Q: iPad mini will NOT backup to iCloud or to Mac Book Pro. 'Unknown Error Occurred"
My first attempt in resolving this was to make back-to-back genius bar appointments for my Mac Book Pro and my iPad mini. The genius bar appointment was an utter failure.
(1) I haven't yet opted for the "FREE' upgrade to OS X EL CAPITAN. The "specialists" said the backup issue was MY FAULT because i haven't upgraded to it. I told him I AM using the most current software version and will decide when it's best for ME to "UPGRADE FREE." (I have read poor reviews about EL CAPITAN and will not download it until I feel more sure about its stability). The same person told me there are many customers who also can't backup to iCloud. What??? He then proceeded in telling me I should buy an external storage device. I told him absolutely not. Why should i pay for an additional product when I am already paying for iCloud? He told me if i didn't i wasn't being "proactive" choices to HIS recommendations; he shrugged his shoulders and left.
(2) I was then handed off to Mac support who also couldn't resolve the issue of backing up to iCloud or to my Mac Book Pro. Again, all devices are up-to-date utilizing the latest iOS platform.
(3) The "genius" bar appointment ended with "we can't resolve this issue, and if it's okay a robo-call can be scheduled with an "iCloud senior analyst," who would manage/resolve the backup issue.
The robo-call was made, and I spoke with a "IOS Senior Analyst," NOT iCloud support.
(1) After 2 hours on the phone, the "senior analyst" wasn't able to successfully backup my iPad mini to iCloud nor to my Mac Book Pro. Multiple attempts were made and returned with the same error message while in iTunes; Error message of "Unable to backup your device. An unknown error occurred").
(2) I was told by the senior analyst that i could "wiggle around the problem" by re-downloading Facebook and to use this third party app (Facebook) as a way to store content that hasn't been saved since the last successful backup 10-12 weeks ago. I didn't follow her advice.
(3) She told me that a fix was being created which i would receive in about a week, that once downloaded, would resolve the backup issue. Thus far, NO fix has been sent.
I recently went to the Apple store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago to purchase a iPad mini as a Christmas gift. I told the person assisting me about the difficult i have been experiencing. Her response - "I haven't been able to back up to iCloud either."
I am so frustrated at this point that I haven't been able to backup my iPad to either iCloud or my Mac Book Pro. Any rebuttal would be appreciated.
iPad mini Wi-Fi, iOS 9.2
Posted on Dec 25, 2015 8:20 AM