How to Backup iPhone on Computer in 3 Competent Practices

Updated by Bon Lewis / December 05, 2025 06:30

The digital files are easily stored on various devices, such as an iPhone. On the other hand, they can be easily deleted in different scenarios. This issue is the top reason why you should back up your iPhone data. Backups can be used to restore your data when they are lost because they are a duplication of your data. Some individuals prefer to back up the iPhone to the computer to save space.

You probably wonder: How do I backup my iPhone to my computer? This article recommends the three leading ways for the procedure. Kindly continue reading this informative post for the complete information.

Guide List

• Part 1. How to Backup iPhone to Computer with FoneLab iOS Data Backup & Restore
• Part 2. How to Back Up iPhone to Computer with an External Hard Drive
• Part 3. How to Back Up an iPhone to a Computer with iTunes/Finder
• Part 4. FAQs about How to Back Up an iPhone to a Computer

Part 1. How to Backup iPhone to Computer with FoneLab iOS Data Backup & Restore

Cloud-based storage, USB cables, and other methods can be used to backup an iPhone to a computer. Due to this quantity, some individuals are unsure which one to use. FoneLab iOS Data Backup & Restore is the most recommended one. This tool can back up your iPhone to your Windows and Mac in a few clicks! Besides the iPhone, this third-party software can also back up your iPad and iPod Touch.

FoneLab iOS Data Backup & Restore

FoneLab enables you to backup and restore iPhone/iPad/iPod without data loss.

• Backup and restore iOS data to your PC/Mac easily.
• Preview data in detail before you restore data from backups.
• Backup and restore iPhone, iPad and iPod touch data Selectively.

Free Download Free Download Learn more

The tool allows you to add an encryption passcode to the backup for data security. On the other hand, you can simply create a standard backup. Additionally, you can create various iPhone backups without overwriting the previous ones. Back up an iPhone to a computer using this tool with the steps below.

Step 1Open your computer; it could be a Mac or Windows device. After that, please go to the official website of FoneLab iOS Data Backup & Restore and click the Free Download button. Set up, install, and open the tool on your computer as the start of the process. Click the iOS Data Backup & Restore button on the first screen.

Step 2Please plug the iPhone into the computer using a USB cable to proceed. You can follow the on-screen steps that are seen on the main interface of the tool. You will see the iPhone information when the plugging process is completed. Then, select the iOS Data Backup button on the next interface, which shows the two main functions of the tool.

Step 3Select the backup mode you prefer. You can click the Standard Backup or Encrypted Backup options. Later, click the Start option at the bottom center of the main interface. Follow the tool’s on-screen instructions to start backing up your iPhone. Please do not interrupt the procedure to avoid errors during the backup process.

The tool above is the best way to back up your iPhone to a computer. On the other hand, this post has prepared additional ways to back up your iPhone for your future reference. Please continue scrolling below for more information.

Part 2. How to Back Up iPhone to Computer with an External Hard Drive

Some individuals prefer to back up their iPhone data to an external hard drive. It is to save storage space on both their iPhone and computer. This procedure can be completed with the help of a USB cable and an external hard drive. The technique that will be used is copy and paste. However, there is limited data that can only be backed up with an external hard drive. Some of the supported data are photos, videos, documents, and music. How to back up my iPhone to my computer? The instructions for using an external hard drive are posted below.

Step 1Open Finder or Windows File Explorer. Plug the external hard drive into a computer and follow the on-screen instructions. Please plug the iPhone into the computer and select the files you need to back up. You can press the Ctrl + C or Command + C keys.

Step 2Locate the name of the external hard drive on the left. Then, it is time to paste the files. You can press the Ctrl + V or Command + V keys. Alternatively, control-click on the folder and click the Paste button.

Part 3. How to Back Up an iPhone to a Computer with iTunes/Finder

iTunes and Finder are backup tools that can back up your iPhone data by requesting a snapshot of its data, which has the same procedure. Countless data types can be backed up through them. Messages, notes, call history, system settings, apps data, and more are supported for the backup process. They offer an encryption backup for additional security for your iPhone data.

However, iTunes and Finder cannot back up data that is stored in iCloud. Additionally, Touch ID, Face ID, and Apple Pay information are not included. How do I back up my iPhone to my computer? The steps below are the answers.

Step 1Open iTunes and Finder on your Mac or Windows. After that, get a USB cable and plug the iPhone into the computer. You might be asked for the device passcode. Alternatively, click the Trust This Computer button. Then, click the iPhone button or name at the top to proceed with the process.

Step 2If you are using iTunes, please click the Summary button on the left. Click the General button at the top if you are using Finder. The iPhone information will appear on the right side of the main interface, including its iOS version, backup options, and more.

Step 3Then, click the Back Up Now button at the bottom right of the main interface. The backup process will start immediately. You will see the recent backup at the bottom if the process is completed.

Part 4. FAQs about How to Back Up an iPhone to a Computer

In conclusion, this post explains how to back up iPhone on computer in three ways, including FoneLab iOS Data Backup & Restore. It is indeed essential to back up your iPhone data in case you lose it. You can restore these backups to regain access to your iPhone data. What are you waiting for? Back up your iPhone now!