How To Solve iCloud Backup Error with 7 Easy Solutions

You can create an iCloud backup to store a copy of important files and folders from your iOS device. This can prevent data loss by adding a substitute copy of all the information. It’s easy to do iCloud backup by connecting your device to power and WiFi overnight. 

But if things don’t always run smoothly, you might encounter an iCloud backup error while creating the backup. The backup problem mostly happens due to a poor internet connection. But, there are also some other factors that can lead to this iCloud backup error. 

You need potential solutions and various other ways to fix this error at the earliest. So, let’s start.

Most Evident Causes of iCloud Backup Error

  • Network connectivity or power issues.
  • Lack of iCloud storage left on your devices. 
  • Incorrect iCloud settings or iOS settings. 
  • Something went wrong while signing to your iCloud account. 
  • A problem with the iOS update.
  • Your Apple ID isn’t synced with your iCloud account. 
  • Your device running an older version of iOS.
  • A malfunctioning iOS device. 

7 Solutions to Eliminate iCloud Backup Error

You can remove this error by anyone of the following fixes. Otherwise, you can proceed through this section sequentially.

Solution 1: Restart the Device

A simple restart can fix the ongoing issues on the iOS device. Therefore, restart your device by using the following steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and select ‘iCloud.’
  2. Tap the ‘Storage and Backup’ menu and uncheck the ‘iCloud Backup’ option. 
  3. Press and hold the Power button on your device and move the toggle to switch off. 
  4. After a few seconds, turn on the device by holding down the Power button. 
  5. Open the Settings app again and go to iCloud.
  6. Select ‘the ‘Storage and backup’ option and enable ‘iCloud Backup’.
  7. Now, try to back up the files and see whether you are getting any error or not. 

Solution 2: Reset the iCloud Account

This method will help to fix the issues prevailing in your iCloud account. 

  1. Go to Settings and choose the ‘iTunes and App” Store. 
  2. Select your Apple ID and tap the ‘Sign Out’ button. 
  3. Restart your device as we have discussed in the previous method.
  4. Sign in to your iCloud account and backup the files in your device. 

Solution 3: Delete the Old Backup iCloud Files

The backup process can fail if there is an accumulation of backup files on iCloud. Thus, you need to delete the previous files so that they don’t conflict with the new files. 

Use the following steps to delete the old backup iCloud files. 

  1. Open the Settings app and navigate to the ‘Storage and Backup’ section. 
  2. Tap the ‘Manage Storage’ option to get the list of your old backup iCloud files. 
  3. Tap the ‘Delete Backup’ button and wait until the files are deleted. 
  4. After deleting the files, retry your iCloud backup. 

Solution 4: Upgrade the iOS Version

You need to upgrade the OS to fix any abrupt error within the system that is preventing you to proceed with the backup process. So, follow the steps given below:

  1. Go to Settings, navigate to the ‘General’ section and tap ‘Software Update’.
  2. If the latest version of iOS is available, then select the ‘Download and Install’ option to upgrade your device. 
  3. You will get a confirmation message after updating your iOS device. 
  4. Now, sign in to your iCloud account and backup your device. 

Solution 5: Reset Network Settings

Reset all the network settings of your device to restore all saved WiFi passwords, network settings, and more. Most probably it will fix the error associated with iCloud backup. 

  1. Launch the Settings app and select ‘Reset’ under the ‘General’ tab. 
  2. Select the ‘Reset Network Settings’ option and enter the passcode set for your device. 
  3. Confirm your choice on the resulting popup and let your device start with the default network settings.
  4. Enable iCloud backup to see whether it works or not. 

Solution 6: Reset the iCloud Settings

There is a possibility that iCloud backup error can occur if the iCloud settings are misconfigured. Hence, reset iCloud settings to rule out this probability by following these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top and select iCloud. 
  2. Enable the ‘iCloud Backup’ option and save the changes. 
  3. Remain on the Settings app and choose ‘Accounts and Passwords’ at the bottom of the screen. 
  4. Tap the ‘Sign Out’ button on the confirmation screen to proceed. 
  5. Enter your username and password and tap the ‘Sign In’ button.
  6. Now, try to back up the contents on your device and check the condition. 

Solution 7: Backup Phone Content Using iTunes

If you can’t fix the error by using any of the above solutions, then use iTunes to back up the contents on your device, as explained under. 

  1. Connect your iOS device to a computer using a USB cable. 
  2. Launch iTunes on your PC and click the ‘Automatically Backup’ option. 
  3. Select ‘This Computer’ and click the ‘Back up now’ button. 

If you follow the aforesaid solutions carefully, then you won’t have an issue to fix the iCloud backup error any further.