Fix iPad not Backing up: Expert iCloud and iTunes Solutions

“I cannot backup iPad to iCloud even after so many attempts. Can someone tell me how to fix the iPad not backing up to iCloud problem?”

Lately, we have got a lot of queries like this from people who are not able back up their iPad to iCloud or iTunes alike. Although Apple has come up with different ways to back up our iPad, it can be a bit tedious at times. If your iPad will not backup, then there could be all kinds of reasons for this. In this post, I will help you diagnose this problem and would also provide various ways to fix the iPad won’t back up issue in detail. Let’s begin!

Part 1: How to Fix iPad not Backing up to iCloud issue?

You might already know that Apple provides a free space of 5 GB to every iCloud user that can be used to back up their data. Though, if your iPad is not backing up to iCloud, then you can consider these fixes.

Fix 1: Turn on iCloud backup

Firstly, you need to make sure that the option of iCloud Backup should be enabled on your iPad. For this, go to its iCloud Settings > Backup and turn on the iCloud Backup option. You can take an immediate backup here or set automatic schedules for it.

Fix 2: Make sure there is space in iCloud

As you know, Apple only provides 5 GB of free storage for every iCloud account that can easily get exhausted. If the iPad will not backup to iCloud, then go to the iCloud Settings > Storage feature on your iPad. From here, you can check if you have enough space in your iCloud to begin with.

Fix 3: Connect to a stable WiFi network

Needless to say, to upload your iPad backup, your device should be connected to a stable internet connection. You can enable its WiFi feature from the Control Center or just go to its Settings > WiFi. If your iPad won’t back up, then please ensure that your device is connected to a stable WiFi network from here.

Fix 4: Reset your iCloud account

Chances are that there could be an issue with the iCloud account that is linked to your iPad. If your iPad will not backup to iCloud after following the above fixes, then go to its iCloud settings. Scroll down to sign out from the iCloud account and confirm your choice. Wait for a while after that and log-in to your iCloud account again to reset it.

Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

Lastly, if there is an issue with your iPad’s network, then consider this fix. Just unlock your iPad and go to its Settings > General > Reset to reset its network settings. Once you tap on the “Reset Network Settings” button, you would have to enter iPad’s passcode to confirm it. Now, wait for a while and let your iPad be restarted with default network settings.

Part 2: How to Fix iPad won’t Back up to iTunes problem?

Apart from iCloud, a lot of users also complain that their iPad is not backing up on iTunes. In this case, I would suggest the following solutions for troubleshooting the iPad will not backup issue.

Fix 1: Restart your iPad

The easiest solution to fix the iPad not backing up problem would be restarting the device. For this, just press the Power (wake/sleep) button and swipe the power slider to switch off your iPad. After that, wait for a while and press the Power button again to turn on your iPad.

Fix 2: Update your iTunes

If you haven’t updated iTunes in a while, then your iPad won’t back up due to compatibility issues. To fix this, just go to its Menu > Help and click on the “Check for Updates” button. This will check for the latest update for iTunes and will launch a click-through wizard to update it.

Fix 3: Fix the Apple USB drivers

If the iPad is not backing up to iTunes on a Windows system, then I would recommend this. From its start menu, launch the Device Manager application on the system. Once it is launched, expand the USB Controllers option and check if the Apple driver is installed or not. You can also right-click and choose to update the Apple USB driver from here.

Fix 4: Delete the existing backup

Sometimes, a clash with an existing iTunes backup can also cause the iPad won’t back up problem. If your iPad will not backup after these solutions, then consider deleting the existing backup files. You can launch iTunes and go to its Menu > Edit > Preferences. Now, go to the Devices section and just delete the previously saved backup files from here.

Fix 5: Update your iPad

If it has been a while since you updated your iPad, then you can get the iPad not backing up issue due to a compatibility problem with iTunes. To fix this, just go to its Settings > General > Software Update and check the available stable iOS version for it. Just tap on the “Download and Install” button under the available iOS firmware to update your iPad.

Part 3: Alternative Method to Back up your iPad: MobileTrans

As you can see, taking an iPad backup to iCloud or iTunes can be complicated at times and there are so many things we need to take care of. If your iPad is not backing up to iCloud or iTunes, then I would recommend a better alternative, MobileTrans. With just a single click, you can back up your entire iPad or simply select what you wish to save. The application can take a backup of your media files, documents, notes, Safari data, and so much more to the system. Later, you can even restore this backup to the device of your choice.

Step 1: Launch MobileTrans

To use this application, just install MobileTrans on your system and launch it. From its home, select the “Backup&Restore” module and open it.

Step 2: Select what you wish to back up

Now, using a working cable, just connect your iPad to the system and let the application detect it. In no time, you can see your iPad’s snapshot and the list of various data types that you can back up. From here, you can just select what you wish to back up from your iPad to the system.

Step 3: Backup iPad to the computer

That’s it! After making the appropriate selections, just click on the “Start” button and wait as MobileTrans will complete the process. After successfully taking your iPad backup, it will notify you so that you can safely remove your iPad from the system.

I’m sure that after reading this guide, you would be able to solve the iPad not backing up to iCloud or iTunes issue. As you can see, I have come up with 10 different fixes for iPad won’t back up that you can easily implement. If that won’t work, then you can just give MobileTrans a try, which is an ideal alternative to iTunes/iCloud backup. It provides a user-friendly and fast solution to back up your iPad and would later restore it to the same or any other device.

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Axel Nash

staff Editor