To turn on iCloud Backup on your iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup, and turn on Back Up This iPad. Apple says your iPad then backs up every day when it’s connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi. Tap Back Up Now to make a backup right away.
These steps come from Apple’s iPad User Guide page Back up iPad and its support article How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud.
How to Enable iCloud Backup on iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud, then iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPad.
- Tap Back Up Now for an immediate backup. Apple says to stay on Wi-Fi until it finishes.
Result: Apple says the date and time of your last backup appears under Back Up Now. From then on, iCloud backs up your iPad automatically each day when it’s charging, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.
If you previously backed up to a computer, you may see a warning that the device won’t back up to the computer automatically anymore. Tap OK to continue.
What iCloud Backup Saves
Apple says iCloud Backup stores information and settings that don’t already sync to iCloud, like device settings, your Home Screen layout, and app organization. Photos, Messages, and other items that sync with iCloud are kept in iCloud separately. If you plan to delete messages from your iPad after 30 days, save anything important first.
How to Back Up Over Cellular
Apple says that on Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models that support 5G, your carrier may let you back up over cellular. Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn Backup Over Cellular on or off. Backups can use a lot of data, so only turn this on if your plan can handle it.
How to Check or Free Up iCloud Space
- Go to Settings > your name > iCloud. Apple says the storage used and available appears at the top.
- Tap iCloud Backup, then tap This iPad to see the last backup, the next backup size, and the apps included.
- Turn off apps you don’t need backed up to make the backup smaller.
Result: The next backup is smaller. Apple warns that turning off an app also deletes that app’s existing backup data from iCloud. If you get an alert that you don’t have enough storage, Apple says to follow the onscreen steps to buy more. Every Apple Account comes with 5GB of free iCloud storage.
How to Back Up to a Computer Instead
Apple also lets you back up to a computer with a cable:
- Mac: connect the iPad and select it in the Finder sidebar. Click General, select Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac, then click Back Up Now. Apple says this needs macOS 10.15 or later; older versions use iTunes.
- Windows: open iTunes, click the iPad button near the top left, click Summary, then Back Up Now.
- Encrypt it: on either computer, select Encrypt local backup and set a password to protect the backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Back Up Now grayed out?
Back Up Now is gray when your iPad isn’t on Wi-Fi and cellular backup is off. Connect to Wi-Fi and try again.
Why didn’t my iPad back up last night?
Apple says automatic backups need the iPad to be connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi, with enough iCloud storage. If any of those is missing, the backup waits.
Related Guides
- How to check storage on your iPad
- How to set or reset your iPad passcode
- How to reset settings on iPad
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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