All devices are susceptible to issues, and having a backup can make the difference between smoothly recovering your files and losing valuable data.Backing up your iPadis just as crucial as backing up your computer.Here are three methods to ensure your iPad's data is safely backed up.

How to Use iTunes to Back Up iPad

If you regularly sync your iPad with iTunes, then you already have a great method for backing it up.Follow these steps to back up your iPad with iTunes:

1. Connect the iPad to a computer using a USB cable.If iTunes doesn't open automatically, open it.

2. Tap theiPad icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window to open the iPadSummaryscreen. 

   

3. In theBackupssection, selectThis Computer.

   Optionally, selectEncrypt local backupto generate a backup that includes account passwords, and data from the Health and HomeKit apps.This backup is password-protected.

4. SelectBack Up Nowto make a backup.

   

5. Verify the backup is complete by checking the date underLatest Backup.

6. In theOptionssection, selectAutomatically sync when this iPad is connected.
   

How to Back Up an iPad Wirelessly With iCloud

iCloud is the best way to back up your iPad without iTunes. This works wirelessly and automatically, so you can just charge your tablet and forget about it. All the backed-up data is stored securely in your iCloud account. Here's how to turn on iCloud backup:

1. Open theSettingsapp.

2. Tapyour name.

3. SelectiCloud.

   

4. TapiCloud Backup.

   

5. Tap the toggle next toBack Up This iPadto turn on automatic backups. To trigger one right away, tapBack Up Now.

   

Third-Party iPad Backup Software

If you want a complete backup of everything, you need third-party software. The same programs that transfer music from an iPad to a computer can also, in most cases, create a complete iPad backup. How you do that depends on the program, but most back up more data, apps, and music than iTunes and iCloud.

Syncios and iMazing are some examples of desktop apps that can back up an iPad.

How Should I Back Up My iPad?

We recommend iCloud because it's secure and easy to forget about (which is good, in this case). However, you might prefer to use iTunes or a backup utility from a different company if you don't have room on iCloud or you'd rather have a local backup.

iTunes Backup

If you're familiar with iTunes, then you can't go wrong using it to back up your iPad.

However, this method doesn't back up all your music. Instead, it contains pointers to where your music is stored in your iTunes library. You should, therefore, back up your iTunes library some other way if you want to protect your files. library. Forexample, use an external hard drive or manually copy your music to a free online file storage website

This option also doesn't back up your apps (just some app data). Apple removed apps from iTunes, but you can re-download apps from the App Store at any time at no cost directly from the iPad.

iCloud Backup

This is what most people should choose because it's uncomplicated. Just toggle it on and your iPad will get backed up routinely and automatically.

However, iCloud only comes with 5 GB of free storage. If you need more, you have to pay for it. It's easy to buy additional iCloud storage if you need it; you can get as much as 12 TB!

Your iCloud backup contains your photo library, documents, messages, ringtones, accounts, home configuration, and settings. It does not back up data already stored in iCloud, including Contacts, Calendars, Bookmarks, Mail, Notes, voice memos, and shared photos.

Backing up over iCloud includes app data for your apps, including third-party games, texting apps, social media apps, and Apple-made apps that don't sync with iCloud. You can re-download any of your apps free from the App Store.

Like iTunes, music isn't included in an iCloud backup, but you do have options:

• Music that was purchased through the iTunes Store can be re-downloaded.
• Music you got elsewhere can be restored from a different backup (if you have one) or from the original source, such as a web-based service.
• For $25/year, iTunes Match adds every song in your iTunes library to your iCloud account for later re-downloading.

Third-Party Apps

Unsurprisingly, Apple's recommended backup methods for an iPad doesn't include third-party apps. But, if you don't like iTunes or don't want to install it, and your iCloud storage is too full, this is your only option. If you pick this method, make sure the software is well-received by other users.