You can copy and save the data on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by backing up your device in iCloud or iTunes. If you replace your device, you can use its backup to transfer your information to a new device.
Decide which method is best for you
This article can help you decide which backup method is best for you. In case you ever need an alternative backup, you can also make one in iCloud and another in iTunes.
iCloud
Stores backups in the cloud
Offers up to 1TB of storage (your first 5GB are free)
Always encrypts your backups
Lets you make and use backups from anywhere with Wi-Fi
iTunes
Stores backups on your Mac or PC
Storage depends on your Mac or PC’s available space
Offers encrypted backups (off by default)
Lets you make and use backups from your Mac or PC
iCloud backups
With a Wi-Fi network connection, you can make a backup of your device using iCloud. You don’t need to plug your device into a computer or even be at home to back up with iCloud.
iCloud backups include nearly all data and settings stored on your device. iCloud backups don’t include:
Data that’s already stored in the cloud, like contacts, calendars, notes, My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library
Data stored in other cloud services, like Gmail and Exchange mail
Apple Pay information and settings
Touch ID settings
Content you didn’t get directly from iTunes, App, or iBooks Stores, like imported MP3s, videos, or CDs
iTunes in the Cloud and App Store content (If it’s still available in the iTunes, App, or iBooks Store, you can tap to re-download your already purchased content.)
iTunes backups
From your Mac or PC, you can make a backup of your device in iTunes. Syncing your device with your computer isn’t the same as making a backup.
An iTunes backup includes nearly all of your device’s data and settings. An iTunes backup doesn’t include:
Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to iBooks (You can back up this content using transfer purchases in iTunes.)
Content synced from iTunes, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
already stored in the cloud, like My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library
Touch ID settings
Apple Pay information and settings
Activity, Health, and Keychain data (To back up this content, you’ll need to use encrypted bakup in iTunes.
Data that won’t transfer from one kind of device to another
When you restore a device from a backup of another kind of device, like using an iPad backup for an iPhone, certain types of data won’t transfer:
Photos
Messages and attachments in Messages
Voice Memos
Apps that aren’t compatible with the device you’re setting up (For example, apps compatible only with iPad won’t be transferred to your iPhone.)