Update to iOS 10.3 — but Back Up Your Phone First!

Updated on 3/28/2017 at 3:05 PM

Update: Apple's update to its newest operating system, iOS 10.3, is out and available for downloading. It's free, but before downloading, make sure your mobile files are safe and sound, just in case.

It's essential to back up your iPhone and/or iPad every time you update the device's software. New releases are not without their flaws. Follow this guide on backing up, restoring, and updating your phone and tablet.

Who Can Update?

The iPhone 5 and later, iPad (fourth generation and later), and iPod Touch (sixth generation) can run iOS 10. Unsure about the device model? Plug it into your computer, open iTunes, and the model as well as the currently installed version of iOS are listed under the Summary tab which has a phone icon in the top left. You'll also need to know the device's passcode in order to update. iTunes will prompt you to unlock the phone or tablet once it's connected.

How to Back Up on iTunes

If iTunes is your preferred method of backup, then connect your iPhone or iPad to a Mac or PC. You can only back up a device on one computer. Once the device is connected, click on File > Devices > Back Up to begin.

Alternatively, you can access the "Back Up Now" button under Summary in iTunes. Double-check your work by clicking the iTunes top menu > Preferences > Devices tab. You should see the name of the device and the time of backup.

How to Back Up on iCloud

On your device, open the Settings app, select iCloud, and tap Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup. After this option is selected, the device will automatically update when it is connected to the Internet via WiFi, the screen is locked, and it's hooked up to a power source. To do it manually, go to Settings, then iCloud, select Backup, and tap Back Up Now.

What's the Difference Between iTunes and iCloud?

If you have a lot of photos or videos in your Camera Roll (1GB or more), then iTunes Backup will be the best option. If you don't connect the device to a Mac or PC frequently (or ever), then iCloud will be your best bet. You can restore data to a device from anywhere with a WiFi connection via iCloud Backup. However, iCloud will not back up media not purchased through iTunes.

Backup Tips

If you don't have enough storage space to back up, then a window reading "Not Enough Storage" will pop up. Reference this tip sheet on what to delete on your iPhone to make some more room.
Selecting "Encrypt iPhone Backup" will encrypt the information stored on your Mac and require a password to restore a new or existing device from backup. Don't forget your password, because you will not be able to recover the data without it.
Camera Roll photos will not be restored to an iPad from a backup if they were taken with an iPhone or iPod. The reverse is also true: Camera Roll photos taken on an iPad will not be restored from backup to an iPhone or iPod Touch.

How to Update to iOS 10

On the device, update by opening the Settings app, tapping on General, and selecting Software Update. You can also connect the device to a computer and find the software update button next to the backup section.

Now that you're all backed up, discover all of iOS's greatest tips and tricks.