Everyday Help guideAbout 5 minVerified

Create a temporary iCloud backup when storage is not enough

Use Apple temporary iCloud storage to create a backup for moving to a new device.

Eligible users can prepare a transfer backup even when normal iCloud storage is not enough.

When this helps

Start after purchasing a new device, updating the current device to the latest OS, and confirming your Apple Account details.

STEPS

How to do it

  1. 1

    Open Transfer or Reset

    On the old device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

  2. 2

    Start Prepare for New iPhone

    Under Prepare for New iPhone, tap Get Started.

  3. 3

    Use temporary storage if offered

    If backup is off, choose Turn On Backup to Transfer. If free temporary storage is offered because space is insufficient, tap Continue.

  4. 4

    Confirm the backup finishes

    Wait for the backup to finish. Do not erase the old device until the new device has restored from it.

When you are done

You are done when the Prepare for New Device backup finishes.

Good to know

The temporary backup normally must be restored within 21 days. Do not erase the old device until the restore is complete.

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