Does iCloud Backup Include Photos? Get the Facts Here!

Cloud backups are becoming increasingly popular as they help us quickly recover data when it's lost. For iPhone users, iCloud is undoubtedly the most ideal cloud storage service. Through this feature, owners of Apple devices can store their important data in the cloud. Users need not worry about losing important data when their devices malfunction or when switching to new devices (How to switch iPhones). Many people may ask: Does iCloud backup include photos? To find the answer, please continue reading below.

Part 1. Does iCloud Backup Include Photos?

Does iCloud backup save photos? Is iCloud Photos separate from iCloud Backup? Does iCloud Backup cover everything? The answer depends on whether or not you have the iCloud Photo Library enabled.

• If "iCloud Photos" is not enabled, your images and other data will be backed up to iCloud Backup (which occurs once every 24 hours, as long as your iPhone is powered on, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi).
• If "iCloud Photos" (also known as "iCloud Photo Library") is enabled, your photos and videos are not included in the iCloud Backup, but instead, they are directly synced to iCloud servers. Since your photos are already stored on iCloud, they won't be included in your iCloud Backup. In other words, photos won't be saved twice.

Part 2. How Does iCloud Backup Work?

iCloud does back up iPhone photos. So, how do you set up iCloud? You can follow the steps below to do it.

To enable iCloud Backup:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Step 3. Tap on your name at the top of the screen to open your Apple ID settings.

Step 4. Tap on "iCloud", scroll down, and tap on "iCloud Backup".

Step 5. Toggle the switch to turn on iCloud Backup if it's not already enabled.

Step 6. To start an immediate backup, tap "Back Up Now" and ensure your device stays connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into a charger until the process is complete.

To enable iCloud Photos:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > [Your Apple ID] > "iCloud" > "Photos".

Step 2. Enable "iCloud Photos", and your photos will automatically upload to iCloud, making them accessible on all your Apple devices. (iCloud Photos not syncing?)

Part 3. How to Know If Photos Are Backed Up on iCloud?

If you want to check whether your photos have been backed up to iCloud, you can follow these steps:

• Check if iCloud Photos is enabled: If enabled, your photos are stored in iCloud Photo Library and are not included in iCloud Backup. If disabled, your photos may be included in iCloud Backup.
• View iCloud Backup contents: Open "Settings" > [Your Apple ID] > "iCloud" > "Manage Storage" > "Backups". Select your device to view the backup size and the data included.

Part 4. The Best iCloud Alternative to Back Up iPhone Photos

Although iCloud backup is a good option, it also has some limitations, such as limited available storage space and frequent glitches, such as iCloud backup taking forever. That's why some users seek alternatives to iCloud. Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a powerful iOS device management tool that can help you easily backup and restore iPhone data, including photos, contacts, messages, and more. It offers more flexible backup options and has a simple and user-friendly interface.

Key features of iOS Assistant:

• Transfer your iPhone photos to the computer effortlessly.
• Backup and restore all data on your iPhone/iPad/iPod with just one click.
• Transfer iOS files effortlessly after previewing and selecting them.
• Support various file types, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, bookmarks, books, calendars, apps, and much more.
• Fully manage iTunes backup files and iOS data on your computer.
• Easily edit, add, or delete data directly on your iOS device from your PC or Mac.
• Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to back up photos from iPhone to computer using iOS Assistant:

Video Tutorial:

Part 5. FAQs on iCloud Backup

Q1. How much iCloud storage do I need for backups?

The amount of iCloud storage needed depends on the size of your device backup. Apple provides 5 GB of free iCloud storage to every user. If your backup exceeds this limit, you'll need to purchase additional iCloud storage. Storage plans are available in various sizes, ranging from 50 GB to 2 TB, with corresponding subscription fees.

Q2. How often does iCloud Backup my device?

By default, iCloud Backup automatically occurs once a day when your device is connected to Wi-Fi, plugged into power and the screen is locked. However, you can manually initiate a backup at any time by going to "Settings" > [your name] > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup" > "Back Up Now".

Q3. What to do if iCloud Backup fails?

If your iPhone is not backing up to iCloud, you can try clearing storage space, checking your network connection, or using Coolmuster iOS Assistant for local backup.

In a Nutshell

Does iCloud backup include photos? The answer is yes. However, iCloud backup may fail due to a poor network connection or insufficient iCloud storage space. At this point, you can choose Coolmuster iOS Assistant to transfer iPhone photos to your computer efficiently and without loss, avoiding the issue of insufficient iCloud storage space.

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