iTunes makes it possible to encrypt iPhone backups when syncing your device. Fortunately for security purposes this backup is protected by a password.
Unfortunately, if you forget this password the iPhone backup cannot be unlocked. In this case, the iPhone can't be restored from the encrypted backup.
To delete old iPhone backups using iTunes follow these steps:
1. Open iTunes.
2. Navigate to the menu iTunes -> Preferences.
3. Select Devices.
4. From the list of Device Backups, select the backup you wish to delete.
5. Click the Delete Backup button.
Encrypted backups will be marked with a padlock icon. When the backup is deleted the process is complete.
iCloud automatically backs up your iPhone data, but what exactly is uploaded to Apple's servers for safekeeping?
iCloud backs up and gives you unlimited space for:
Purchased music, apps, books, movies and television shows. Previously purchased items may not be restored if the item is removed from the store.
iCloud backs up and allows 5 GB free storage for:
App data
Home screen icon layout and folders
iOS Settings (including Calendar accounts, Contacts, Favorites, Mail and Wallpaper)
Messages including iMessage, MMS and SMS (text messages)
Apple's iCloud servers will automatically back up your iOS device, assuming that iCloud Backup is enabled. To enable iCloud navigate to Settings -> iCloud -> Backup & Storage.
The backup runs automatically every day when your device is:
Connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi
Connected to your charger
Your device screen is locked
You can back up with iCloud manually if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network by selecting Settings -> iCloud -> Storage & Backup -> Back Up Now.
Backing up your data is essential to insure against damage or loss to your iPhone. The process will also make it possible to easily transfer data from your device to a new iPhone should you chose to upgrade.
To write a current backup to your computer:
1. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Click on your iPhone under DEVICES in the left menu.
4. Make sure the Summary tab at the top of iTunes is selected.
5. Under the Backup section, check the "Back up to this computer" radio button.
6. Click the Sync button.
