How to Backup iPhone without iTunes Manually or Automatically

As we all know, iTunes is a powerful media player to play and organize digital multimedia files including music, movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and more. It is also an iOS backup tool that allows you to backup iPhone, iPad to your computers.

However, many users complain that iTunes cannot backup specific files and errors like "iTunes doesn't recognize iPhone" always happen. But how can we backup iPhone when iTunes is unavailable? This guide will show you safe and quick ways to backup iPhone without iTunes.  

How to backup iPhone without iTunes via iCloud

Normally, iCloud is the first choice for you to backup iPhone when iTunes is unavailable. It is free (for 5GB space), and reliable enough. You can backup the contents on iPhone manually or automatically via iCloud.

Backup iPhone without iTunes via iCloud manually

Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to a Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. Go to Settings > [your name], and tap iCloud. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, please go to Settings, then scroll down and tap iCloud.

Step 3. Tap iCloud Backup and make sure it is turned on. If not, set up iCloud backup first. If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier, just tap Backup.

Step 4. Tap Back Up Now and wait until the backup process completes. After backup, you'll see the date and time of your latest backup.

Backup iPhone without iTunes via iCloud automatically

To let iCloud automatically backup iPhone without iTunes, here is what you need to do:

• Make sure you have turned on iCloud backup.
• Connect your iPhone or iPad to a Wi-Fi network.
• Connect your iOS device to a power source.
• Make sure you have enough available space in iCloud for backup.
• Make sure your iOS device’s screen is locked.

Then iCloud will automatically backup iPhone when these conditions are met. And you can check the time and date of your last backup.

How to backup iPhone without iTunes via CopyTrans

CopyTrans is an easy solution to transfer music, videos, music videos, audio books, ringstones, voice memos, playlists, etc., from iPhone, iPad and iPod to PC or iTunes. And it also offers Smart Backup and Manual Backup. But the backup process could take quite a while to complete. So you’d better backup iPhone when you have plenty of free time.

Download CopyTrans for free trial on PC

Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC and then open CopyTrans.

Step 2. There are two backup options for you to choose.

If you select “Smart backup”, click “Start backup” to backup iPhone or iPad to PC without iTunes in one click.

If you select “Manual backup”, click “iTunes” or “Folder” to select a location for backup.

Step 3. Click “Start backup” and wait for it to finish backup process.

How to backup iPhone without iTunes via iPhone Cleaner

For Mac users, you also can backup iPhone without iTunes and iCloud by using a tool like Cisdem iPhone Cleaner. As its name indicates, Cisdem iPhone Cleaner is an iPhone cleaning app. But it also offers iOS backup feature allowing you to backup iPhone or iPad to Mac in one click with fast speed.

• It can help you backup almost all your important iPhone data to Mac, like music, photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, safari, reminders, etc.
• It also allows you to transfer your iPhone content to external storage devices easily.
• It lets you easily check the backup files on your Mac or transfer the backup contents to iPhone without erasing any existed data.

Free Download macOS 10.8 or later

Step 1. Install Cisdem iPhone Cleaner on Mac and open it. Connect your iOS device to your Mac.

Step 2. After the app detects your device, navigate to “Backup”.

Step 3. This app provides for 11 categories based on your needs. Switch the icon to select which one left on your local files. Then click “scan” button to backup them to Mac without iTunes.

Which method is suitable for you to backup iPhone without iTunes?

The above comparison table can help you decide which one is much more suitable for you to backup iPhone without iTunes. In my opinion, iCloud is great for us to backup iPhone online, but it is only 5GB free. If you need to pay for extra space, it is costly. I’d prefer one-time payment app. You can choose the method you like.