Save your Apple device from an unexpected disaster

August 16, 2017

No one ever thinks something bad will happen to them until it does. As far as Apple devices, one of the worst things that could happen is losing all of your data.

Unexpected things happen all the time. Hard drives fail, things get dropped, and water gets spilled.

That’s why you need to know how to make a proper backup and restore your Apple device if an unexpected disaster happens.

If you have anything of personal value on your Apple gadgets, it is imperative that you back it up. It will save you from losing hours, days and years of data. If you want any hope of restoring all of your files successfully, then it all starts with a proper backup.

Backups can be done on both Macs and iOS devices. They each back up a little bit differently, so let’s take a look at how they work. First, there’s backing up to iCloud.

Backing up to iCloud

iCloud is a great tool for syncing content between multiple devices. You can sync Contacts, Calendar info, Photos, and much more.

It is also helpful if you lose data on one of your gadgets. By activating iCloud on your device, that data can be stored safely in the cloud. iCloud is also exceptionally great if you wish to backup your entire iOS device.

A feature on iOS devices lets you backup your entire phone to the cloud. This stores everything from iMessages, to Photos and Videos.

All you need to do is go to Settings >> iCloud >> and find “iCloud Backup.” Once turned on, this feature will make a backup as well as reoccurring backups to help keep your data up to date. This feature only works on iOS devices and *Not Mac devices.

It is important to note that using iCloud to sync your content and make backups will take up iCloud storage space. You start out with five free gigabytes, but that can fill up quickly depending on the amount of data you have on your gadget.

So if buying more iCloud storage is not for you, then using hard drive space may be the way to go. Keep reading to find out how.

Backing up to iTunes

The other option for iOS devices is backing up to a computer with iTunes. It makes a backup to your computer’s hard drive.

This is a viable option if you do not want to spend money on iCloud storage. You can backup your iOS gadget to any computer, including one with a Windows operating system, so long as iTunes is up to date.

To back up an iOS device, simply plug it into the computer. From there, select the Device Icon in iTunes, choose “This computer,” and then hit “Back Up Now.“

Backing up a Mac computer

To properly backup a Mac computer, you want to use what’s called Time Machine. This feature is built-in to the Operating System that allows you to back up your entire computer to an external hard drive. You can also use Apple’s Airport Time Capsule or Airport Extreme.

Note: To find out more about the backup disks you can use, click here.

Regardless of the drive you use, once you connect it to the Mac it will automatically ask if you wish to use the drive for Time Machine Backups. Choose “Use as Backup Disk” and it will easily make a backup of your entire computer.

Backup using IDrive

We just told you about the different ways you can back up your Apple devices. But did you know there’s actually an easier way? If you’d like to know that all of your devices are protected, using a backup service is your best option.

Our sponsor IDrive isn’t your everyday backup service. You can use it to back up all your private information and data for up to five devices, including computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. That’s every device with just one account! Plus, you can even back up your social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram.

Just think about how many photos, videos, posts and happy memories you’d lose if anything happened to your devices or social media accounts. All you have to do is install the software, then your data will be backed up automatically.

IDrive’s Universal Backup costs only around $5 per month and offers up to 2TB of storage. That’s a lot!

Go to IDrive.com and use promo code KIM to receive an exclusive offer. Click here to receive 50 percent off 2TB of storage when you sign up for IDrive.

Setting up a new Apple gadget

If you get a new device or have to set up your device again then pay attention to the Apple setup screen in the beginning. Going through the setup process on both iOS and Mac devices, choose the optimal way you wish to restore your backup. You can’t miss this step because it asks you right away.

If you have an iOS device, it will ask if you want to restore from a backup. You would then choose the backup, either iCloud or iTunes. If it is iTunes, it will tell you to plug the device into the computer and follow the steps.

On the Mac, it will ask if you want to restore from a Time Machine Backup. Simply connect the drive and choose the backup you want to restore from.

We hope this article helps you to better prepare yourself for the future. If you cherish your wedding photos or the spreadsheets you have spent a lifetime preparing, then make a backup. Technology is not foolproof, so creating backups and keeping them up to date is the most important thing you can do with your Apple devices.

Backing up to iCloud

Backing up to iTunes

Backing up a Mac computer

Backup using IDrive

Setting up a new Apple gadget

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