If you need to factory reset your iPhone, Apple recommends backing up your iPhone. This ensures important information (like contacts and preferences) are saved to the Apple cloud. This information can be retrieved at a later time—which is useful if you're planning to swap devices.
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It's best to back up your iPhone over WiFi. If you try to back up your phone over the cell network, it will take much longer and may not complete.
The backup process recommended by Apple is handled using the iCloud app. Once your phone is connected to WiFi, open the iCloud settings.
Scroll down a bit and tap iCloud Backup on the screen that loads. To initiate the backup process, select Back up now.
The amount of time it takes to complete the backup depends on how much data you're storing as well as network speeds. Make sure your iPhone stays connected to the wireless network for the entire backup process.
You can also backup your iPhone using iTunes. You will need a USB cable for this process.
At the Apple Keynote at WWDC 2018, Apple announced the Shortcuts app for iOS. Yet, many Apple iPhone users don't use the Shortcuts app or don't know what it's all about.
