iPhone Backup iCloud or iTunes

[IndyBob]

We are changing our wireless carrier and replacing our 10 T-Mobile iPhones with new Verizon iPhones. All of T-Mobile devices are running IOS 9.3.4.

Should I use iCloud backup or iTunes Encrypted backup? iCloud would be easier for us but I want to make sure I am backing up and restoring everything I need like text message and Health data.

Thanks

 

[Mlrollin91]

I prefer to use iTunes encrypted over iCloud because of the time it takes to redownload everything with the iCloud download. If you already have all the app files and whatnot in iTunes, then just use iTunes, its faster. I do keep iCloud backup on so it backups automatically, but right before I know I am going to do a restore, I create an updated iTunes one.

 

[jetsam]

I prefer to use iTunes encrypted over iCloud because of the time it takes to redownload everything with the iCloud download. If you already have all the app files and whatnot in iTunes, then just use iTunes, its faster. I do keep iCloud backup on so it backups automatically, but right before I know I am going to do a restore, I create an updated iTunes one.

Agree 100%. I've read numerous accounts of people having issues with iCloud restores. iTunes restores seem to be much less problematic.
I do automatic iCloud backups, but try to do manual iTunes backups at least twice a week. (Yes, I'm a worrier!)

 

[Mlrollin91]

Agree 100%. I've read numerous accounts of people having issues with iCloud restores. iTunes restores seem to be much less problematic.
I do automatic iCloud backups, but try to do manual iTunes backups at least twice a week. (Yes, I'm a worrier!)

Better safe than sorry! I was more careless with backups before my Apple Watch. Now I don't want to lose my months of workouts!

 

[IndyBob]

Better safe than sorry! I was more careless with backups before my Apple Watch. Now I don't want to lose my months of workouts!

Thanks to all. iTunes it is.

 

[Shirasaki]

In iOS 9, Apple will force downloading all apps from App Store again when restoring, whether you choose iTunes backup or iCloud backup. App thinning something.
This one alone could ruin the entire local restore and disallow you to do a complete offline restore using iTunes only.
I don't have any solution of this problem yet.