How To Fix iCloud Backup Could Not Be Completed?

Learn Effective Solutions To Fix iCloud Backup Cannot Be Completed Error Message On iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch!

Overview: In this tutorial guide you are going to learn some of the effective solutions that will help you to fix iCloud backup could not be completed issues on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Just read the article and follow the solutions.

After going through various forum and community websites I have found that there are many iOS users are encountering with the following iCloud backup errors:

• “The last backup could not be completed”
• “iPhone Backup Failed – you do not have enough space in iCloud to backup this iPhone”
• “There was problem enabling iCloud Backup”
• “The last backup could not be completed because iCloud contains a backup from a newer iOS version”
• “The last backup could not be completed because of poor network conditions”

For iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with iCloud automatic backup configured, the iOS device will automatically backup to iCloud every evening when connected to Wi-Fi. This process gets completed without any problem. But sometimes, you will notice that iCloud Backup settings display the error message saying “The last backup could not be completed” or you may also see the notification backup failed error when you try to manually backup iOS device to iCloud.

For example, you can have a look at real user’s practical scenario mentioned-below!

Practical Scenario: A User Automatic iCloud Backups Fails On iPhone and iPad

That was just one example, similarly, there are many iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users out there encountering similar kind of errors and problems.

We all know that how much important regular backups are, this error message can be irritating and distressing, but you don’t need to worry about it. Fortunately it can be solved with a few simple troubleshoot tips and tricks.

Also Read: How To Restore iPhone From iCloud Without Resetting

Below find out the solutions to fix iCloud Backup could not be completed on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

The below mentioned solutions is applicable to all models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that includes iPhone XS Max/XS/XR/X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6S/6S Plus, iPhone 6/6 Plus, iPhone 5/4/3GS, iPad Pro, New iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPod touch 3/4/5/6 running on iOS 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 or earlier version.

Note: Since your iCloud backup is not working properly, it is highly recommended that you must first backup your iOS device data to computer before performing any of the solutions mentioned-below. The backup will help you to restore it back in case if anything goes wrong.

Solution 1: Restart Your iOS Device And Try Again

This is the very first solution that you must try before trying anything else. The easiest troubleshooting is to reboot your iOS device and when its boot back again, then try again to backup to iCloud.

Here follow the steps to reboot iOS device & backup to iCloud:

• Press and hold Home + Power button together until you see the Apple logo notifying that the reboot has occurred.
• Allow it to boot up again as usual. Make sure that your iOS device is connected to Wi-Fi network when it boots up.
• Once you device boots up successfully, go to Settings > iCloud > tap “Back Up Now”. It should work now.

This solution has solved the issue for many users after iCloud backup have repeatedly failed with automatic backups. A simple restart is usually needed to fix this issue and get iCloud backups working again. Only you have to make sure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi network connection is strong, a weak or poor connection can often be the reason for the occurrence of this error message.

But if your problem is not resolved by this solution, then you must try other solutions.

Also Read: Top 4 Ways To Transfer Data From Old iPhone To iPhone XS/XS Max/XR

Solution 2: Sign-Out And Then Sign-In Back And Try Again

Just like the above steps, sometimes a simple restart help to fix the problem. Similarly, a simple sign-out and sign-in back can help to reset the backup phase and fix the problem.

To sign-out from iCloud, go to Settings > iCloud. Now scroll down to the bottom, you can see the Sign Out option.  Simply tap on it to Sign Out.

Once you have signed out, you can now sign-in again and setup iCloud on your iOS device. Now try to manually backup your iPhone/iPad or iPod touch to iCloud. It should work without any issue or error. If not then follow other solutions.

Solution 3: Reset Network Settings Or Try Another Wi-Fi Network

iCloud backup has a close relation with Wi-Fi network. If the error occurred due to device Wi-Fi connection, then you can reset the network settings and try again fresh.

To do this, go to Settings > Reset > Reset Network Settings (this remove all the Wi-Fi networks, it means that you have to connect with them again).

If resetting network does not fix the issue for you, then you should try iCloud backup on another Wi-Fi network. Make sure that Wi-Fi network works properly, have strong network and has enough bandwidth for uploads.

Also Read: [Fixed] iPhone Stuck At ‘Attempting Data Recovery’ On iOS 11/10

Solution 4: Check If Your iOS Device Is Updated [If Not, Update It]

This is another solution that you can check if your iOS device software is up-to-date or not. If it is not, then you must update your device’s iOS. Though this solution does not guarantee that it will help you to fix your iCloud backup problem, but it could be possible that the update might fix bugs, hence keeping your device updated could make your iCloud work properly.

Here follow the steps to update iOS:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General.
• Tap Software update.

Now wait for the device to see if there is any update available or not. If any update is available, then you need to update your iOS to latest version.

During the update process, make sure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi. It is also suggested that you must first backup your device before iOS update.

Solution 5: Delete Old iCloud Backup Files

Since, iCloud create multiple backups on the device you are using and other device which are linked to your iCloud account. Hence, it is possible that certain errors sometimes may pop-up due multiple backup files and the number of different device is linked.

So, to fix ‘iCloud backup could not be completed’ error message, you should delete old iCloud backup file and then try again to backup device iCloud.

Here follow the steps to delete old iCloud backup files:

• Go to Settings > iCloud > Storage > Manage Storage.
• Click on your Device Name and select the backup or backups that you want to remove.
• Click on “Turn Off & Delete”. This will delete the backup(s) present on the device that you have selected.

Once you have deleted old iCloud backups, you can then try to backup your device to iCloud. I hope you will not see the error “the last backup could not be completed” or “iPhone backup failed not enough space in iCloud”. Further, you can always Turn ON the iCloud Backup from your general iCloud Settings menu.

Also Read: How To Recover Deleted or Lost Data From iPhone 6/6 Plus

Fix Different Error Messages While Backing Up Your Device With iCloud Backup

As I have earlier mentioned at the beginning of the article that people face different error message while they back up their device with iCloud.

So here learn different solutions for different problems that you experience or the error message you see while backing up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iCloud.

1. When Your Device Won’t Automatically Backup

In order to allow your device to automatically back up every day to iCloud, here what you need to do:

• First of all make sure that iCloud Backup is turned ON. Go to Settings > Your Device Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and see if it is turned ON or not. If not then turn it ON.
• Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi network that is working properly.
• Plug-in your device to a power source.
• Make sure your device’s screen is locked.
• Finally make sure that there is enough storage space available in iCloud for the backup.

Beside automatic backup, you can also manually backup your iOS device with iCloud from your Setting Menu. Go to Settings > [Your Device Name] > iCloud, scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Make sure that iCloud backup is turned ON and then tap on “Back Up Now”.

2. When Your Device Shows That There Is Not Enough iCloud Storage

“Not Enough iCloud Storage” – This error message appears when there is not enough iCloud storage is available to backup.

Note: The available storage space in iCloud is different than your available storage space on your device.

So, here what you can do to fix iCloud not enough storage:

• Upgrade your iCloud storage plan.
• Make selective backup. You can select what you want to backup. Select fewer apps to backup or delete unwanted videos and photos.
• Delete old iCloud backups that you don’t require any more.

Also Read: [Problem Fixed]: iPhone Deleting Photos By Itself

3. When Your Device Shows That There Was A Problem Enabling iCloud Backup

“There was a problem enabling iCloud Backup” – This is another error message that several iPhone, iPad or iPod touch user encounter.

Here what you can do to fix there was a problem enabling iCloud Backup:

• Just wait for 10 minutes and then go to Settings > Your Device Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Make sure that iCloud Backup is turned ON.
• Note: If you see any other kind of error message, then simply follow the steps to fix that error message and try again.
• Go to Settings > iCloud. Tap on your Apple ID and log-in to your iCloud account with your Apple ID password.
• Check if iCloud Backup is available on the Apple System Status page. If it is green then it means that iCloud backup is available.

4. When Your Device Shows That Your Device Is Being Restored

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch says that your device is being restored, then simply stay connected to a Wi-Fi network that is working properly as well as stay plugged-in to power source until and unless the restore process finishes.

Note: The time it takes to create a backup or restore from a backup, completely depends upon the size of your backup and how your Wi-Fi network speed is working.

Also Read: How Can I Recover Deleted or Lost Data From iPhone XS?

Alternative Solution: Backup Your Device Using iOS Backup & Restore

If none of the above-mentioned solutions work for you, then it is time to back up your important data of your device to computer first and then look for solutions to fix the issue such as factory reset your device or restore your device via iTunes hat we’ll show you in Solution 6 and 7 respectively.

There are few alternative available to backup iOS device and apart from iCloud backup there is another Apple alternative and that is – iTunes.

But, apart from iTunes, I will show you a more flexible method to backup iOS device. You can use the world’s most popular and reliable iOS Backup & Restore software. With this software, you can selectively backup your iOS device to computer and selectively restore from backup in case of any kind of data loss scenario.

*Trial version only scans and previews files.
*Trial version only scans and previews files.

Below follow the tutorial to backup iOS device using iOS Backup and Restore software.

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Steps To Backup iOS Device [iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch] To Computer

Step 1: Connect Your iOS Device To Computer

First download, install and launch iOS Data Backup & Restore on your computer and click on “Backup & Restore” module from the available list. Then with the help of USB/Lightning cable connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to computer. The software will automatically detect your iOS device.

For iOS device, iOS Backup & Restore Tool support to backup most of the data types such as photos, videos, contacts, text SMS, social app data (WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, Kik, LINE, etc), voice memos, privacy data and much more. So, in order to back up your iOS device, simply click on “Backup”.

Step 2: Select The Type of Files To Backup

After you click on “Backup”, the software will automatically detect all the file types on your device and then you can select what file types you want to back up. After you select the file types, click on “Backup” button.

You may also click on folder icon that is just placed below the file types to set the destination path for saving backup file as per your requirement.

The complete backup process may take few minutes, depending upon the size of data stored on your iOS device. Then, the software will show all types of supported data such as multimedia, privacy, app data, and other data.

Step 3: View What’s Have Been Backed Up

Once the backup process gets completed, you can click on “View Backup History”, it will display all the iOS device backup history. Now simply click on “View” to see all the data that have been backed-up from your iOS device. You can select one file or multiple file files to print or export them to your computer.

*Trial version only scans and previews files.
*Trial version only scans and previews files.

After backing up your iOS device to computer, you can then follow two more solutions mentioned-below to fix iCloud backup cannot be completed.

Also Read: iPhone Deleting Messages By Itself? Here Is The Real Fix!

Solution 6: Factory Reset Your Device

If nothing seems to work you so far, then your last chance is to restore your device to factory reset.

Here follow how to factory reset your device:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

This will fix the issue, but I recommend you to do full restore – it means that you can reinstall the software on the device, instead of erasing everything on that device. The full restore solution is mentioned-below.

Solution 7: Full Restore Your Device With iTunes

99.9% this solution works as it fully restore your device. Below follow how to do full restore of your iOS device with iTunes:

• Connect your iOS device to computer.
• Launch iTunes and select your iOS device icon.
• Go to Summary tab and hit on “Restore [Device Name]”.
• Confirm “Restore” and allow your device to complete the restore process.

Once restore process finishes, set up your device as new and not from a backup.

Still your problem not solved? Unluckily, I don’t think that there is anything else you can do by your own and now it’s time to visit Apple Store or you can also contact Apple Support for any help. Hopefully, i wish you don’t have to get to that point.

Wrap Up

So, that was comprehensive guide that contains several solutions and information that would definitely help you to fix iCloud Backup could not be completed issues and related problems on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

However, it is also strongly recommended that you must first backup your iOS device data to computer and then follow any-mentioned solutions in this article to fix the iCloud backup cannot be completed error message. You can use flexible iOS Backup & Restore software to back up iOS device to computer.

If you have found this post helpful, then please share it as it might help others.

Max Field

Max Field

Max Field is a founder of recoveriphone-data.com. He is an iOS lover and loves to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions and more related to iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iTunes and iCloud.

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