Have you got a new iPad and setting it up? Are you upgrading to the latest iPhone model? One of the first and most common tasks is transferring data between Apple devices.
You have two options when you want to transfer everything from an old iPhone to a new iPhone. One is iCloud, and the other is iTunes. These methods have their pros and cons. This guide will help you choose the right method of transfer according to your needs.
Understanding iCloud
Apple’s iCloud is a cloud-based service facilitating data synchronization across devices. The different benefits offered are:
- Wireless convenience
The iCloud service lets users wirelessly transfer data over cellular data or Wi-Fi. This makes the entire process convenient and smooth.
- The backups are automatic
By enabling iCloud in your Apple devices, you are essentially instructing the cloud-based service to automatically have the data backed up. Hence, you don’t have to worry about manually backing up your essential data. All your important data will be updated and synced across your devices.
- Setup is easy, peasy
With iCloud, it is not a hassle to set up your new Apple device. You can sign in with your Apple ID and will be prompted to restore from the cloud backup. Once you confirm you want all the data restored, the process will start automatically.
- Cross-device compatibility
It is not only Apple devices where iCloud works seamlessly. The cloud-based service works perfectly across Windows PCs as well. Hence, this is an ideal backup solution for Apple users.
When is iCloud backup the best choice?
As mentioned, iCloud offers a reliable and simple backup solution. You can use this option for wirelessly backing up your iOS devices. The backups will happen automatically.
This is the go-to backup solution if:
- You like that iCloud automates the backup process
- You appreciate the fact that data can be quickly restored using cellular data or Wi-Fi
- You do own a MacBook computer or Windows computer
With iCloud, you can backup different types of data, including Notes, photos, videos, Calendars, Contacts, bookmarks, Mail messages, and more. You can also enable automatic photo backup.
However, this backup option doesn’t back up movies, music, or TV shows not purchased from the iTunes Store. But if items are purchased from the App Store, iTunes Store, or iBooks Store, they will be synced and backed up.
Understanding iTunes
iTunes (known as Finder on macOS Catalina and later) is a wired, traditional method of transferring data. The advantages are:
- Creates offline backups
This backup option creates offline backups and is an ideal option if you don’t have access to the Internet.
- Backups are encrypted
The backup option encrypts the backup and offers an extra layer of protection for sensitive data.
- Useful for transferring large amounts of data
iTunes is the backup option when you have significant amounts of data to transfer. Compared to iCloud, this solution is capable of handling large backups much more smoothly.
When is iTunes the Best Backup Choice?
This backup solution is the best if:
- You do not want to use iCloud.
- You have to backup and transfer a large amount of data.
- You are on a limited data plan or don’t have access to the Internet.
iTunes can be used as a secondary backup solution with iCloud. iTunes does not create duplicate backups, and all the backups are neatly organized.
Can you Use iCloud and iTunes Together?
Yes, you can use them together. This will provide you with an added level of data backup.
Using one doesn’t cancel out the other. You can use them both simultaneously. When you activate iCloud, iTunes backup doesn’t get disabled. But the automatic backups via iTunes are switched off. A manual backup can be triggered when you need to create one.
All you need to do is plug your iPhone into your computer using a cable. Then, open iTunes and click on your device. Select Manually Backup and Restore option under the Summary section.
If you are using these two options together, you can speed it up by turning off iCloud backup for storing large data. Go to the Settings app > click iCloud > select Storage > click Manage Storage. Then, you can back them up in iTunes.
Wrapping Up
In summation, finding the right transfer method depends on your preferences and requirements. For instance, if you need to backup and transfer large data, iTunes is the best option. But if you want automatic regular backups of your devices so you can transfer everything to your new Apple device, iCloud is the way to go.
Also, your access to the Internet will determine the backup and transfer solution you select. iTunes is a wired method, but iCloud is wireless.
Once you have decided, you can enjoy using your Apple devices without interruptions.
