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Only 2.9 GB of 5GB used but cannot backup data

Why do I get an error message which states that I do not have enough space to backup my iphone when I am only using 2.9GB?

iPhone XR

Posted on Jan 1, 2019 12:37 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 3, 2019 9:49 AM

Hi Evening_22,


It sounds like you're seeing a message that your iPhone can't complete a backup. I know it's important to get your data safe in a backup, and I want to help.


If you go to Settings > [your_name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. In the Backups section, tap on the option that says "This iPhone."

What do you show here for the Next Backup Size?


If that exceeds the remaining storage you'll need to either make more storage available, or purchase additional storage if you want to use iCloud to backup.


Here's more info on making more space available in iCloud:

Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support


Let me know if that helps.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 3, 2019 9:49 AM in response to Evening_22

Hi Evening_22,


It sounds like you're seeing a message that your iPhone can't complete a backup. I know it's important to get your data safe in a backup, and I want to help.


If you go to Settings > [your_name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. In the Backups section, tap on the option that says "This iPhone."

What do you show here for the Next Backup Size?


If that exceeds the remaining storage you'll need to either make more storage available, or purchase additional storage if you want to use iCloud to backup.


Here's more info on making more space available in iCloud:

Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support


Let me know if that helps.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

Only 2.9 GB of 5GB used but cannot backup data

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