Sync and backup from iPhone to Mac

[pedzsan]

As much of my iPhone that can be in iCloud is... i.e. my Documents, Music, Messages, etc. are all on iCloud. So, the past few years I've been pretty lax about backing up my iPhone to my Mac. But, I'm wondering if that is wise. I don't think any critical data is just on my iPhone but the question is, how big of a pain would it be if my iPhone got lost or stolen? As far as I can figure, I would lose all of my "settings", the list of all of the apps I have installed and possibly their settings and saved files -- which I don't know how much that is.

So, one option is to let the iPhone attach via Wi-Fi to the Mac whenever it is in range. I use to have that set but now I don't. And then the next option is to automatically sync. But is sync the same as backup? I never quit understood the difference between the two.

What is the general advice for this?

 

[CharlesShaw]

Since iOS is constantly evolving, I always consult the user guides to see what's changed. This link covers the two methods.

Backup methods for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

A backup allows you to copy and save the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you replace your device, you can use a backup to transfer your information to a new device.

support.apple.com

 

[aihpcfl]

There are two different things here, correct? Sync'ing to the cloud and backing up to the cloud. Settings are backed up when the device is set to backup to iCloud, as well as app data, etc.

I see two main considerations: Do you have room to backup to your Mac? Is there a reason you don't want to use the cloud, such as cost? The only time I have ever backed up to my Mac was once when I reinstalled the OS.

I sync everything to the cloud that can be sync'd and I do backup daily to the cloud.

The way I look at it, I'm not concerned about switching devices or having to restore to a new device without having the old device. Additionally, I would not backup to my Mac and relay solely on that.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I don't think any critical data is just on my iPhone but the question is, how big of a pain would it be if my iPhone got lost or stolen?

It depends on the person and the circumstances. If you have no current backup (perhaps because the Mac method is temperamental or whatever) and your iPhone died on a leisurely day at home when you had nothing planned, it would be less pain than if it happened away on vacation, or on an evening before an important work day. It's easy to forget just how much we use our phones for. You set up a new phone without a backup, and on your way out the door you realize that you forgot to download your transit app or your Uber app, and yeah, I've done just that.

I recommend iCloud backups.