Is an iCloud account needed to backup?

[Glennster]

Do I need an xxxxx@icloud.com in order to backup my iPhone to the cloud OR can I use my outlook account to sign up for an iCloud account?
I just have far too many email addresses and want to simplify.

 

[ardchoille50]

You can use almost any email address to sign up for an iCloud account. But, you don't have to use the @me email address if you don't want to.

 

[eyoungren]

Do I need an xxxxx@icloud.com in order to backup my iPhone to the cloud OR can I use my outlook account to sign up for an iCloud account?
I just have far too many email addresses and want to simplify.

You can use almost any email address to sign up for an iCloud account. But, you don't have to use the @me email address if you don't want to.

Just to clarify, you don't need an icloud.com or me address, which is exactly what @ardchoille50 said. But you DO need SOME sort of email address for an Apple ID.

Without an Apple ID there is NO iCloud backup.

 

[ardchoille50]

Just to clarify, you don't need an icloud.com or me address as @ardchoille50 said. But you DO need SOME sort of email address for an Apple ID.

Without an Apple ID there is NO iCloud backup.

So, I take it that my icloud.com and me.com email addresses were implemented as part of my Apple ID? My apologies, I may be confused about this entire thing.

 

[eyoungren]

So, I take it that my icloud.com and me.com email addresses were implemented as part of my Apple ID? My apologies, I may be confused about this entire thing.

That's a good question. Just tested this on my spare iPhone 5 that does not have iCloud set up. I was offered a free iCloud address or to use my current email address.

So…it may have been required in the beginning or defaulted to automatically prompting you to choose an icloud address, but it's no longer the case.

My icloud.com address was created under iOS 6. However, I never really cared to use that address so at some point I entered alternate addresses online. My current Apple ID is based on a non icloud.com address although I still retain the original (icloud.com address) even though I do not use it.

 

[ardchoille50]

That's a good question. Just tested this on my spare iPhone 5 that does not have iCloud set up. I was offered a free iCloud address or to use my current email address.

So…it may have been required in the beginning or defaulted to automatically prompting you to choose an icloud address, but it's no longer the case.

My icloud.com address was created under iOS 6. However, I never really cared to use that address so at some point I entered alternate addresses online. My current Apple ID is based on a non icloud.com address although I still retain the original (icloud.com address) even though I do not use it.

I set up my Apple ID in 2012 and, if I remember correctly, it was required. However, it appears that this has changed since then, so I'm glad you mentioned it. Thank you for that, I'll be sure to remember it when assisting others.

 

[zohaali146]

I came across this iCloud guide, hope this may help you better understand how to backup data with iCloud https://iosappers.com/tutorial/ultimate-icloud-guide-iphone-ipad/