Pick The Best Way to Backup your iPhone without iCloud

Essentially, you can backup the iPhone on your PC without using iCloud with apps like AltTunes, iTunes, etc. Your iOS device can also be backed up by other cloud service providers like Google.

This guide will explore multiple methods, including Finder, iTunes, Google Drive, and AltTunes, an app designed to simplify iPhone backups and data transfers. We consider local device backups to be the safest, fastest, and most reliable way to store data, mainly when the device contains many photos and videos that usually consume most of its memory.

Why Choose an Alternative Backup Method Instead of iCloud?

While iCloud is a convenient backup option, it has its limitations:

• Storage Space: Free iCloud accounts come with just 5GB of storage, which can fill up quickly.
• Privacy Concerns: Some users prefer to keep their iPhone data offline.
• Flexibility: iCloud doesn’t offer full control over backup files or easy access to specific data.
• It's not a perfect backup: iCloud doesn't restore your apps, so you'll have to download and reinstall them.
• It doesn't save personalization: iCloud backup won't restore your wallpaper, control center adjustments, etc.

For these reasons, many users look for alternative ways to back up iPhone files without iCloud.

Method 1: Use AltTunes for Local iPhone Backups

AltTunes is a powerful app that simplifies iPhone to computer backups without relying on iCloud or iTunes. It’s designed for users who want complete control over their iPhone files.

Steps to Back Up iPhone Using AltTunes:

Step 1: Download and install AltTunes

AltTunes is easy to install on Windows. If you ever felt like you couldn't add songs to your iPhone or export them from your iPhone to PC, our duo of WALTR and AltTunes has got you covered.

After the download is completed, just install AltTunes like any other regular app and activate your free trial by requesting a trial code to your email.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone

After installation, open AltTunes and connect your iPhone to your PC. AltTunes recognizes all Apple devices – whether it’s your iPhone, or you need to backup iPad, or iPod, or maybe you need to transfer iPhone to iPhone, it treats each the same.

So, connect your device, and AltTunes should automatically detect your iPhone. If it’s a first-time connection, your iPhone may ask you to trust the computer or to enter your security pin, which we kindly ask you to do in order to go ahead with the next steps.

Step 3: Get familiar with AltTunes

Once connected, navigate AltTunes’ user-friendly interface to see which files you can back up or move. If you need to share music from your iPhone to your PC or transfer contacts without iTunes, you can select individual files, photos, or videos to back up without running a full backup each time.

Step 4: Start the backup process

To initiate a full backup, choose the storage location on your PC and click “BACK UP NOW.” Make sure both devices stay connected to avoid interruptions. AltTunes quickly transfers everything – photos, contacts, export contacts from iPhone, messages, and more – directly to your PC.

Make sure your iPhone and Windows PC are plugged in together to prevent transfer interruptions. A few blinks later, you’re done! That was easy, wasn’t it?

Let’s take a look at the alternative methods to initiate a backup.

Method 2: How to Backup iPhone Without iCloud Using Finder (macOS Catalina and Later)

If you’re using macOS Catalina or a newer version, Finder has replaced iTunes for iPhone backups. Here’s how to use Finder to back up your iPhone:

1. Connect Your iPhone to Mac: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open Finder: Select your iPhone from the sidebar under “Locations.”
3. Select Backup Option: Under the “General” tab, choose “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.”
4. Encrypt Local Backup (Optional): Check the box to encrypt your local backup for added security, then set a password.
5. Click Back Up Now: Finder will start backing up your iPhone data. The backup file will be stored locally on your Mac.

Method 3: How to Back Up iPhone via iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and Earlier)

If you’re on a PC or running macOS Mojave or earlier, you can use iTunes to back up your iPhone. Follow these steps:

1. Install iTunes: Download iTunes from the Microsoft Store.
2. Connect Your iPhone: Use a USB cable to link your iPhone to your PC or Mac.
3. Access iPhone in iTunes: Click the iPhone icon in the top-left corner.
4. Choose Backup Settings: Select “This computer” under “Backups.”
5. Encrypt Backup (Optional): To secure sensitive data, check “Encrypt local backup” and set a password.
6. Start the Backup: Click “Back Up Now.” Your backup file will be saved locally on your PC or Mac.

Method 3: Back Up iPhone Data to Google Drive

Google Drive provides a cloud-based alternative to iCloud. If you still want to rely on internet services for backups here’s how to use it:

1. Download Google Drive from the App Store: Install the app on your iPhone.
2. Sign In: Log in with your Google account.
3. Backup iPhone Data: Open the app, go to “Settings,” and select “Backup.” Choose the data categories you want to back up, such as contacts, calendar, and photos.

While this method won’t create a full iPhone backup, it’s a great way to store essential files without using iCloud.

Restoring Data from Backups

Once you’ve created a backup, you may need to restore your iPhone at some point. Here’s how to do it:

• Using Finder or iTunes: Connect your iPhone to your computer, open Finder or iTunes, and select “Restore Backup.” Choose the desired backup file and follow the prompts.
• Using AltTunes: Open AltTunes, select the backup file and choose the data you want to restore. You can transfer files directly to your iPhone without overwriting existing data.

Ready to Back Up Your iPhone Without iCloud?

Backing up your iPhone doesn’t have to rely on iCloud. With options like Finder, iTunes, Google Drive, and AltTunes, you can protect your iPhone data in a way that suits your preferences. Whether you want to back up data to your computer, restore files to a new iPhone, or free up storage space, these tools make it easy.

Cheers!✌🏼

FAQ