Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Using iTunes
• Method 2 of 2: Using iCloud
• Tips
• Warnings

In this article, we are going to show you how to back up iPad data using iTunes or iCloud.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using iTunes

1. 1 Launch iTunes on your computer. Click on the multicolored musical note icon.
   • If a window opens asking you to update iTunes, do so, and then restart your computer.
2. 2 Connect iPad to your computer. To do this, plug the large plug of the tablet charging cable into a USB port on your computer, and the small plug into the iPad charging port.
   • We recommend using the charging cable that came with your tablet (although any compatible cable can be used).
3. 3 Click the iPhone-shaped icon. You'll find it in the upper left corner of the iTunes window (above and to the right of the Music sidebar).
4. 4 Click Create Copy. It's in the Backups section in the middle of the page. The process of copying the iPad data to your computer begins.
5. 5 Disconnect iPad when the backup process is complete. You can follow the progress of the process on the progress bar at the top of the iTunes window; when the process ends, the indicator will disappear.
   • The backup may take 60 minutes depending on the amount of data.

Method 2 of 2: Using iCloud

1. 1 Launch the Settings app on the iPad. Tap the gear-shaped icon on the home screen.
   • If you have standard iCloud storage and your iPad has more than 5GB of data, you won't be able to back up.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Luigi Oppido

   
   
   Computer technician Luigi Oppido is the owner and technician of Pleasure Point Computers, a computer repair company in Santa Cruz, California. Has over 25 years of experience in computer repair, update, data recovery and virus removal. He has also been broadcasting the Computer Man Show for over two years! at KSCO in Central California.

   Luigi Oppido
   Computer technician

   If you don't have a computer, you will have to create an iCloud backup. Standard iCloud storage capacity is 5GB. This capacity will be used if you back up your photos, but the capacity will not be consumed if you copy contacts, notes, and emails to the vault. Also, the storage capacity can be increased for a fee. If you have a computer, back it up with iTunes for free.

   
   
2. 2 Scroll down and tap iCloud. It's in the middle of the settings page.
3. 3 Scroll down and tap Backup. It's near the bottom of the page.
   • If you're not signed in yet, enter your Apple ID email address and password, and then click OK.
4. 4 Move the slider beside iCloud Copy to the right. It turns green, which means the iPad is ready to be backed up using iCloud.
5. 5 Tap OK.
6. 6 Click Create Copy. It's at the bottom of the screen. If iPad is connected to a wireless network, if you are signed in and if there is enough free space in iCloud, the backup process will begin.
7. 7 Wait for the copying process to complete. It will take from one minute to half an hour, depending on the total amount of backed up data and the speed of your Internet connection.

Tips

• The iCloud backup will only start if the iPad is connected to a power source and wireless.

Warnings

• If your iCloud capacity isn't enough, use iTunes to back it up.