How to back up iPad

You can back up iPad using iCloud or your computer. iCloud backups store information and settings on your iPad that don’t regularly sync to iCloud, including things like device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization.

iCloud automatically backs up your iPad daily when it’s connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. You can also save a backup of your iPad on your Mac or Windows device, and encrypt your backup data to protect it with a password.

Quick tip: When you replace your iPad, use its backup to transfer your information to the new device. Check out our guide, Restore all content to iPad from a backup, for the steps.

Back up iPad using iCloud

iCloud backups cover the information and settings on your device that don’t sync to iCloud regularly, like device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap [your name] and tap iCloud. Tap iCloud Backup.
3. Turn on Back Up This iPad.

   iCloud automatically backs up your iPad daily when iPad is connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.

   Note: On Wi-Fi + Cellular models that support 5G, your carrier may give you the option to back up iPad using your cellular network. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then turn Backup Over Cellular on or off.

4. To perform a manual backup, tap Back Up Now.

View available iCloud storage

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap [your name], then tap iCloud.

   The amount of iCloud storage used and the amount of iCloud storage available appear at the top of the screen.

Manage iCloud storage

Details about iCloud backups are available to view, including the next backup size, the last backup, and the apps included in the backup.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap [your name], then tap iCloud.
3. Tap iCloud Backup and then tap your iPad (This iPad).
4. To reduce the size of a backup, turn off the apps you don’t want to back up anymore; the apps’ existing backup data will also be deleted from iCloud.

Back up iPad using your Mac

You can save a backup of your iPad on your Mac.

1. Connect iPad and your computer with a cable.
2. In the Finder sidebar on your Mac, select your iPad.

   To use the Finder to back up iPad, macOS 10.15 or later is required. With earlier versions of macOS, use iTunes to back up iPad.

3. At the top of the Finder window, click General.
4. Select Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.
5. To encrypt your backup data and protect it with a password, select Encrypt local backup.
6. Click Back Up Now.

Note: You can connect iPad to your computer wirelessly, too. Read our guide, Transfer files between your iPad and other devices.

Back up iPad using your Windows device

1. Connect iPad and your computer with a cable.
2. In the iTunes app on your Windows device, click the iPad button near the top left of the iTunes window.
3. Click Summary.
4. Click Back Up Now (below Backups).
5. To encrypt your backups, select “Encrypt local backup,” type a password and click Set Password.

To see the backups stored on your computer, choose Edit > Preferences, then click Devices. Encrypted backups have a lock icon in the list of backups.

Note: Prefer to connect iPad to your computer wirelessly? See our article, Transfer files between your iPad and other devices.