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iPad User Guide

Back up iPad

You can back up iPad using iCloud or your computer. To decide which method is best for you, see About backups for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Tip: If you replace your iPad, you can use its backup to transfer your information to the new device. See Restore all content to iPad from a backup.

Back up iPad using iCloud

iCloud backups store information and settings on your device that don’t regularly sync to iCloud. This includes things like device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization. See the Apple Support article What does iCloud back up?

  1. Go to the Settings app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap [your name], tap iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup.

  3. Turn on Back Up This iPad.

    iCloud automatically backs up your iPad daily when iPad is connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.

    Note: On Wi-Fi + Cellular models that support 5G, your carrier may give you the option to back up iPad using your cellular network. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then turn Backup Over Cellular on or off .

  4. To perform a manual backup, tap Back Up Now.

If you need help backing up your iPad with iCloud, see the Apple Support article If you can’t back up to iCloud.

View available iCloud storage

  1. Go to the Settings app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap [your name], then tap iCloud.

    The amount of iCloud storage used and the amount of iCloud storage available appear at the top of the screen.

Manage iCloud storage

You can view details about iCloud backups, such as the last backup, the next backup size, and the apps included in the backup.

  1. Go to the Settings app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap [your name], then tap iCloud.

  3. Tap iCloud Backup, then tap your iPad (This iPad).

  4. To reduce the size of a backup, tap the apps you don’t want to back up anymore; the apps’ existing backup data will also be deleted from iCloud.

For more information, see the Apple Support article Manage your iCloud storage.

Back up iPad using your Mac

You can save a backup of your iPad on your Mac.

  1. Connect iPad and your computer with a cable.

  2. In the Finder sidebar on your Mac, select your iPad.

    To use the Finder to back up iPad, macOS 10.15 or later is required. With earlier versions of macOS, use iTunes to back up iPad.

  3. At the top of the Finder window, click General.

  4. Select “Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.”

  5. To encrypt your backup data and protect it with a password, select “Encrypt local backup.”

  6. Click Back Up Now.

Note: You can also connect iPad to your computer wirelessly. See Sync your iPad with other devices.

Back up iPad using your Windows device

  1. Connect iPad and your computer with a cable.

  2. In the iTunes app on your Windows device, click the iPad button near the top left of the iTunes window.

  3. Click Summary.

  4. Click Back Up Now (below Backups).

  5. To encrypt your backups, select “Encrypt local backup,” type a password, then click Set Password.

To see the backups stored on your computer, choose Edit > Preferences, then click Devices. Encrypted backups have a lock icon in the list of backups.

Note: You can also connect iPad to your computer wirelessly. See Sync your iPad with other devices.

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