How to Set Up iCloud Backup on an iPhone or iPad

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

iCloud safely stores and secures your photos, videos, documents, apps, and more - and keeps them updated across all your devices. This means you can access what you want, whenever you want it.

To use iCloud, you need one of the following Apple products:

• iPhone 5 or later
• iPad (4th generation or later)
• iPad mini
• iPod touch (5th generation or later)

The device will also need to be running at least iOS 7 or later.

2. Update

To check and see if updates are available for your iOS device:

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select General.
   

1. Select Software Update.
   

1. Your iOS device will perform a search for available iOS updates.
   
2. If no update is available, it will display your current version of iOS and inform you that your software is up to date.
   

1. If an update is available, it will be displayed.
   

1. 
   
2. Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
3. If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.

3. New Device Sign In

When you sign in to the iTunes & App Store for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information to help secure your account. You can't sign in to the iTunes & App Stores with more than one Apple ID at the same time, or update the content you buy with a different Apple ID.

4. Manual Sign In

You can manually sign in to iCloud, iTunes, App Store, iMessage, FaceTime, and your other Apple services in one place.

1. Go to Settings.
   

1. Tap Sign in to your [device].
   

1. Enter your Apple ID and password. If you don't have and Apple ID, tap Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it? and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your free Apple ID account.
   

1. If you protect your account with two-factor authentication, enter the six-digit verification code and complete sign in.
   

Two-factor authentication improves the security of your Apple ID. After you turn it on, signing into your account will require both your password and access to your trusted devices or trusted phone number.

5. Enable Automatic Downloads

To enable automatic downloads for your music, apps, and books

1. Tap the Settings icon on the Home screen
   

1. Select iTunes & App Store.
   

1. 
   
2. Under "Automatic Downloads" Slide to green to enable
   
   

6. Forgot Apple ID

If you've forgotten your Apple ID or password, go to: https://appleid.apple.com/

1. Click on Forgot Apple ID or password?
   

1. 
   
2. Enter your Apple ID and the characters on the image then select Continue.
3. If you forgot your Apple ID, click on look it up option below and follow the rest of the steps.
   

1. 
   
2. Choose how to reset your password:
   
3. To answer your security questions, select "Answer security questions" and follow the rest of the steps.
4. To get email instead, select "Get an email." An email will be sent to the account's email address and recovery email email address if one was registered.
5. If asked for a Recovery Key, use the steps for two-factor authentication or two-step verification instead.
   

After you reset your password, you'll be asked to sign in again with your new password. You also might need to update your password in Settings on your devices.

7. Set up 2 Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple ID. The first layer is your password, this second layer is a special code or prompt displayed on your iPhone. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID helps prevent unauthorized use of your account.

Turn on two-factor authentication in Settings

1. Go to Settings.
   

1. Tap on Your Name.
   

1. Tap Password & Security.
   

1. To turn on, tap Two-Factor Authentication.
   

1. Then, tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.
   

1. You may be asked to verify your Apple account with security questions or device passcode.
2. On the following screen, enter the phone number where you would like to receive verification codes. Tap Next to proceed.
   

1. Apple will send a verification code to the phone number you provided for verification.
2. Enter the verification code received to verify your phone number and turn on two-factor authentication.