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    1 min read 5 stepsFebruary 12, 2026Verified February 2026

    Cross-Platform: How to Back Up Your Data

    A simple guide to backing up your important data on any device — before it's too late.

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.iPhone backup
    2. 2.Mac backup
    3. 3.Windows backup
    4. 4.Follow the 3-2-1 rule
    5. 5.Test your backups
    1

    iPhone backup

    ~15s
    SettingsYour Name → iCloud → iCloud BackupBack Up Now. Or connect to a Mac/PC and backup via Finder/iTunes.
    2

    Mac backup

    ~15s
    Connect an external drive and use Time Machine for automatic, incremental backups.
    3

    Windows backup

    ~15s
    Use OneDrive sync for files and Windows Backup (SettingsAccountsWindows Backup) for settings.
    4

    Follow the 3-2-1 rule

    ~15s
    Keep 3 copies of important data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy offsite (cloud).

    Warning

    Losing your phone without a backup means losing every photo, contact, and message on it. Set up cloud backup today.

    5

    Test your backups

    ~17s
    Periodically verify you can actually restore files from your backups. An untested backup isn't a backup.

    Quick Tip

    Once a year, try restoring a single file from your backup. This confirms your backup is actually working. For Google Photos backup help, visit support.google.com/photos/answer/6193313. For more tech help, AARP has free articles at aarp.org/personal-technology.

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    Cross-Platform: How to Back Up Your Data — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure