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How to Backup iPhone without iCloud

Josh Brown
Josh Brown
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Backing up your iPhone is important.

Look, our greatest memories, apps, photos, music, and documents are nowadays bundled into one spot: our iPhones. Bad things can happen. You may lose your iPhone, someone might take it away from you, or it simply falls out of your hand and, boom, breaks.

Backup iPhone Without Icloud Interface

With all of our important data in one spot, we have a handy little data storage device, but being a mobile phone with day-to-day usage, it is also fragile. Now, let’s find out more about iPhone backups.

Let’s examine what backup stores are and how to perform that action with Apple's integrated backup method and a pro tool called AltTunes. Then, let’s jump right into it!

What a backup stores: Apple backup vs. AltTunes

Comparing two different backup methods might raise the question: Why should I even bother? Isn't the iCloud backup already great enough? Well, it depends on your needs.

If you want the fastest and pre-configured backup, then you should go for Apple iCloud. But if you seek more manual control, AltTunes is your way.

Down below, have a look at factors separating each backup method, mentioning different functionalities and the type of data getting backed up:

Apple iCloud

AltTunes

App Data

Messages

Apple Watch Backups

Whatsapp

Device Settings

Photos & Videos

Home Screen & App Organization

Music

iMessage, SMS & MMS

Ringtones

Photos and Videos

Books

Purchase History from Apple Services

Browser History & Settings

Ringtones

Phone

Visual Voicemail Password

Settings

 ❌

Contacts

 ❌

Calendar

 ❌

Apps

 ❌

Home Screen & Organization

 ❌

App Data

Check out everything AltTunes has to offer!

Step 1: Download and install AltTunes

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AltTunes is easy to install on Windows, offering a simplified alternative if you simply can't add songs to iPhone due to some bugs with iTunes. Download and install AltTunes like any other app.

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AltTunes

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After the download is completed, just install AltTunes like any other regular app! 

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.

To clear things up from the beginning, AltTunes doesn’t differ whether you connect an iPhone, iPad, or even an iPod. Basically, every Apple device gets treated the same way. Do you have an iPad? Go ahead and connect that!

Alt Tunes Connect

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.

If you’re having trouble, don’t give up yet, we may have a solution to help you out if you’re having connection problems with your iPhone. Click on the link down below for some troubleshooting.

Click here to solve connection issues!

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.

You can back up your iPhone manually by clicking through all of the different sections on the left sidebar and selecting and exporting files individually. This can be very helpful if you just want to export certain files, pictures, or videos so you don’t have to go through the whole backup procedure every time.

Alt Tunes Apps

On the other hand, though, the option of making a full backup is a lifesaver for preparing yourself for a worst-case scenario of data loss. AltTunes is doing a great job providing one of the most flexible and fastest backup methods for iPhones, which you’ll be guided through in the following. Navigate to the left top corner of AltTunes. Next, simply click "Backup,” and you'll see the screen shown in the screenshot below. 

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.

Backup iPhone Without Icloud Alttunes

Make sure both your iPhone and Windows PC are plugged together, preventing transfer interruptions. 

Few blinks behind and you’re done! That was easy, wasn’t it?

Let’s take a look at the second method to initiate a backup. Let’s talk about iCloud!

How to Back up with iCloud

iCloud will automatically back up your device when it’s connected to the AC & Wi-Fi. That being said, it will auto-perform an update while you sleep, so you don’t have to bother about manual backups. Make sure to switch on iCloud backup in your settings like:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click on your device name. 
  3. Click on iCloud > toggle iCloud backup to on
  4. Done! 

Make sure you have enough iCloud storage available at any given time. Otherwise, the backup may not be performed!

Hopefully, we were able to help you out with this one. Choose wisely when backing up, and make sure your iPhone is always plugged into AC while doing so!

Cheers!✌🏼

FAQ 

How do I back up my iPhone to a Windows PC?

You can back up your iPhone to a Windows PC using AltTunes. Simply install the app, connect your iPhone, and select the “Backup” option. AltTunes allows you to choose specific files or perform a full backup, ensuring your data is secure on your PC.

What is the difference between iCloud and manual backups?

iCloud backups are automatic and occur when your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and AC power, while manual backups using AltTunes offer more control. With AltTunes, you can choose specific files to back up or perform a full backup directly to your computer.

Can I back up apps and photos from my iPhone to a PC?

Yes, AltTunes allows you to back up apps, photos, and other data from your iPhone to your PC. You can manually select the data types you want to export, making it a flexible solution for safeguarding your files on a Windows machine.

What’s the easiest way to back up an iPhone without iTunes?

The easiest way to back up your iPhone without iTunes is by using AltTunes. This app simplifies the process and allows you to back up or transfer files directly to your PC without needing iTunes, offering a user-friendly alternative.

How can I ensure my iPhone is backed up regularly?

You can ensure regular backups by enabling iCloud backup in your settings, which automatically backs up your iPhone when connected to Wi-Fi. Alternatively, use AltTunes for manual backups on your PC, allowing you to control the process and back up specific data when needed.

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Get AltTunes to browse iOS backups, extract SMS messages, and export music, videos, & photos to a folder on your computer.

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