iPhone Backup/restore questions

[chris4565]

Hi,

So I just cracked the back glass of my iPhone X... Dropped it on concrete in an underground garage. The good thing: I have AppleCare+. The Apple support told me that because the back glass is broken (also some damage on the stainless steel border) the device doesn't directly get repaired at an Apple Store and instead I will get a replacement device. Sounds good so far.

The Apple Support told me that before sending my cracked device back I should
- Backup device
- Sign out of iCloud
- Delete all data/reset device

I know that there are multiple ways to back up/restore but I'd like to know what would be the most reliable way to perform the whole "backup old device and get data onto new device" process:
- Backup via iCloud
- Backup via iTunes
- The new transfer to a new iPhone option which is available since iOS 12.4

Also is there any pitfalls I should avoid in this whole process or any tips I should know?

Thanks very much in advance
Chris

 

[Fantasigraphic]

I use iCloud as I’m not always around a computer to use iTunes. IN MY OPINION Do the iCloud backup (make sure it completes), sign out of iCloud and erase all contents from old phone. Then when you get new (refurbished) device all you have to do is select Restore from iCloud backup option when setting up your new phone.

 

[nippyjun]

I would backup to iCloud and iTunes.

 

[chris4565]

Thanks for your answers. When I restore the device would it be more reliable to restore over iTunes compared to via iCloud or via iPhone to iPhone transfer?

Also in order to get everything set up on the new phone 100% like it was on the old one is there anything that I will have to do after the restore or will everything get restored (including settings (also 3rd party settings), position of app icons etc.)?

 

[Khorn]

Depending on your internet connection, fastest way will be using iTunes.
Be sure to make an encrypted backup, otherwise data like health, saved passwords etc get lost.

On the new device turn on iCloud backup or do regular backups with iTunes. You won't be always lucky to get data of a damaged device.

Edit:
App positions and most of the 3rd party settings will carry over.
In some apps you have to log in again.

 

[Jjayf]

Depending on your internet connection, fastest way will be using iTunes.
Be sure to make an encrypted backup, otherwise data like health, saved passwords etc get lost.

On the new device turn on iCloud backup or do regular backups with iTunes. You want be always lucky to get data of a damaged device.

Edit:
App positions and most of the 3rd party settings will carry over.
In some apps you have to log in again.

This for sure. Just don’t forget the password like I did, once you have an encrypted backup on iTunes and want to encrypt backup again, there is no way to do that without the original password.

 

[chris4565]

Thanks to all of you for your help 👍

 

[newellj]

I would backup to iCloud and iTunes.

Echo this. I would do at least two of the three and one would be a local backup with iTunes. Make SURE that the iTunes backup is encrypted and then protect it by archiving it. -> Also make sure that Your iCloud sync settings are turned on for ALL apps, especially Health, Keychain and (if you care) Messages, and give your phone at least 24 hours to sync that data if it was not previously set to sync.

 

[newellj]

Thanks for your answers. When I restore the device would it be more reliable to restore over iTunes compared to via iCloud or via iPhone to iPhone transfer?

Also in order to get everything set up on the new phone 100% like it was on the old one is there anything that I will have to do after the restore or will everything get restored (including settings (also 3rd party settings), position of app icons etc.)?

I can’t speak to the new transfer function. I can tell you that although in theory iCloud and encrypted iTunes backups are identical, I have had corrupted iCloud backups and having a encrypted iTunes backup saves the day in that situation.

Nearly everything will come over identically. You will have to reinitiate FaceID and reauthorize the cards in the Wallet. You will also need to download all of your Apps, which might take a little time. The backup saves app data but forces a reinstall of the app, probably to make sure you have the most recent versions. A couple of other cautions:

- if you have a Watch, make sure you back it up to the iPhone by unpairing it before you make your final iTunes and iCloud backups.

- don’t panic if initially your Health, Activity and other iCloud synced data isn’t on the new phone, the sync to the new phone can take 24 hours or more if you have a lot of data in Health and Activity.

 

[chris4565]

Okay, that sounds good. I guess I'm well prepared then, thanks again everyone for your help.