iCloud backups - where to see a list of backups

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Kat2007 Author

Level 1

23 points

iCloud backups - where to see a list of backups

I have read as much info as I can handle on iCloud backups but can’t seem to find the answer to what should be a simple question.

On my iPhone I can find the iCloud back up information but there is ever only 1 backup. My phone backs up every night and the backup size keeps growing even when nothing has changed on my phone.

Can a person delete a backup and start over if they are running out of iCloud space?

Since I upgraded the storage to 50gb, my backup has grown from 3.5 to 8.2gb in 4 days. And I had to upgrade because there wasn’t enough space in my 5gb iCloud for my 3.5gb backup.

Does the backup just keep building up on itself? Why doesn’t it just replace and overwrite the previous backup since we can’t access the backups to delete some of them?

Any explaination for this out there??

iPhone 7, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 14, 2019 4:06 AM

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Answer 1

Kat2007 Author

Level 1

23 points

Apr 14, 2019 12:15 PM in response to LACAllen

Thank you very much for that explanation. Just one more question. So if I chose to delete that backup using the delete backup (at the bottom) does it clear all the backups or will it give me a choice of which one to delete?

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Answer 2

LACAllen

Level 8

43,590 points

Apr 14, 2019 12:21 PM in response to Kat2007

Having never done this, I don't know the answer.

I will assume all are deleted. I say that because the iCloud backup is an incremental one. iOS may use multiple "files" to get you back to a single point in time. If you say delete this backup, I'll assume it deletes all the files.

Since you don't want the backup you can see, it's easy for you to test. Erase the backup, erase your device and run the setup assistant until you see the apps and data screen. If you see no backup choices, you have your answer.

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Answer 3

LACAllen

Level 8

43,590 points

Apr 14, 2019 10:59 AM in response to Kat2007

iOS keeps 3 backups at any one time and you can choose from them when you restore a device using the setup assistant. This is only available when you have erased your device and get to the "apps and data" screen in that setup assistant.

In other words, while the device is running, you only see the last successful backup.

You can delete a backup from Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Storage > Backups > [your device name] > Delete Backup (at bottom)

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iCloud backups - where to see a list of backups

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