Got a tip for us?

iCloud

iPhone Stuck On Updating iCloud Settings? Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll explain exactly Why your iPhone/iPad is Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings and how to bypass the ‘updating iCloud settings stuck’ and continue with the update.

It’s very important to keep your iOS device updated. Apart from the new features a new iOS update brings, it also carries important security updates that can be crucial to the function of your iPhone. It can therefore be very frustrating when the iOS update is interrupted or when the screen just displays “Updating iCloud Settings”. If your iPhone is stuck on updating iCloud settings for a while, there are several troubleshooting tips that you can try to fix the issue and hopefully continue with the
iOS 14
update.

Why is iPhone/iPad Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings

Before we jump into the solution, it is very important to understand why your iPhone is stuck on “Updating iCloud settings.”. As such, you can take the necessary measures to avoid the problem in the future. Here are some of the most common reasons why your iPhone or iPad may be stuck on “Updating iCloud Settings”:

1. Insufficient Storage Space

If your device has insufficient storage space, it can be very difficult for it to perform some of the common functions that allows it to work effectively. Stability and performance of the device are grately hindered, a factor that can contribute to this and many other issues.

2. Apple Servers May be Down

Apple servers may be busy or down. If this is the case, you just need to wait. These issues are prevalent especially when apple releases a new update of the iOS firmware. Tons of users rush to update their devices. This can cause significant strain on the Apple servers which can result in various issues when updating the device including this particular issue.

3. Slow internet Connection

The process can be hindered when the connection is weak. Make sure you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data network before trying to update your device.

4. Low Battery

According to Apple, you should maintain at least 50% battery capacity during an iOS update. The reason for this is that low battery can prevent an update from completing successfully and can also cause certain problems when updating the device. Consider connecting your device to a power source while updating.

How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings

Here are some fixes you may try if this process takes a long time.

1. Restart your iPhone

The first thing you should do is to restart your device. To do that, press and hold the power button (Sleep/Wake) until the “slide to power off” Slider appears. Drag the slider and wait for about 20 seconds. Now press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.

If your device stuck again, this time skip the iCloud  setup process. When you are asked to set up iCloud, tap Skip. Once the update finishes, head over to Settings > iCloud and type in your Apple ID to turn on
iCloud.

2. Force Restart your iPhone

Try to force restart your iPhone. Do not worry, you will not lose anything. Please follow these steps:

  • iPhone x and newer: quickly press and release the volume up and then the volume down button. Press and hold the power button until you see the Apple Logo on the screen.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 plus: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (On/Off) and Volume Down buttons together until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
  • iPhone 6 and older: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (On/Off) and Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

3. Use iTunes to Update your iPhone

If the iPhone stuck on updating iCloud settings problem still persists, try to update your device via iTunes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Build a connection between the iPhone and your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Launch iTunes
  3. When iTunes detect your iPhone, select your device under the Devices menu.
  4. Click “Check for Update.” If an update is available, download and install.

4. Sign Out of iCloud and Sign In

Signing out of iCloud before signing in again gives your device setting a refresh and prevent any issues with iCloud including this iPhone stuck on updating iCloud settings issue. Please follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Settings app on your device.
  2. Tap your profile on top of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap sign out. wait a few seconds and then sign back in.

5. Check Wi-Fi Network

If you are not connected to the internet, you may not be able to update the device. Here’s how to check if you are connected to a functional Wi-Fi network:

  1. Start the Settings app on your device and then tap on “Wi-Fi”
  2. Choose the network you are using and then tap “Forget this Network”.
  3. Tap on “Reconnect” and type in your Wi-Fi password or select a different Wi-Fi network to use.

And that covers everything on how to fix iPhone that is stuck on updating iCloud settings.

Tag: iCloud
Show Full Article

How To Back Up Your iPhone (The #1 Easiest Ways)

by GeeksModo Staff

Why do people back up iPhone data to iCloud? Answer: if your iPhone goes missing, or it’s damaged, you cannot access all the vital information that is stored on
The device. Backing up your iPhone regularly ensures that, should the worst happen, you’re 100% covered – and you can still retrieve all your most important
information. While it may appear difficult, backing up an iPhone is actually very easy…
If you don’t know how to back up an iPhone, then this article is for you. Here are the 4 most common methods for backing up an iPhone.

All the methods explained here are easy, so, by the end of this post, your iPhone will be completely backed-up and ready to go.

How To Back Up iPhone

Method #1) iCloud – The Simplest Way

Apple default cloud storage service is known as iCloud. It works seamlessly on all iOS/macOS devices, therefore, most users prefer iCloud backups option when backing
up an iPhone.

How to backup iPhone to iCloud:

  1. Make sure you’re iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network
  2. Head over to Settings & then tap your profile on top
  3. Tap on iCloud
  4. Tap iCloud Backup

    5. > Turn on “iCloud Backup” if it’s switched off

    Tap Backup Now

You can check the status by heading over to Settings > your profile > iCloud > Storage > Manage Storage

Things To Keep In Mind

iCloud offers only 5GB free storage, so you might need to upgrade your iCloud storage space 50GB costs $0.99 a month while 200GB costs $2.99
a month.

Method #2 How to Backup iPhone or iPad in Mac on MacOS Catalina

Apple discontinued iTunes with the introduction ofMacOS Catalina. Thankfully, you can use finder to back up your iPhone or iPad to Catalina. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Build a connection between your iPhone and computer via USB cable and launch Finder.
  2. Now, click on the name of your device.
  3. Next, click on General at the top of the Finder window and then click
    Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
  4. Finally, click back up now.

Method #3 How to back up your iPhone or iPad using iTunes on windows PC or Mac running MacOS Mojave or earlier

Before the introduction of iCloud, Apple’s method for backing up iOS devices was iTunes. And in 2020 , it still works perfectly too.

How to backup iPhone with iTunes

  1. Launch iTunes
  2. Connect Your iPhone To Your PC using a USB cable
  3. Click iPhone , then summary
  4. Click Backup Now

Things To Keep In Mind

This is a manual process and can take a while to complete depending on the size of data stored on your iPhone.

Moreover, your PC hand drive need to have enough space on your as well.

If you have met all these, you’re all set with an iTunes Backup

Method #4 Google Photos Backup For ALL Your Images

If you want to store all your photos somewhere, somewhere safe, Google Photos is your best bet, which can be downloaded for free on the App Store.

After downloading the app, simply select it as a backup for all your iPhone’s photos and videos. This way, anytime you take photos they’ll be
automatically uploaded to Google Photos, where you can access them any time and anywhere.

You just need a Gmail account and a computer.

Dropbox and OneDrive are also great options, but I especially like the way the Google Photos app looks and works.

Tags: Backup, iCloud, iTunes
Show Full Article

How To Restore An iPhone From iCloud (In 5 Easy Steps)

by GeeksModo Staff

So you just bought a new iPhone or reset your old one back to factory default. That means, you probably want to get all the old data and settings you
had on your phone up and running on your brand new or reset iPhone. And the most convenient way to do so is restoring your iPhone from a previous iCloud Backup. In this article I’ll explain how to restore iPhone from iCloud Backup in quick and easy steps.

What Is An iCloud Backup?

Basically, an iCloud backup is a duplicate of all the data, layouts, and other settings on your iPhone that is stored on Apple’s cloud service known as,iCloud.
Here’s what is included on iCloud Backup:

  • App data
  • Images and videos saved on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (unless you use iCloud Photos)
  • Apple Watch backups
  • iMessage, text (SMS), and MMS messages (unless you use Messages in iCloud)
  • Device settings
  • Visual Voicemail password (You’ll need the SIM card which was in use during backup)
  • Home screen and app arrangement
  • Purchase history from Apple services, such as your music, films, TV shows, apps, as well as books
  • Ringtones

Having said that, there are a couple of stuff that are NOT included in an iCloud backup. These mostly include your data such as emails, Notes, Contacts, Calendars,
And bookmarks if you are an iCloud user.

This is because iCloud already stores this data on Apple’s servers separately from an iCloud backup, therefore, no need of including this data
in the iCloud backup.

Before Restoring An iPhone From iCloud

Before you restore an iPhone from iCloud, you need to ensure you already have an iCloud backup of your iPhone.
For this to happen you’ll need to have hadenabled iCloud backups on your iPhone beforehand.

To set up your iPhone to back up to iCloud, simply follow these steps:

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on your profile at the top of the display (this will be your name).
  3. On the next screen, select iCloud.
  4. Now scroll down and tap on iCloud Backup.
  5. On the Backup screen toggle the iCloud Backup switch to ON position.

After performing the above steps, your iPhone will automatically back up to iCloud each day provided your iPhone is plugged to power and connected to a Wi-Fi network.
This means, you’ll have a new iCloud backup with the most latest apps and settings each day.

Therefore, when you restore from iCloud you’ll have your iPhone with the most lately used settings again.

How To Restore An iPhone From iCloud

OK, now that your iPhone’s data is backed up to iCloud, you are ready to restore your new or reset iPhone from iCloud. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to restore a current
iPhone that you are already using:

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Now, tap General.
  3. Next, tap Reset.
  4. Next on, tap ‘Erase All Content and Settings’.
    On the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
  5. Enter your Apple ID to sign in so your phone can access your iCloud backups.
    Go to ‘Choose backup’, then choose the backup you want from a list of available
    backups in iCloud.

And here are the instructions for how to restore iCloud backup on new iPhone:

  1. Switch on your new iPhone.
  2. From the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
  3. Enter your Apple ID to sign in so your phone can access your iCloud backups.
    Go to ‘Choose backup’, then choose the backup you want from a list of available
    backups in iCloud.

After you’ve followed the above given steps, your iPhone will begin restoring from iCloud. It’s worth noting however, restoring from iCloud can take a while depending
on the size of your iPhone backup. If your iPhone backup is quite a lot of gigabytes, it could take an hour or so.

Tags: Backup, iCloud, iTunes
Show Full Article

How To Back Up Your iPhone To iCloud (The Easiest Way)

by GeeksModo Staff

It’s always a good idea to back up your iPhone or iPad. In today’s day and age, our most important data is probably stored on our smartphones. Phones
Store our photos, messages, contacts, etc.
The good news is that if you have an iPhone, Apple offers an easy way to constantly keep your iPhone backed up to the company’s cloud service, called iCloud. In this article,
I’ll explain everything you need to know aboutHow to back up your iPhone to iCloud

So, what Is An iPhone iCloud Backup?

Just like other tech companies out there, Apple has a host of cloud services that you can take advantage of. Apple has named its cloud services “iCloud”. Apple’siCloud
services has numerous features, including ad-free email, bookmark syncing, online file store, etc. But the most important
iCloud feature is the iPhone backup.

The iPhone’s iCloud backup feature lets users create a copy of their iPhone’s data and store it on Apple’s cloud. This copy of your data allows you to
easily retrieve all of your data
in the event you ever want to reset or restore your iPhone.

Your iPhone iCloud backup also simplifies the process of transferring all your data from one iPhone to another. When you purchase a new iPhone, you only need
to log into your iCloud account on it and the new iPhone will start fetching data from your iCloud backup and putting it on your new iPhone.

What Is Stored In An iCloud Backup?

Your iCloud iPhone backup doesn’t store all the data you have on your iPhone – just the most essential bits. Here’s
everything Apple says gets included
in your iPhone iCloud backup:

  • App data
  • Apple Watch backups
  • iPhone settings
  • Home screen and app layout
  • iMessage, text (SMS) and MMS messages
  • Purchase history from Apple services, such as your music, movies, TV shows, apps, and books
  • Ringtones
  • Photos and videos on your iPhone
  • Visual Voicemail password (requires the SIM card that was in use during backup)

You may notice that things such as emails and contacts aren’t included in the above list. That’s because emails and contacts are already stored online through
your email provider (which could be iCloud, or another service such as Gmail). Because they’re already stored online, there’s no need for them to be stored
in your iCloud backup.

How Do I Backup My iPhone To iCloud?

Fortunately, it’s easy to back up iPhone data to iCloud. You just require3 things:

  • An iPhone
  • An iCloud account
  • Wi-Fi internet connection

The purpose of having an iPhone is quite straight forward (it’s what you’re backing up to iCloud). As for an iCloud account, you’ll have one if you own an iPhone. Your
iCloud account is associated with your Apple ID. Lastly, you’ll need a Wi-Fi internet connection to back up your iPhone to iCloud.

Got all that? Perfect. Here’s how you back up iPhone data to iCloud:

  1. . Connect your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network.
  2. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  3. Tap on your profile at the top of the iPhone’s Settings app.
  4. Tap on iCloud.
  5. Tap on iCloud Backup.
  6. On the “Backup” screen, toggle the iCloud Backup switch to ON position
  7. A “Back Up Now” button will appear. Tap it.

After you tap the “Back Up Now” button, your iPhone will perform its first backup to iCloud. Note, this could take some time depending on the amount of data on
your iPhone. And if you’re iCloud backup is just taking way too long, we recommend that you
free up some storage space on the iPhone.

But the good thing is after this first backup, you won’t need to manually backup your iPhone to iCloud. Your iPhone will automatically back up your iPhone
to iCloud daily as long as you’ve followed the above given steps and your iPhone is plugged to power source and connected to Wi-Fi network and the screen is
locked.

All of the above happens when we plug our iPhone to power before we go to bed to sleep, meaning your iPhone will do daily backups to iCloud
as you sleep.

Tags: Backup, iCloud
Show Full Article

iCloud storage full: Free up, buy or downgrade in 3 steps

by GeeksModo Staff

Is your iCloud storage full or do you have too much space? no problem. Apple has made it really easy to Increase or decrease the size of your iCloud storage.
If you want to adjust your iCloud storage plan, there are a few simple steps which you need to follow. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to change iCloud storage plan on your iPhone or iPad.

Buy or downgrade iCloud storage

Apple offers 5GB of free storage in iCloud by default. If your iCloud storage is full, iOS devices will stop backing up and saving photos and videos. You can always check how much storage you are using and also get a notification if iCloud is full. Then you will be asked if you want to upgrade the iCloud storage for a monthly fee.

Free up iCloud storage space

5GB of iCloud storage space is filled faster than you think. You can increase this storage 10 times for 0.99 dollars per month. If you do not think this is necessary, you can also choose to delete a number of files from your iCloud. If your iCloud storage is full, it is best to adjust what is stored on your iCloud Drive first. You do this as follows:

  1. Go to the Settings app an then click on your Apple ID at the top;
  2. Select “iCloud”. Here you can adjust which apps do or don’t store data in iCloud by turning the switches on or off;

To manage your iCloud storage,

  • go to the management page via “Manage Storage”. Here you can see again how much space the installed apps use.

Upgrade or downgrade iCloud storage

Have you changed or cleared the list of apps that use iCloud, but you’re still running out of space? Then under “Manage Storage” you can choose to increase the iCloud storage by taking a larger subscription.

Do you already have a subscription? Then it is also possible to downgrade your iCloud subscription accordingly, if you find that you are paying too much because you do not need all the storage. Follow the steps below to change your iCloud subscription:

To change your iCloud storage plan, press “Change storage plan”;
The upgrade options are under your current storage plan. Choose the subscription you want. If you buy 200GB or 2TB of iCloud storage, you can also share the iCloud with your family. Select your desired quantity to buy it;
Do you want less storage? Then scroll down a little and select “Downgrade options”. Choose the smaller “bundle” that suits you better here.

After purchasing the iCloud storage plan, you immediately have the new amount of storage space available iniCloud. You can not reduce your subscription if you already have too little space for your data as standard. Read also How to change iCloud storage plan on iPhone, Mac, or Windows PC
And that covers everything about how to change iCloud storage plan on iPhone or iPad. We also have plenty of other articles that I suggest you check right now.

Tag: iCloud
Show Full Article

How To Change iCloud Storage Plan On iPhone, Mac or PC

by GeeksModo Staff

Its easy to upgrade iCloud storage plan from an iPhone, iPad, Mac or windows PC. Follow this quick step-by-step guide to learn how to change iCloud storage plan from your devices.
Upgrade your iCloud storage plan
If your iCloud storage has run out of space, No problem, Apple has made it pretty easy to change your iCloud storage plan from iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even Windows to ensure you continue to sync all of your important data across your iOS devices.
Apple offers users with only 5GB of freeiCloud Storage. In this regard, it takes a very short time for this space to get filled up and get a pop-up indicating your
“iCloud Storage is Full” when trying to sync your data. Therefore, in case your precious cloud space has already been taken up by your important files and you are
Thinking of changing your iCloud storage from iOS device or desktop, this guide is for you!
Applehas three iCloud storage plans: 50GB ($0.99/month), 200GB ($2.99/month) and 2TB ($9.99).
One advantage of having a huge iCloud storage plan, is that you can share your iCloud storage
with other members of your Family. If you want to change iCloud storage plan on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC, there are few simple steps you need to follow.
here is the step-by-step guide which can help you change iCloud storage plan on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC.

How to change iCloud storage plan

follow these steps to change iCloud storage plan on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC.

Upgrade iCloud Storage from iPhone and iPad

Follow these steps to upgrade iCloud storage plan on your iPhone or iPad.

  1. Launch Settings app on your iPhone or iPad → Tap on your name.
  2. Tap on iCloud → Tap on Manage Storage.
  3. Next, tap on Upgrade or Change Storage Plan.
  4. Now, choose the storage amount you wish to purchase . Then, hit Buy located at the upper-right corner → Log in using your Apple ID and Password.
  5. Next on, follow the on screen prompts to upgrade the storage plan.

Cancel or Downgrade iCloud Storage from iPhone and iPad

Keep in mind: Downgrading iCloud to 5GB plan is similar to cancel the iCloud subscription. This is because, 5GB plan is available for free to all iOS users.
follow these steps to downgrade iCloud storage plan on your iPhone or iPad.

  1. Launch Settings app on your iPhone or iPad → Tap on Apple ID banner represented by your name.
  2. Now, tap iCloud → hit Manage Storage.
  3. Next, tap Change Storage Plan.
  4. Tap Downgrade Options then key in your Apple ID Password then hit Manage.
  5. Next on, select a plan of your choice and then hit Done → Tap on Downgrade in the Popup

keep in mind that you can only downgrade the plan if the
present plan expires because you will lose the additional space for what you have paid before.

Upgrade iCloud Storage Plan on Mac

Mac book has huge space in its hard disk. However, in some cases, you have some essential files or projects which you don’t want
to lose should you format your device. In this regard, you will need more space in your iCloud storage, since 5GB iCloud storage for a Mac computer , can never be enough. Follow these steps to upgrade iCloud storage plan on your Mac.

  1. Launch the Apple Menu and click on System Preferences.
  2. Next, click on iCloud.
  3. Next on, click on Manage option.
  4. You will be presented with an option to purchase additional Storage.
  5. Select the plan of your choice.
  6. Key in your Apple ID password. Your Mac book will now upgrade its cloud storage space.

Cancel or Downgrade iCloud Storage Plan on Mac

The process of downgrading and upgrading the storage plan for Mac is the same. Follow these steps to downgrade or cancel iCloud storage plan on your Mac.

  1. Launch the Apple Menu and hit System preferences to launch iCloud.
  2. Next, click on Manage and then Change Storage Plan.
  3. Click on Downgrade Options.
  4. Key in your Apple ID password.
  5. Choose a plan of your preference → Click on Done and your plan will be changed.

Upgrade iCloud Storage Plan on Windows PC

Just like Mac, there are numerous reasons why you may need additional iCloud space on PC. Here is how you can Upgrade iCloud Storage Plan on Windows PC. Before you dive into upgrading the iCloud storage on PC, you will first need to download
iCloud for Windows on your PC.

  1. Launch iCloud on your Windows PC and log in into your account using your Apple ID and password.
  2. Now, click on Storage.
  3. Next, click Buy More Storage.
  4. Next on, Choose the option Change Storage Plan and hit next.
  5. You will get a pop-up asking you to log in with your Apple ID and Password, Sign in and hit the Buy button.

The above steps will enable you to access more storage on your Windows PC as per your selected plan. We have just looked at how to upgrade the
cloud storage plan on various devices. Now let’s focus on how to downgrade the storage plans.

You can downgrade your storage plan at any given time. Keep in mind that when you decrease the plan,
the change will only be effected after the end of the current monthly or annual subscription.

One more thing worth noting is that in case you lowered your storage plan and the size of your data go beyond your plan, new data will not be synced across your devices. Moreover, backing up your devices to iCloud will not be possible.

Downgrade iCloud Storage Plan on Windows PC

Follow these steps to downgrade iCloud storage plan on windows PC.

  1. Launch the iCloud for Windows the same way you did with upgrading the plan.
  2. Click Storage → Change Storage Plan → Downgrade Options.
  3. Key in your Apple ID password then hit Manage option.
  4. Choose the iCloud plan you wish to downgrade then hit Done.

That’s pretty much it on how you can downgrade the iCloud storage plan on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC.

Signing off

So, which storage plan did you prefer? And, how do you manage your iCloud storage so that it has only your most essential files and remain organized? Let us know in the comment section below. we also have plenty of other articles that I suggest you check right now.

Tag: iCloud
Show Full Article