iCloud Backup or iTunes?

[Antron]

I currently use iTunes on my Mac to backup my iphone. I am thinking about using iCloud for backing up my iPhone and I want to get some opinions on which one is best. I know it may come down to personal preference but I would like your thoughts.

 

[kch50428]

Do both... there may come a time you need to restore... and one of those may not be available so you can always use the other.

 

[Just_Me_D]

I recommend doing both just in case. That's what I do. If by chance I need to restore my device while away from home, an iCloud backup would be quite handy. Having said that, I usually sync my apps to iTunes and thus, do most of my backups via it. Furthermore, when I need to or simply want to install a fresh copy of iOS, iTunes is the way to go.

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

Do both... there may come a time you need to restore... and one of those may not be available so you can always use the other.

Couldn't have said it better.

I backup with both methods. There is no downside to it.

 

[Antron]

Do both... there may come a time you need to restore... and one of those may not be available so you can always use the other.

When I turn iCloud backup on it says my iPhone will not backup to my computer automatically. I can still do it manually right?

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

When I turn iCloud backup on it says my iPhone will not backup to my computer automatically. I can still do it manually right?

You sure can. Just hit the "back up now" button when connected to iTunes.

 

[Antron]

You sure can. Just hit the "back up now" button when connected to iTunes.

Cool. Thanks!

 

[joemd60]

I only use iTunes to sync my phone between my MAC. other than that. I back up to iCloud.

 

[djr12]

I also endorse doing both methods. The iCloud backup will provide more consistent backups to make sure you lose as little data as possible, but I have found restoring from iCloud p.a.i.n.f.u.l.l.y. slow. If I know I'm going to be needing to restore, I make sure to back up to iTunes first. It restores in 1/10 the time.

 

[joemd60]

I don't want to start a new thread. Nor do I want to hijack this one. While on the subject of back ups, I need some help please.
Can a deactivated device still be able to back up to iCloud?
Some of these store reps are clueless. My Cousin picked up her new iPhone 6 today.
The rep restored her contacts, that's it. He went ahead and set it up as a new device, without asking her first.
After she asked, what about my pictures etc?
He says she needs to connect to iTunes, I told her he was wrong.
She never used iTunes since she does not have a PC.
So there is not a current back up on iTunes.
So my guess, and please correct me if I am wrong.
She needs to back up her 4S to iCloud, than completely wiping her 6. And then set it up as a restore from iCloud. Again, my apologies.

 

[joemd60]

Mods delete my last post please. Never mind. I figure it was in the wrong place. Thanks

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

Mods delete my last post please.

Why? It's a legitimate question.

Yes, she can backup the deactivated 4S while on Wifi.

Settings - icloud - Backup and hit "back up now"

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

She can also backup the 4S on iTunes and restore that backup on her new phone. Hopefully she hasn't wiped the 4S yet.

 

[joemd60]

She can also backup the 4S on iTunes and restore that backup on her new phone. Hopefully she hasn't wiped the 4S yet.

She doesn't have a iTunes on a pc. I am going to have her come here. I'll set it up, for her.
She says her 4S will not back up to iCloud, I think she is doing something wrong.
She also tried to sign out of iCloud on her 4S, and she got a message saying it would wipe out her content in iCloud and her photo stream.
I kept trying to explain to her in the past, not to store her photos in iCloud.

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

She doesn't have a iTunes on a pc. I am going to have her come here. I'll set it up, for her.
She says her 4S will not back up to iCloud, I think she is doing something wrong.
She also tried to sign out of iCloud on her 4S, and she got a message saying it would wipe out her content in iCloud and her photo stream.
I kept trying to explain to her in the past, not to store her photos in iCloud.

As far as icloud goes, have her follow the steps I gave you when you see her. Just make sure she doesn't turn anything off and accidentally wipe her phone.

It's possible her phone has been backed up to iCloud and she doesn't even know it.

 

[joemd60]

As far as icloud goes, have her follow the steps I gave you when you see her. Just make sure she doesn't turn anything off and accidentally wipe her phone.

It's possible her phone has been backed up to iCloud and she doesn't even know it.

Thank you Heisenberg, It may very well be backed up. But she is not sure, so I am not taking any chances.
I will back it up, and wipe her new device. And start over, I appreciate your feedback.

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

Thank you Heisenberg, It may very well be backed up. But she is not sure, so I am not taking any chances.
I will back it up, and wipe her new device. And start over, I appreciate your feedback.

Let me know if you're having any trouble. Hope it all works out.

 

[joemd60]

Let me know if you're having any trouble. Hope it all works out.

I certainly will, thanks so much.