first time you are connecting your iPhone to the PC, the drivers required of Windows to connect and communicate your iPhone would have to be installed first.
Relax! The drivers installation is automated. You only have to wait a few minutes for the PC to detect and install the drivers.
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Now, Tap the iPhone iCon on iTunes
Once your iPhone is connected to the PC and the drivers are installed, iTunes should now display an iPhone icon.
Depending on the iTunes version installed, you should see this iPhone icon or thumbnail appear in the upper-left corner of the window to the left of the Library tab.
Once the iPhone icon or thumbnail is located, simply tap or click on it.
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Finally, Adjust your Backup Preference and Tap Backup Now
Once you have clicked on the iPhone icon or thumbnail from the previous step, the next window that opens should display several information or details about your iPhone. Among this information, you should see an option that says, 'Back Up Now'.
Meanwhile, before you click "Backup Now, be sure you check the radio button that has This Computer in its front just under the "Automatically Back Up" text.
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Hold On While the Backup is Being Done
Once the "Backup Now button is clicked, the Back Up procedures will commence almost immediately. Although, it will take a while for the back up to be saved on your PC, make sure not to disconnect your iPhone until the backup is complete.
Hints
Now that the backup process has been initiated, all you need to do now is to wait patiently for your iPhone to backup on the PC.
Depending on the volume of the data you have on your iPhone, this process might take several minutes. Remember not to disconnect your iPhone from the PC until the backup process is complete.
Supposedly, you now have successfully backed up your iPhone to your Windows PC, you might want to learn how to restore your iPhone from a back up. If in that case, you might also like to check out our step-by-step guides on how to restore your iPhone from a backup and get your data back.
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