[Full Comparison] iPhone Sync VS Backup: Which is Better?

Want to know things about iPhone sync vs backup? Find answers in this passage! And you can use the professional Aomei FoneBackup to easily back up iPhone data to PC.

Kathy

By Kathy / Updated on September 11, 2024

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Syncing and backing up an iPhone are both ways to keep your data safe in the cloud. However, some users often mix up these two different operations.

But do not worry, this article will tell you all the differences between these two options.

What is iPhone sync?

iPhone sync is a feature that allows you to keep your content up to date across your devices, including your iPhone, computer, and other mobile devices. You can use syncing to:

· Update your device: Sync your iPhone to the latest iOS software
· Back up your data: Back up your device data to your Mac or iCloud, and then restore it if needed.
· Transfer content: Sync content like music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, photos, contacts, and calendars between your iPhone and your computer.
· Control what's transferred: You can control what content is transferred to your device.
· Sync wirelessly: Set up syncing so that your devices sync automatically when they're connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

How to sync iPhone data

If you need to sync iPhone data, you can use iTunes or iCloud to make it efficiently.

Option 1. iTunes

On a Mac, you can use Finder or iTunes, depending on the macOS version. On a PC, you can use iTunes or the Apple Devices app. You can sync items automatically, or you can drag items to your device manually.

sync with iTunes

Option 2. iCloud

You can use iCloud, Apple Music, or similar services to keep your content in the cloud so you can access it on your iOS or iPadOS devices when you aren't near your computer.

You can also choose which apps to sync by going to Settings, tapping your name, tapping iCloud, and then turning on the apps you want to sync under Apps Using iCloud.

What is iPhone backup?

An iPhone backup is essentially a duplicate of the data stored on your iPhone, encompassing settings, applications, and various data.

This backup serves multiple purposes, such as transferring your information to a new device or recovering data in case of device damage or data loss post an update.

How to back up iPhone data

To create a backup of your iPhone, you can use iCloud, Finder or Aomei FoneBackup.

Option 1. iCloud

Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi, then navigate to Settings > Your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Additionally, you can back up your WhatsApp conversations and media through iCloud. In case of insufficient iCloud storage, additional space can be purchased.

Option 2. Finder on Mac

Link your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable, then launch Finder and choose your phone. For added security, you can select the Encrypt local backup option to encrypt your data before clicking on Back Up Now.

To access your backups, you can open Finder or the Apple Devices app, connect your device, and access the Manage Backups option under the General tab.

back up iPhone with Finder

Option 3. Aomei FoneBackup on Windows

To back up your iPhone data on Windows, the professional iPhone data backup software - Aomei FoneBackup will help you a lot!

You can fully back up all iPhone data on PC or selectively back up photos, videos, music, contacts and messages as you like.

iPhone sync VS backup: Which is better?

Syncing is more dynamic, meaning you can manage almost every piece of data, while backing up is static. It's a file that stores data that you can't browse or access directly.

With syncing, you can sync through icloud.com, which allows for more flexible and manageable backups. You can transfer data from one device to another. This is why both exist, so you don't have to choose one over the other.

Synced information can also serve as a form of backup. This means that if some content isn't stored in a backup but is synced, when you restore your device, sign in with your Apple ID, then re-enable syncing. Data will gradually sync back to your phone.

Users can choose whether to sync or back up their iPhone data based on their needs.

These are all about iCloud sync vs backup. If you need a professional tool to back up your iPhone data instead of iCloud/iTunes, you can keep on reading to get more details.

How to backup iPhone to PC via the professional tool🔥

When you need to back up iPhone data on PC, Aomei FoneBackup will be the best choice!

FoneBackup
Handy iPhone Data Backup Software
  • Back up unlimited iPhone files on Windows PC.
  • Fully back up iPhone data in one click as you like.
  • Selectively back up photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, etc.
  • Easily change backup storage path to back up iPhone to NAS, USB, etc.

Now you can follow the guidance below to get how to back up iPhone data on Windows 11/10/8/7.

Step 1. Launch Aomei FoneBackup > Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable > If asked, tap Trust on iPhone to continue.

Step 2. Go to Phone Backup > Choose Full Backup and click Get Started to continue.

full backup

💡 Tip: You can choose Selective Backup to selectively back up iPhone photos, videos, music, contacts and messages.

Step 3. If needed, you can check the Enable Backup Encryption option to protect your private data such as Fitness records, Health and Keychain > Choose Backup Storage Path to change the backup location on PC > Click Start Backup.

start fully back up iPhone

💡 Tip: If you need a way to back up WhatsApp to PC, Aomei FoneBackup can also help you a lot! Just go to WhatsApp Manager and click Backup WhatsApp to make it.

Conclusion

From this passage, you can know all things about iPhone sync VS backup. 

  • If you need to sync iPhone data, you can use iTunes or iCloud to make it.
  • If you need to back up iPhone, you can use iCloud, Finder or Aomei FoneBackup to finish the process.

For people who need a useful way to back up iPhone data on PC, Aomei FoneBackup will be your good helper. You can use it to fully back up all iPhone data, selectively back up photos, videos, etc. or back up WhatsApp (Business) data in one click!

Kathy
Kathy · Editor
Kathy is an editor of AOMEI FoneBackup, who is professionally trained and guided in mobile backup and data transfer, as well as skilled in solving iOS-related issues. She enjoys traveling, and finding relaxation in being close to nature. She is also enthusiastic about engaging in social activities and spends much of her free time with her friends.