Mac storage basics · iPhone and iPad backups and updates

Should I back up my iPhone to iCloud or to my Mac?

Short answer: iCloud backups are automatic and use iCloud storage; Finder backups use your Mac's disk and can be encrypted. Many people use iCloud and keep one occasional local backup.

Both work; the trade-off is space and convenience:

  • iCloud backup happens automatically over Wi-Fi and uses iCloud storage, not your Mac's.
  • Mac backup (Finder) uses your Mac's disk, happens when you connect, and can be encrypted to include saved passwords and health data.

Many people use iCloud day to day and make an occasional encrypted Mac backup before a big change. If your Mac is short of space, keep only the latest local backup.

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