6 Common Ways to Fix iCloud Backup Says Incomplete

Encounter issues with your iCloud backup showing as incomplete? Delve into this extensive guide for step-by-step solutions. Or you can choose another handy iCloud alternative to back up your iPhone in one-click operation.

Kathy by Kathy Updated May 24, 2024
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Why is iCloud backup says incomplete?

iCloud is a widely used cloud storage service for iOS, macOS, and even Windows users, designed to back up various types of data such as pictures, videos, music, documents, and PDFs. Once data is saved to iCloud, it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Backing up data to iCloud is also a good way to prevent data loss.

However, users may encounter problems when backing up data to iCloud, such as the “iCloud backup says incomplete” issue.

icloud backup says incomplete

This problem can threaten data security on iCloud. To address this issue effectively, it is important to understand why it occurs. Here we outline some common reasons for the iPhone backup interrupted issue.

1. Insufficient iCloud storage.
2. Unstable internet connection.
3. iCloud Backup is not enabled.
4. Outdated system version.
5. Unresolved errors and bugs on your local device.

How to Fix the “iCloud backup says incomplete” Issue

Here are six solutions to handle the incomplete backup issue on iCloud. You can choose the method that best suits your situation.

Solution 1. Get more iCloud storage

If iCloud storage is insufficient, the backup cannot be completed. Check your available storage space:

For iPhone Users: You can go to Settings > Tap your Apple account avatar > Click the iCloud tab to see a bar graph of storage usage.

For Mac Users: You can go to System Preferences > Log in to your iCloud > Click the Apple ID icon and select iCloud in the left navigation pane to see your storage space.

For Windows users, if you want to clear your iCloud storage from your computer, it might be a little complex. Because of the system difference, The iCloud web and client on Windows PC are hard to use. But don't worry, you can use the professioanl iCloud manager - FoneTool to make it.

Advantages:
yes Compared to the frequently crashing iCloud web, FoneTool can always run stably on various Windows systems.
yes Users can easily delete, upload, and download their photos, videos, notes, contacts, and iCloud Drive data through FoneTool.
yes FoneTool uses two-factor authentication to protect your iCloud data which is the same as the encryption used by Apple.
yes Its fast upload/download speed can help you easily finish various iCloud data management tasks.
yes For people who need to switch to another Apple ID, you can easily sync iCloud data from one account to another.

Now you can download FoneTool on your Windows PC and learn from the detailed steps to know how to manage your iCloud data efficiently.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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Step 1. Launch FoneTool > Go to My iCloud > Log in your iCloud account > Choose Manage iCloud to continue.

manage icloud

Step 2. Choose the data you need to delete > Tap on the Delete button to continue > Confirm your choice from the pop-up window and you now can get more iCloud storage .

delete icloud photos

enlightened Notes:
1. If you need to sync iCloud notes, photos, videos, etc. from one Apple ID to another, you can go to iCloud Sync to make it. For more details, just go to this merge iCloud accounts guide.
2. If you find you have space on iCloud but won't backup, you can skip to the next part and choose another professional iPhone data backup tool to back up your data.

Solution 2. Check your internet connection

A poor internet connection can cause incomplete backups. Check and stabilize your internet connection before trying to back up again.

Solution 3. Update your software

Using an outdated iOS version can cause errors. You can choose to update your iOS system to the latest version to solve the issue: Go to Settings on your iPhone > Tap Software Update and then update your iOS system to the latest version.

update software on iPhone

Tip: If you can't update your iPhone, just find solutions in this Fix iPhone/iPad Unable to Check for Update guide.

Solution 4. Reduce the size of backup

Large backup sizes are more prone to issues. Reduce the size of your backup by removing unnecessary data: Go to Settings > iCloud > Backup & Storage > Tap Manage Storage and select your device under the Backup list > Turn off backup for apps you don't need to reduce backup size.

Solution 5. Sign out and sign in to iCloud

Unresolved errors can affect the backup process. You can sign out and sign back into iCloud to make it: Go to Settings > iCloud > Tap Sign Out and then sign back in, then the error might be fixed.

Solution 6. Ask Apple support for help

If none of the above methods work, you may need to contact Apple Support to solve the problem: Visit Apple Support online > Select your device for specific help.

Alternatively, you can call Apple Support at 800 915 904 from 8:00 to 19:45 for assistance.

Better iCloud alternative: How to back up iPhone without iCloud

Except for the iCloud backup errors, you may also encounter other iCloud issues during the usage. And iCloud's wireless backup method may be affected by the poor internet connection, especially when you need to back up multiple large files. Then the professional FoneTool will offer another useful way to help you easily make it.

Highlights:
yes Fast backup speed allows you to easily back up lots of data in a very short time.
yes Stable & safe USB connections help you efficiently finish all backup tasks and your data will not be leaked.
yes Flexible backup methods allow you to fully back up iPhone or selectively back up photos, videos, contacts, etc. as you like.
yes Wide compatibility lets FoneTool can support various iPhone models and iOS versions, including the latest ones.

Step 1. Download and launch FoneTool on your computer > Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 2. Go to Phone Backup > Choose Full Backup and click Get Started to continue. (If need, you can also choose Selective Backup to back up iPhone without photos.)

fully back up iPhone

Step 3. If you need to encrypt your private data, you can enable Backup Encryption > Change backup location from the Backup Storage Path option > Click Start Backup to begin the task.

begin fully back up iPhone

Once the process is completed, you can go to My Backups to view, delete or restore your backup.

restore backup

Conclusion

Now you can know how to fix the iCloud backup says incomplete issue. Hope these 6 ways can solve the problem efficiently. If you need a better iCloud alternative to back up your iPhone data, you can use FoneTool to accomplish the task. Its wired and safe connection will help you finish the backup tasks in a very short time.

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  • iOS 18 Compatible
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