Backing up iPhone

[puckhead193]

When I got my iPhone 5 my iMac didn't support the newest version of iTunes so I never backed up my iPhone.

Now fast forward almost 2 years. My iPhone's lock button is wearing out and I want to get it replaced through Applecare. If I plug my iPhone into my mac pro, what will happen? Will iTunes automatically erase my iPhone and I'll loose my contacts and photos?

 

[puckhead193]

no one has ever backed up an iPhone before?

 

[lelisa13p]

Speaking as a PC user, before plugging your device into the cable, you can open iTunes and find the setting that says the equivalent of "Do not automatically sync when device is connected" and make certain that an automatic sync won't happen. You want to be able to start iTunes, plug your iPhone into the cable and then choose to Backup your device.

In the Windows version of iTunes, after your device is plugged into your computer, a summary screen shows along with the name of your device also listed in a column on the left side of iTunes. To the right of the device name is an arrow that, when right-clicked, drops down a menu from which you can choose Backup This Device. That's what you want to do, protecting your current info and only making a backup set.

I don't know how Mac behaves but it can't be all that different, right?

 

[FoxFifth]

In addition to doing a backup via iTunes or iCloud I would strongly recommend that you import your photos to a computer http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4083
You can do that and still leave them on the phone if you like.

I would also recommend that you sync the contacts either via iCloud or iTunes.

 

[Weaselboy]

Speaking as a PC user, before plugging your device into the cable, you can open iTunes and find the setting that says the equivalent of "Do not automatically sync when device is connected" and make certain that an automatic sync won't happen. You want to be able to start iTunes, plug your iPhone into the cable and then choose to Backup your device.

In the Windows version of iTunes, after your device is plugged into your computer, a summary screen shows along with the name of your device also listed in a column on the left side of iTunes. To the right of the device name is an arrow that, when right-clicked, drops down a menu from which you can choose Backup This Device. That's what you want to do, protecting your current info and only making a backup set.

I don't know how Mac behaves but it can't be all that different, right?

Yep... it is the same on the Mac version. That don't auto sync is in iTunes prefs under the devices tab.

 

[Smith2000]

iTunes will provide you the option of what to do with the phone when you plug it into your mac. Read the options carefully and you should be fine. Do it with a free appointment at an Apple store or bribe someone in your IT department at work with coffee/beer for help if you're nervous about it.

When I got my iPhone 5 my iMac didn't support the newest version of iTunes so I never backed up my iPhone.

Now fast forward almost 2 years. My iPhone's lock button is wearing out and I want to get it replaced through Applecare. If I plug my iPhone into my mac pro, what will happen? Will iTunes automatically erase my iPhone and I'll loose my contacts and photos?

 

[magilla]

iTunes will provide you the option of what to do with the phone when you plug it into your mac. Read the options carefully and you should be fine. Do it with a free appointment at an Apple store or bribe someone in your IT department at work with coffee/beer for help if you're nervous about it.

The OP said his version of iTunes wouldn't support his iPhone. I'm assuming (maybe faultily enough) that the same situation continues now. In that case, they'd be far better off backing up their Fone to iCloud through a WiFi connection. (I do the same when I'm not around my computer but want to do a backup.) And yes, when I first got my eyeFone, the helpfuls @ a local Apple Store set me up with a free iCloud account and showed me how to do it using the WiFi connection.

 

[Weaselboy]

The OP said his version of iTunes wouldn't support his iPhone. I'm assuming (maybe faultily enough) that the same situation continues now. In that case, they'd be far better off backing up their Fone to iCloud through a WiFi connection. (I do the same when I'm not around my computer but want to do a backup.) And yes, when I first got my eyeFone, the helpfuls @ a local Apple Store set me up with a free iCloud account and showed me how to do it using the WiFi connection.

It sounds like what he is saying is his old iMac did not support the current iTunes, but his current Mac Pro does, so not he wants to sync/backup.

 

[magilla]

It sounds like what he is saying is his old iMac did not support the current iTunes, but his current Mac Pro does, so not he wants to sync/backup.

Oops ...my bad. Missed the "Mac Pro" part. (Function of old brains.)

 

[Weaselboy]

It sounds like what he is saying is his old iMac did not support the current iTunes, but his current Mac Pro does, so not he wants to sync/backup.

Oops ...my bad. Missed the "Mac Pro" part. (Function of old brains.)

Well... at least you can type.

 

[magilla]

Well... at least you can type.

And READ too. Funny story about my new iFone. Just graduated from old LG flip phone but was quickly frustrated by tiny keyboard when composing text messages. When I first got my new Fone I also picked up a copy of David Pogue's excellent iPhone book. Read some of it - but not all. While browsing through it a week or so ago, I was in the text messaging section & ran across where I could SPEAK text copy instead of tiny-typing it. Marvelous! Also read where new A7 chip actually "expands" the "landing area" of certain keys after others have been pressed. Like the E A I & O after having typed "th". Wonderful use of technology.