How to Fix iCloud Backup Won't Turn on (2021 Update)

It is always a good idea to back up your device. If you are an Apple user, iCloud is a great way to back up your iPhone or iPad. However, you may sometimes find that iCloud backup won't turn on iPhone. When this happens, it can be really frustrating. One question that many Apple users are looking to answer is why won't iCloud backup turn on. The common reasons why iCloud backup won't turn on iPad include:

• Your device iCloud Backup hasn’t been turned on.
• Your device lacks Wi-Fi connection.
• You haven’t plugged in your device into a workable source of power.
• The backup is bigger than the iCloud free storage.
• The device screen is not off.

Top 7 Ways to Fix iCloud Backup Won’t Turn on Issue

Knowing why iCloud backup button won't turn on is not enough. You need to know how to fix this issue. To help you out, we have researched on 7 ways you can use to make your iCloud backup turn on again.

1. Sign Out and Back to Your iCloud Account

Sometimes, the reason as to why your iCloud backup won’t turn on is due to verification issues with your account. Logging out and then logging in can help fix this. But, how do you do it? Follow the steps indicated below:

Step 1: Open the iPhone settings.

Step 2: If your device is running on iOS 10.2 and above, tap the Apple ID, scroll down and tap on Sign Out. If your device is running iOS 10.1 or earlier, tap on iCloud and then Sign Out.

Step 3: Your device will ask you whether you want to erase all settings. Confirm this. You will be logged out from your iCloud account after the confirmation.

Step 4: Use the Apple ID and Password to sign in again. Check if the issue has been fixed.

2. Reset Network Settings

The reason as to why you don’t have the ability to back up your device using iCloud may be as a result of a network issue. To fix this issue, perform a network reset. The following steps will help you reset your network settings:

Step 1: Open your device settings.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Select Reset.

Step 4: Tap on Reset Network Settings.

Step 5: Confirm you want to reset the network settings.

3. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

Since iCloud can back up a large amount of data in a single backup, the backups can only work over Wi-Fi. For this reason, your device has to be connected to Wi-Fi for iCloud backup to work. Here is how you connect to Wi-Fi.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Tap on Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.

Step 4: If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi Password and tap on Join.

4. Update Your Device

iCloud backup may not work if you don’t have the latest iOS system installed. Follow the steps below to update your iPhone:

Step 1: Visit Settings.

Step 2: Select General.

Step 3: Select Software Update to see if any updates are present.

Step 4: If any updates are available, go ahead and update the device. This may take a while, therefore, make sure you have enough battery.

5. Restart You iPhone/iPad

Restarting your iPhone or iPad can help fix the bugs causing your iCloud not to turn on. Here are some simple steps to follow:

iPhone X

Step 1: You will need to press and then keep holding the device Side button together with one of the volume buttons. Wait until a slider appears.

Step 2: Drag this slide to turn the iPhone X off.

Step 3: After the device turns off, youneedpress and keep holding its side button for the second time until you see an Apple logo.

iPad/iPhone 8 and Earlier

Step 1: You will need to press and then keep holding the side (or Top) button until a slide appears.

Step 2: Next, drag this slider to turn off your device

Step 3: When your device turns off, you will have to press and then hold the device side (or Top) button until an Apple logo shows.

6. Factory Reset Your Device

Note that although this method has proven to be both convenient and efficient, it will erase your device data. Therefore, it should come as the last solution if the above solutions fail. To reset your phone, follow the steps indicated here:

Step 1: Launch Settings.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap Reset.

Step 4: Select the option for erasing all settings and content.

Step 5: Enter the Device password to confirm.

7. Manage Your iCloud Storage

Maybe the reason as to why your iCloud backup can’t turn on is because the space available is not enough. To manage your iCloud storage, follow the steps below:

ChecK iCloud Storage Available

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Tap Apple ID.

Step 3: Tap iCloud.

Step 4: Tap Storage to see the space available.

Manage iCloud Storage

Step 1: Tap on Manage Storage.

Step 2: Tap on Backup.

Purchase More iCloud Storage

If there isn't enough storage, you may need to click Delete Backup to create room. If deleting your previous backups is not an option for you, you can choose fewer files to back up. You can also purchase more storage by following the steps below:

Step 1: Tap on Settings.

Step 2: Tap on Apple ID.

Step 3: Click Storage.

Step 4: Go to Manage Storage.

Step 5: Select Change Storage Plan.

An Alternative to iCloud for Backing Up iPhone with iTunes

iTunes is another great backup method that Apple offers its device users. Using iTunes is not hard. By following the simple steps indicated below, you should be able to backup your iPad or iPhone on iTunes in minutes:

Step 1: Open iTunes on your Mac or PC.

Step 2: Connect the device to your computer.

Step 3: Follow the onscreen steps if asked to Trust This Computer or for a passcode.

Step 4: Select your device when it shows on iTunes.

Step 5: To save your Health and Activity information, you have to encrypt the data. Select Encrypt [device] Backup and then create a password you can remember. For other data types, there is no need for encryption. Just click on Back Up Now.

Step 6: To see whether the backup is finished, check the Summary screen.

Conclusion

If your iCloud backup won't turn on iPhone, you can use the 7 methods we have listed in this article to fix it. Try one method and if it does not fix the iCloud backup won’t turn on iPad issue, move on to the next. Apple also provides iTunes as an alternative method for backing up your device data.