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Back up what you'd hate to lose
A second copy of your photos and files, kept somewhere safe, so a lost, broken, or stolen device never takes your memories with it.
First, which device?
Open your name at the top of Settings
Open Settings, tap your name at the very top, then tap iCloud.
ScreenshotThe top of Settings showing your nameTurn on iCloud Backup
Tap iCloud Backup and switch it on. Your phone now backs itself up overnight whenever it's charging on Wi-Fi.
ScreenshotThe iCloud Backup switch turned onMake sure Photos is included
Back on the iCloud screen, switch on Photos so your pictures — the irreplaceable part — are copied too.
ScreenshotThe Photos switch on, under iCloudGlance at it once a month
A 30-second check that it's still running is all the upkeep it needs.
ScreenshotThe "last backup" date on the iCloud Backup screen
Open Backup in Settings
Open Settings and scroll to Backup (often under System or Google), and tap it.
ScreenshotThe Backup screen in Android SettingsTurn on Google One backup
Switch on Backup by Google One. Your phone's data now copies itself to your Google account.
ScreenshotThe "Backup by Google One" switch onTurn on Google Photos backup
Open the Google Photos app, tap your picture, and switch on Backup. Now your photos are saved too.
ScreenshotGoogle Photos "Backup" turned onGlance at it once a month
A quick check that backup is still on — that's the whole job.
ScreenshotThe backup status in Google Photos
Open OneDrive
Click the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock (or search OneDrive in the Start menu) and sign in with your Microsoft account.
ScreenshotThe OneDrive cloud icon near the Windows clockChoose your folders to back up
In OneDrive settings, turn on backup for your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. Those folders now copy to the cloud on their own.
ScreenshotOneDrive's "Manage folder backup" screenGlance at it once a month
Open OneDrive and confirm it says your files are up to date.
ScreenshotOneDrive showing "Your files are up to date"
Pick your backup
Two good options: iCloud (open System Settings → your name → iCloud) for photos and key files, or Time Machine with an external drive for a full copy.
ScreenshotSystem Settings showing iCloud and Time MachineTurn it on
For iCloud, switch on iCloud Drive and Photos. For Time Machine, plug in the drive and click Back Up Automatically.
ScreenshotTime Machine set to back up automaticallyGlance at it once a month
Confirm the last backup date looks recent — that's all.
ScreenshotTime Machine's last-backup date
If your screen looks a little different, don't worry. Look for the words "Backup," "iCloud," "Google One," or "OneDrive" — that's what you're turning on.