Backup size is always way bigger than it should be.

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Level 1

7 points

Backup size is always way bigger than it should be.

I barely have anything set to sync with iCloud. I've read all the troubleshooting things, and I've tried everything. I've gone into Manage Storage and made sure only the essentials (mostly very small files) are selected. I've restored from old backups. I've downloaded the PC desktop program for iCloud and deleted the old backup. No matter what I do, it always says the next backup is going to be 4.9 gigs. It shouldn't be more than one gig.

When it's connected to iTunes, my iPhone 3GS shows almost five gigs (sometimes more) of "Other" space. Surely this has something to do with it.

Any advice would be awesome!

iPhone 3GS, Windows 7

Posted on Jul 30, 2012 8:49 PM

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Answer 1

randers4

Level 9

63,567 points

Jul 30, 2012 9:14 PM in response to ryckert

Other should never be much more than 1GB or so. 5GB is an indication that something is corrupt. Restoring your phone should resolve this. Before restoring I recommend you import your photos and videos to your computer (see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4083) and back up your contacts (such by syncing them with iCloud: Settings>iCloud>Contacts>On) as many users report losing these when they update or restore their phones.

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Answer 2

Nov 21, 2012 4:17 AM in response to randers4

Sorry but how is this a solution?

Something clearly is broken with the backup process or we are missing something. Nobody in their right mind is going to risk doing a restore if people are losing detrimental data by doing one.

Next suggestion?

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Answer 3

Nov 21, 2012 1:18 PM in response to Community User

It's not the backup process that is broken. There is data corruption on your iPhone which is making your backup bigger than it should be. If Restoring the iPhone through a previous back up does not clear up the "Other" space you'll have to Restore it as a new device. There is no easy way to simply go in and delete "Other" data.

You should never keep irreplaceable files in only one location. All my files and data which sync through iCloud are also backed up in other locations. Things can and do go wrong even with back ups, this is why you should have multiple backups of your files and data. I would never rely on an iPhone backup as my sole backup. I consider it a fast way to get my iPhone up and running if something goes wrong. Calendars, Notes, Contacts and especially photos as well as all my media are also backed up on 2 external drives at home.

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