iOS Assistant
 
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How Long Does a Backup Take on iCloud? Find the Answers Here!

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For many iPhone and iPad users, using iCloud to back up data is a simple and convenient option. However, many people encounter issues with long backup times and may feel that the backup process is stuck. So, how long does a backup take on iCloud? This article will help you understand the time required for iCloud backups and provide some tips to speed up the process.

 

Part 1. How Long Does a Backup Take on iCloud?

How long does iCloud backup take? Typically, the time required for an iCloud backup depends on several factors. For users with smaller amounts of data, the backup may be completed in just a few minutes, while for those with a large number of photos, videos, and app data, the backup can take several hours or even longer. Additionally, the first backup usually takes more time because the system needs to upload all the data to the cloud. Subsequent incremental backups, however, will take significantly less time, typically ranging from a few minutes to tens of minutes.

Here are some key factors that can affect backup speed:

  • Network Connection Speed: iCloud backups rely on a Wi-Fi connection, so the speed of your network directly impacts backup time.
  • Amount of Data Being Backed Up: The total volume of photos, videos, and app data can significantly increase backup time.
  • Device Status: If the device is not connected to a power source or has a low battery, backup speed may be affected.
  • Apple Server Status: In some cases, busy Apple servers may lead to longer backup times.

Part 2. Why Is My iPhone Taking So Long to Back Up?

After we know how long it takes to backup on iCloud, if the iCloud backup takes forever, it may be due to the following factors:

  • Network Connection Speed: iCloud backups rely on Wi-Fi, so the quality of the network directly affects backup speed. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak or unstable, it can significantly extend the backup time.
  • Size of Backup Data: The more data on the device, the longer the backup will take. A large number of photos and videos, in particular, can consume a lot of time and storage space.
  • Insufficient iCloud Storage Space: If iCloud storage is nearly full, it may slow down or interrupt the backup process.
  • Device System Performance: The performance of the system and any apps running in the background can also affect backup speed. Older devices may experience slower backup speeds due to limited hardware performance.

Part 3. How to Speed Up iPhone Backup?

How long does it take to back up to iCloud? Now we know the answer. If you want to shorten the time it takes for an iCloud backup, you can try the following methods.

3.1 Ensure a Stable Network Connection

Ensure that your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, and avoid using public Wi-Fi. If the current network speed is slow, you can try switching networks, restarting the router, or resetting network settings.

To reset the network settings, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Tap on the "Settings" app on your device, select "General", and then scroll to the bottom and tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone".

Step 2. Select "Reset" from the options. Then, tap on "Reset Network Settings".

reset network settings to speed up

Step 3. You will be prompted to enter your device passcode. Enter it, then confirm that you want to reset the network settings.

Step 4. Your device will restart, and the network settings will be reset to factory defaults.

3.2 Clean Up Unnecessary Data

Reducing the amount of backup data can effectively shorten backup time. We can optimize the data by deleting unnecessary apps, videos, and photos.

To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage" to view the space occupied by different types of files.

clean up unnecessary data to speed up

Step 2. Cleaning up excess old photos, videos, or unused app data can significantly lighten the backup load.

3.3 Disable Unnecessary App Backups

You can also disable backups for unnecessary apps, which will significantly reduce backup time.

Here's how it works:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app and tap on your profile.

Step 2. Select the "iCloud" option, and toggle off the switches for apps that have a lot of files to back up, such as "Photos".

diable unnecessary apps to speed up

3.4 Optimize iCloud Storage

When iCloud storage space is insufficient, it can not only slow down the backup speed but may even lead to iCloud backup failures. We can free up space by deleting old backups and unnecessary data.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap on your "Apple ID" at the top.

Step 2. Select "iCloud", then tap on "Manage Storage".

Step 3. On this page, check your current iCloud storage usage.

optimize icloud storage to speed up

Step 4. Review the device backup files and tap "Delete Backup" to delete backups for old devices or those you no longer need.

3.5 Back Up Your iPhone Regularly

Regular backups can keep the amount of data backed up each time within a manageable range, reducing the pressure of accumulating a large amount of new data. It is recommended to back up once a week, which not only ensures timely updates of your data but also helps avoid lengthy backup processes. Additionally, regular incremental backups will be quicker, as iCloud only needs to back up the latest data changes.

Part 4. iCloud Alternative to Back Up iPhone

If you find that the iCloud backup process is still taking too long or is unstable, you might consider using Coolmuster iOS Assistant as an alternative. This tool supports quickly backing up your iPhone data to your computer without relying on Wi-Fi, making the backup process more efficient and stable. With iOS Assistant, you can flexibly choose the types of data you want to back up, saving time and easily managing your backup files.

Core features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • Effortlessly back up and restore your iPhone/iPad with just one click.
  • Seamlessly transfer files between your iOS device and computer.
  • Manage various file types, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, bookmarks, books, calendars, apps, and more.
  • Fully control your iTunes backup files and iOS data directly from your computer.
  • Easily edit, add, or delete data on your iOS device from your PC or Mac.
  • Fully compatible with the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

How to back up your iPhone to a computer using iOS Assistant?

01Install and launch the software on your computer. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable, and if prompted, tap "Trust" on your iPhone. Then, click "Continue" in the program. Once your iPhone is successfully connected, the main interface will appear.

the main interface of ios assistant

02To back up your entire iPhone, navigate to the "Super Toolkit" section in the top menu, select "iTunes Backup & Restore", and click "Backup". Choose your iPhone from the drop-down menu, select a location for the backup file, and then click "OK" to initiate the backup process.

one click to back up the whole iphone to computer using ios assistant

If you prefer to back up specific files, go to the "My Device" section, select the file type you want to back up, and click the "Export" button to start transferring those selected files.

selectively back up iphone to computer using ios assistant

The Bottom Line

That's all about how long iCloud backup should take. The time it takes for iCloud backups varies due to several factors. If you find that the iCloud backup is taking too long, you can take the measures mentioned above to speed up the process. If you're still not satisfied with the backup speed, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is an efficient backup solution worth considering. It offers a faster backup experience, ensuring your data is more secure and easier to manage.

Related Articles:

How Long Does It Take to Back Up iPhone? [Updated and Informative]

10 Quick Ways to Fix iCloud Backup Stuck on Estimating Time Remaining

[Essential Tips] How Long Does It Take to Restore from iCloud?

How Long Does It Take to Sync Photos to iCloud & How to Speed Up?

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