An Extensive Guide to iCloud Backup Failed Issue

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Feb 29, 2024 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

Backing up your iPhone can be a simple yet grueling task sometimes, as errors are not uncommon during the backup process. Backups are an important part of making sure that the data, information, and settings on your iPhone are completely safe, just in case, anything happens to your device. It ensures that you won’t lose important information that is kept on your iPhone device.

“The iCloud backup failed” error as well as “the last backup could not be completed” are errors that can pop up during a failed backup attempt to back up your data to iCloud. This error could be caused by issues that can be easily fixed or issues that require more thorough and in-depth fix for the problem.

So, let us today learn about why iPhone backup to iCloud fails and what can be done to resolve the problem.

Part 1: Reasons why the iCloud backup failed

There are many reasons why your iCloud backup fails, all of which will be dealt with in the course of this fix. Some of the reasons why your iCloud won’t backup might include one or a combination of some of these reasons:

  1. iCloud backup failed because there is not enough iCloud storage left;
  2. There might be something wrong with your iCloud Settings;
  3. It could be a result of your Internet connection;
  4. There might be something wrong with your iPhone Settings;
  5. Probably, there is an issue with your iCloud Sign-in;
  6. The device screen isn’t locked;
  7. You are not connected to a power source (If the device is not backed up automatically).

Now that we know the basic reasons, let us move on to the solutions one by one to get rid of the iCloud backup problem.

Part 2: iCloud backup failed because there is not enough storage

The most common issue usually found with failed iCloud Backups is that the storage space on their iCloud account is insufficient for the fresh backup you want to run. This can be easily tackled using any of the following methods:

2.1. Delete older iCloud Backups (that is not of use): deleting older backups tend to create room for the new backup being attempted. To delete older iCloud backups, simply:

  • Tap on Settings and then proceed to iCloud
  • Tap on “Storage” option and then on “Manage Storage”
  • A list of the old backups you have made from your iPhone should appear.
  • You can then select the backup you want to get rid of and then tap “Delete Backup” option.

manage icloud storage

This should then create some space that you require on your iCloud account. Check to see that the required space is sufficient for your new backup and then proceed as planned to execute your backup.

2.2 Upgrade your Storage: If you, however, don’t feel comfortable deleting your old backups, you can opt for the option of upgrading your iCloud storage. This can be done simply by following the steps outlined below:

  • Go to your Settings App
  • Tap on iCloud
  • iCloud Storage or Manage Storage
  • Tap on the Upgrade option
  • Follow the procedures to buy more storage space for your backups

upgrade icloud storage to fix icloud backup failed

After successfully upgrading you will have sufficient storage space plan on your iCloud account. You can then proceed to go ahead with the backup as scheduled. The backup should then go on without a hitch. If the backup process still isn’t successful, you may want to explore the remaining possibilities and solutions as to why your iCloud won’t back up.

Part 3: Other Solutions to fix iCloud backup failed issues

If iCloud storage isn’t the problem, it is most likely that there is something wrong with either your sign-in, iCloud Settings or some simple step that you’re missing. So, here are a few more solutions that will help you to fix the iCloud backup failed issue.

Solution 1: Check your iCloud Settings

It is a possibility that your iCloud Settings are the one in the way of getting your iPhone successfully backed up! Just one tiny setting might be preventing your iCloud from successfully backing up your information. To check if your iCloud Setting is the culprit, simply follow these steps:

    • Open Settings
    • Tap on your name, which is usually found at the top of the page

check icloud settings

    • Proceed to tap on iCloud
    • Scroll down to see if the iCloud Backup option is toggled On. If not, this is the culprit.

check icloud settings to fix icloud backup failed

    • If iCloud Backup isn’t turned on, tap on it to turn it ON.
    • Proceed to attempt to back up your device.

enable icloud backup

The backup should now go on smoothly without any hitches. However, if it still doesn’t, you should move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Checkout Your Network and Network Settings

It may be the simplest of things that will act as the much-needed solution or check to tackle the iCloud backup failed issue. It might seem basic, but it is often overlooked by most and is often the culprit of many errors and issues encountered with the iPhone. It is the network, the Wi-Fi connection, and the Network Settings.

For the iCloud backup to be successful, you need to have a stable and fast internet connection and ensure that all the Settings allow for your device to connect seamlessly to the Internet. If this does not happen, not only will the backup not work, but it will most likely affect other apps as well, preventing you from accessing the Internet.

Before you back up, you might also want to make sure that your Internet or Wi-Fi source has no glitches, and that you have a fast Internet connection. This could make all the difference between a successful backup and a failed iCloud backup.

So how do you fix this error? You can do this by resetting the Network Settings (once you are done checking if your Wi-Fi connection is properly configured) on your iPhone by following these simple steps:

  • Tap on the Settings App
  • Proceed to select “General” option
  • Swipe down to find the “Reset” button, and select it.
  • Tap on the Reset Network Settings option
  • You will be required to enter your passcode for security reasons. Enter your code and confirm the Network Reset.

reset network settings to fix icloud backup failed

Your network connection should now be as good as new! If this still does not solve your problem, proceed to the next method.

Note: Before you forward with resetting the Network Settings, you must save your network Wi-Fi/cellular data details such as ID/password, VPN/APN Settings etc. This is important as going through this process will refresh all the information.

Solution 3: Sign Out and Sign In Back

This is an underrated fix for many problems with many devices, a simple sign out and sign in can fix whatever the problem was. To do this, simply follow this simple procedure:

  • First of all, open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Tap Accounts & Passwords at the bottom of the screen. You might have to scroll down to see the option.
  • Scroll to the bottom of “Accounts & Passwords” screen and tap Sign Out.
  • A confirmation screen will show up, asking to confirm you signing out of your account. Proceed with the Sign Out.
  • Sign back into your account by entering your Username and Password.
  • Lastly, attempt to back up your device once more. If the issue has been solved, your backup will go on without a hitch. If not, proceed to explore the other possibilities of the error enumerated below.

sign in icloud account again

Solution 4: Update iPhone:

If the last backup could not be completed then it is advisable to update your iPhone device. Thus to update the device follow the simple steps mentioned here:

  • Go to Settings
  • Click on the General option
  • Then visit Software Update, that’s it.

update iphone to fix icloud backup failed

Updating the software of your iPhone will help you to get out of iCloud won’t backup issue.

Part 4: An Alternative Way to Backup your iPhone: Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

Now, to avoid any hassle with further iCloud backup failed issue, you do have a wonderful alternative. This third party software will act the best solution for your device backup process and that too without any data loss.

The software we are talking about has been specially designed to cater to your backup and restore needs for iPhone. Additionally, it ensures data safety. Well, your guess is right we are talking about the Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) which will make the back process quite smooth and significantly fast to complete.

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Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

Backup & Restore iOS Data Turns Flexible.

  • One click to backup the whole iOS device to your computer.
  • Support to backup Social apps on iOS devices, such as WhatsApp, LINE, Kik, Viber.
  • Allow to preview and restore any item from the backup to a device.
  • Export what you want from the backup to your computer.
  • No data loss on devices during the restore.
  • Selectively backup and restore any data you want.
  • Supported iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X and former that run iOS 17 and former.
  • Fully compatible with Windows 10 or Mac 14.
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

Simply follow the procedure below to backup iPhone:

    1. To begin with, download and install the Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

backup iPhone with Dr.Fone

    1. Thereafter, open the software after installation, then connect your iPhone to your PC, and choose Backup

connect iphone to computer

    1. This piece of software allows you to select the stuff that you want to backup, such as Images, Videos, Call History and so on. You have the full liberty of choosing what you want to keep and what you don’t want to keep. Once you have finished selecting the stuff you want to backup, click on the backup button at the bottom right corner of the screen.

select supported file types

    1. Wait for the backup process to complete, and you’re all done!

iphone backup completed

  1. Due to its flexibility, Dr.Fone also allows you to view and check the contents of each backup you have made, as well as the categories of the backup. You can choose a single file or split into multiple files to make them export to the PC or to print it.

That was it! Wasn’t it easy and super smooth to backup all your iPhone data successfully?

Thus, we hope your concern over iCloud/iPhone backup failed due to less storage space or any of the other reasons mentioned above now will get resolved. Moreover, if the other methods fail, you can go with Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) and keep it as your alibi as one of the best iCloud backup alternatives.

Alice MJ

staff Editor

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