Maybe you’re finally moving to iOS 26 on your current iPhone?While iTunes has been the go-to tool for backing up iPhones to a computer, many people want something simpler, faster, or more flexible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to back up your iPhone without iTunes before upgrading to iOS 26.
Why You Should Make an Archive Before Installing a New iOS
You can’t restore an iCloud backup from iOS 26 back to iOS 18. That’s why creating a local archive on your computer is so important—it gives you a full fallback and peace of mind before installing a new iOS.
But Apple’s iTunes software has long been criticized for being slow, unintuitive, and prone to errors. Backing up without iTunes allows:
- More flexibility: You can choose what to back up and where.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Some third-party tools support both Mac and Windows.
- Selective backups: Avoid copying unnecessary apps or media.
Third-party solutions like Tenorshare iCareFone also offer enhanced features such as selective WhatsApp backups, data restoration, and cross-device transfers.
Comparing Backup Methods: Finder vs Windows Manual vs Tenorshare iCareFone
| Feature | Finder (Mac) | Windows Manual | Tenorshare iCareFone Transfer |
| Platform | Mac only | Windows only | Mac & Windows |
| Data Type | Full backup | Photos & videos | Full backup including apps, messages, media, WhatsApp |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Very easy, step-by-step |
| Selective Backup | No | No | Yes |
| Cross-Device Transfer | No | No | Yes |
| Data Safety | High | High (manual) | High, no data loss |
| Cost | Free | Free | Paid (trial available) |
From the table, it’s clear that Tenorshare iCareFone is the most flexible and comprehensive solution for backing up an iPhone without iTunes. It’s particularly valuable for users who want selective backups, cross-device transfers, or WhatsApp chat management.
How to Back Up Your iPhone to a Computer Without iTunes?
A Third-party software like Tenorshare iCareFoneprovides a full backup solution without iTunes. Among them, Tenorshare iCareFone stands out for its ease of use, versatility, and advanced features.
Why Tenorshare iCareFone?
- Cross-platform: Works on both Windows and Mac.
- Selective backup: Choose specific apps, media, or messages to back up.
- WhatsApp support: Backup and restore WhatsApp chats including media.
- No data loss: Ensures your existing data remains safe during transfers.
- Fast and user-friendly: Step-by-step interface simplifies the backup process.
How to back up iPhone without iTunes before iOS 26 with Tenorshare iCareFone Transfer?
Step 1: Download iCareFone from the official Tenorshare website. Install it on your Windows PC or Mac.
Step 2: Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable and Launch iCareFone Transfer.
Step 3: Choose Backup or Backup & Restore. You can either do a full backup or select specific data like messages, contacts, photos, videos, and WhatsApp.
Step 4:Pick a folder on your computer to store the backup. Click Start to begin the backup process.
Step 5: Complete the Backup. Wait until the backup process is complete. You can now view, restore, or transfer the data to another device at any time.
Benefits of Tenorshare iCareFone Transfer
- Works for iPhone, iPad, and even Android devices for cross-platform transfers.
- Handles large backups efficiently.
- Supports encrypted backups.
- Ideal for users who want full control over their data.
Limitations:
- Paid software (offers a free trial with limited features).
- Requires a computer.
How to Back Up Your iPhone on a Mac using Finder (macOS 10.15 or Later)
If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, Finder replaces iTunes for creating iPhone backups.
Steps:
- Plug your iPhone into your Mac.
- Open a Finder window (File → New Finder Window, or press Command + N).
- In the sidebar, find your iPhone under Locations and select it.
- If you want extra security, check Encrypt local backup and set a password.
- In the General tab, click Back Up Now.
- When it’s done, click Manage Backups.
- Right-click (or Control-click) your new backup and choose Archive to keep it safe.
Benefits:
- Full backup including messages, apps, settings, and media.
- No additional software needed.
- Works with encrypted backups for added security.
Limitations:
- Only works on Mac.
- No selective backup options for specific data types.
- Can take time depending on the size of your iPhone’s data.
How to Back Up on Windows Via iTunes (Photos & Videos Only)
iTunes has built-in features for creating and viewing backups. For users on Windows 10 and Windows 11, the process of backing up to iTunes is the same. Windows users can manually back up photos and videos by accessing the DCIM folder. This method is limited but useful for quickly securing media.
Steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your Windows PC using a USB cable.
- Unlock your iPhone and allow the computer to access it if prompted.
- Open File Explorer and find your iPhone under Devices and drives.
- Open the iPhone icon and navigate to the DCIM folder.
- Copy and paste the photos and videos to a folder on your PC.
Benefits:
- Quick and free.
- No software installation needed.
- Works on any Windows PC.
Limitations:
- Only backs up photos and videos.
- No app data, messages, or settings.
- Manual process can be tedious for large media libraries.
Important Tips for iPhone Backup Without iTunes
- Keep your devices charged: Ensure your iPhone has enough battery to complete the backup.
- Use reliable cables: Faulty USB cables can interrupt the process.
- Verify storage space: Make sure your computer has enough space for the backup.
- Update software: Ensure macOS, Windows, and iCareFone are updated to the latest versions.
- Back up regularly: Frequent backups prevent data loss and make device upgrades seamless.
Conclusion
Backing up your iPhone without iTunes has never been easier. For Mac users, Finder provides a straightforward solution for full backups. Windows users can manually back up photos and videos through File Explorer. However, if you want a flexible, secure, and comprehensive backup solution, Tenorshare iCareFone is the best option. It allows full and selective backups, supports WhatsApp transfers, and works across platforms without risking data loss.
