Backing up via iCloud VS. plugging into my Mac?

[stanw]

I always get messages that I do not have enough iCloud space to backup my iPad and iPhone.

1. Can I completely backup everything by just plugging the devices into my Mac instead of doing it over iCloud?
2. Is there any advantage to do doing it over iCloud vs. plugging it in other than convenience of not having to plug it in?

Thanks.

 

[mcmanus7]

IMO if you have a iPhone running 9.1 making a physical backup is a very very wise choice.

Previously I never had any issues with iCloud backups... Went through many restores with no issues, no lost data. Ever since 9.1 it's a complete mess. App data isn't backing up, Photo's are not fully restoring, complete disaster!

These issues do not seem to be present in physical backups within iTunes.

When you plug your phone in iTunes will open, you will have to unlock your phone (key code), then "trust" the computer. Then there's a section where it will ask you if you want to make a local backup.

 

[Phil A.]

If you want a full local backup including health data you must enable the encryption option for backups in iTunes

 

[whodatrr]

Trust, but verify.

I've also had some recent issues with iCloud. I've had corrupted snaps, which have cause me to lose data. iCloud is good, but I always trust local more. And on the issue of local, I've also had corrupted backups with time machine (lost the entire volume once). So, I usually have two local copies, with Time machine. Disks are cheap, but my data is worth much more than the hardware it loves on.

Multiple copies of everything, ideally both on and offsite.