---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-back-up-my-iphone-to-my-mac-over-wi-fi
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-back-up-my-iphone-to-my-mac-over-wi-fi
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "iPhone and iPad backups and updates"
question: "Can I back up my iPhone to my Mac over Wi-Fi?"
alt_questions:
  - "wifi iphone backup mac"
  - "wireless iphone sync finder"
  - "show this iphone when on wifi"
  - "back up iphone without cable"
short_answer: "Yes — connect once, tick Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi in Finder and Apply. On the same network you can then use Back Up Now without a cable, though it's slower."
tags: ["iphone backup", "wi-fi", "finder"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/should-i-back-up-my-iphone-to-icloud-or-my-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I back up my iPhone to my Mac over Wi-Fi?

Yes, after one cable setup. Connect the iPhone, select it in Finder, tick **Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi** on the General tab and click Apply. Afterwards, when both are on the same network, the iPhone appears in Finder and you can click **Back Up Now** without a cable.

Wi-Fi backups are slower than over a cable, especially the first one.