Why you still haven't made a backup
You know it. That nagging voice in the back of your head. "When was the last time I backed up?" Your Mac is full of years of work, photos, and documents. Your iPhone holds your entire digital life. Yet you do nothing with it.
But here's what no one tells you: the problem isn't your laziness or forgetfulness. The real problem is that you think backup systems are complicated. That you have to buy all sorts of external drives and cables first. Or that you spend hours setting them up.
Nonsense. Apple has already solved this for you with Time Machine and iCloud—systems so smart they practically run themselves. You just have to wake them up. And yes, even your AirPods settings are carried over. Within five minutes, everything is set up automatically. Forever.
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhones for reliable iCloud backups
- Refurbished MacBooks with Time Machine support
- External accessories for backup storage
Why automatic backups are essential
Your digital life is made up of thousands of photos, documents, notes, and app settings. A hardware malfunction, theft, or a simple accident can wipe everything out in an instant. Yet, most people rarely back up. The reason? They think it's complicated. Or they simply forget.
Apple solved this problem years ago. Both iCloud and Time Machine work completely automatically once you've set them up. You literally never have to think about it again. The system simply runs in the background.
Set up iCloud backup for your iPhone
Your smartphone's automatic backup works via iCloud. This cloud-based system makes a copy of your most important data every night. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection and sufficient iCloud storage.
Activate iCloud step by step
- Open Settings on your phone
- Tap your name at the top
- Choose iCloud
- Scroll to iCloud Backup
- Turn on the switch
- Tap Back Up Now for an initial backup
The first backup usually takes longer. Expect 15 to 60 minutes, depending on how much data you have. After that, everything happens automatically when your device is charged overnight.
What exactly is stored?
iCloud doesn't store everything. For example, apps themselves aren't included—you can redownload them for free. However, the following are stored:
- App data and settings
- Photos and videos (if iCloud Photo Library is turned off)
- Purchases from iTunes and App Store
- Ringtones and voicemail
- Health and activity data
- HomeKit configuration
- Passwords in your keychain
Configure Time Machine for Mac
The backup system for your computer works a little differently. Time Machine requires an external drive to store your data. This can be a USB drive, a NAS, or a Time Capsule.
Choosing the right disk
A good backup drive has at least twice the capacity of your computer's internal storage. If you have a Mac with 512 GB, choose a drive with at least 1 TB. Time Machine saves not only the current state but also previous versions of files.
Set up Time Machine in five minutes
- Connect the external drive via USB or Thunderbolt
- Open System Settings
- Click on Time Machine
- Click Add Backup Disk
- Select your disk and click Use Disk
Your Mac will immediately begin the first backup. This may take a few hours, but you can continue working. The system uses intelligent prioritization so you won't be interrupted.
Enable encryption
When adding a backup drive, you'll have the option to enable encryption. This is highly recommended. Without encryption, anyone with physical access to the drive can read all your files. With encryption, your data is safe, even if stolen.
Choose a strong password that you won't forget. If possible, write it down and keep it in a safe place. Without this password, you won't be able to access your backups later.
Troubleshooting common problems
iCloud storage is full
Apple gives you 5 GB of free storage by default. For most users, this is insufficient. You have three options:
- Buy extra storage : For a few euros per month you get 50 GB or more
- Disable Photos : Use Google Photos or another photo backup service
- Selective backup : Disable backup for apps with large data files
Time Machine backup failed
Sometimes Time Machine refuses to create a backup. This is usually due to one of these reasons:
- Disk is full : Clean up old backups or use a larger disk
- Disk not formatted correctly : Use Disk Utility to format as APFS or Mac OS Extended
- Sleep Mode : Make sure your Mac doesn't go into sleep mode during the backup
- Corrupt files : Restart your Mac and try again
Best practices for secure backups
A good backup system involves more than just the technology. These tips will help you stay truly secure:
Test your backups regularly
Make it a habit to check your backups monthly. For iCloud, check the date of your last backup in the settings. For Time Machine, click the clock icon in the menu bar.
Use multiple backup methods
Never rely on a single backup method. Combine iCloud with a local Time Machine backup. Or use a cloud service like Backblaze or Dropbox in addition to Time Machine. Redundancy is your best friend.
Keep one backup externally
A backup in the same building as your computer doesn't protect against fire or burglary. Therefore, regularly save a copy in a different location. This could be a drive at a family member's home or a cloud service.
Document your setup
Write down which backup systems you use and where everything is located. Also, write down passwords (in a password manager) and other important information. In the event of a disaster, you'll know exactly what to do.
Conclusion
Setting up automatic backups takes just five minutes. After that, you won't have to think about it for years. Both iCloud and Time Machine work completely independently in the background.
All you need to do is occasionally check if everything is still working. Schedule a recurring appointment in your calendar. Once a month is more than enough.
With this setup, you're protected against virtually any digital disaster. Whether it's a broken phone, a stolen laptop, or simply a mis-pressed delete key, your data is safe and always retrievable.
Enable your backup today
Your digital life deserves better protection than just "I'll do it tomorrow." With iCloud and Time Machine, you can have a self-running system up and running in five minutes. No hassle with cables or complicated software—Apple has it all covered.
Whether you have a refurbished iPhone or a MacBook , the backup options are the same. Enable it today, check everything monthly, and you'll never have to worry about that nagging question again.
