If iCloud said “The last backup could not be completed”, you could refer to this article and figure out what to do when iCloud backup fails.
How to fix "The last backup could not be completed"?
My iPhone has stopped backing up to iCloud. I've signed out, and back in to iCloud; restarted the iPhone; confirmed ample storage on iCloud, and on the iPhone, available storage is slightly greater than "Next Backup Size". Other iCloud services work as expected, and backup to Mac works. This problem appeared one week ago. Why is my backup not completing?
- Question from Apple Community
Apple offers iCloud service for its users, which allows users to store their photos, back up iPhone data in the cloud, and sync data on several devices.
Every iPhone user could get 5GB of free iCloud storage space, and those who have the need to save more data could purchase an extra iCloud storage plan. The iCloud Backup service is quite a good feature, however, some people are complaining about some issues with iCloud Backup.
That’s apparently annoying and upsetting. A large number of users didn’t know what to do when they received the warning “iCloud backup could not be completed”.
But don’t worry, you could find multiple fixes in this article. And prior to that, let’s figure out the reasons behind the iCloud backup issue.
According to Apple and tests, these factors and triggers are potential culprits:
❌ Unsteady/poor network conditions. ❌ Insufficient iCloud storage space. ❌ The iOS software version not being up to date. ❌ iCloud contains a backup from a newer version.
Now you can know why the iCloud backup error appeared, and you can check all these corresponding solutions in the next section to solve the problem.
What to do when iCloud backup fails? Here 4 practicable means are ready to help you. If all processes are too complex for you, you can skip to the next part and choose a better iCloud alternative to back up your iPhone data efficiently.
The iCloud backups are stored in your iCloud storage space. Accordingly, your iCloud backups will fail if the storage space is not big enough.
The 1st course of action, therefore, would be to check whether you still have sufficient space. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > check if you have run out of space.
If so, you could try to free up some space by deleting some unimportant files that are stored in the iCloud. For instance, if you have activated iCloud Photos, deleting some old and useless pictures can be the case.
In addition, you could also change the storage plan by upgrading the storage options. Choose a plan according to your preferences and budget.
If you need to delete your iCloud data on computer, then AOMEI FoneBackup will help you finish the process efficiently.
Just come and download it on your PC and follow the guidance below to get the detailed steps.
Step 1. Open AOMEI FoneBackup > Go to My iCloud > Log in with your Apple ID > Choose Manage iCloud.
Step 2. Click each icon to choose the data you want to delete > Tap on Delete > Click on Yes to confirm your choice.
WiFi connection could be the biggest reason the most of time. WiFi is necessary for iCloud backup, so when your iPhone is using a poor or unstable WiFi connection, you are very likely to get the error “The last backup could not be completed”.
Here are some tricks for troubleshooting.
♦ Reconnect to the WiFi.
Go to Settings > WLAN > turn off the WLAN > activate it again > wait for it to connect the WiFi you were using. Or in WLAN, tap Forget This Network > input the password to connect it.
♦ Try another WiFi.
Try connecting another stable WiFi network to see if there is something wrong with your WiFi but not your iPhone.
♦ Reset the network settings.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings > enter your screen lock password > rest.
Then reconnect the WiFi you were using and try if you can back up to iCloud manually.
Keeping your iOS devices up to date is a good idea because it can avoid some software failures. So when the error “iCloud backup won't complete” has nothing to do with your WiFi network, try updating your iOS software.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
iOS updates sometimes cause errors. Some users have reported that iPhone notes disappeared after the iOS update. So it is recommended to back up your iPhone before updating.
What to do when iCloud backup isn't complete? If all these solutions mentioned above do no help, then perhaps there is nothing wrong with your storage space, network, and iOS software.
Relatively, we could boldly guess maybe the key is on the side opposite to the users – Apple service. Go to the Apple System Status site and check if all the services are working in good condition.
When being bothered by the error “the last backup could not be completed”, users may be upset and anxious. Compared to checking a bunch of stuff and taking a data loss risk to update your iOS, a wise user would prefer using an easier iCloud Backup alternative tool: AOMEI FoneBackup.
It is a professional iPhone backup utility, facilitating users to quickly back up iPhone photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, etc., freeing all users from data loss. Let’s take a look at its shining points.
Now download AOMEI FoneBackup to enjoy its amazing features.
Step 1. Start AOMEI FoneBackup > Connect your iPhone to your computer > Phone Backup > Full Backup > Click Get Started.
Step 2. Choose a path to store the backup file from the Backup Storage Path > If you need to protect your private data Keychain data, Health data, etc, you can Enable Backup Encryption > Tap on Start Backup to begin the task.
Thus, all your crucial data will be protected, and you won’t be bothered by the error. If necessary, you can also choose this tool as a better iTunes alternative to fix the iTunes backup failed not enough space on computer issue.
Next time if you need to restore your backups to your iOS devices, you can go to My Backups and click Restore to make it!
All feasible fixes to the iCloud backup not completed error have been introduced with detailed steps. And in case you may have other problems with iCloud backup, some extra info is ready.
Factors, like iCloud account, WiFi network, power supply, backup content, etc., can cause photos not restoring from iCloud backup.
Check if you have logged in to the correct account and if your iCloud Photos feature is activated. Or you could directly use the iCloud Backup alternative tool – AOMEI FoneBackup.
Users have complained that restoring from iCloud backup takes too long and restoring from iCloud backup not working.
To settle this, you could check if you have entered the correct passcode; and then, check if you have enough storage space; try to use another WiFi; restart your iPhone, erase your iPhone again, or try iTunes.
Get a more detailed guide from the tutorial.
