Note (October 2026): iCloud.com shows data synced to iCloud, not the contents of a device backup; this guide has been corrected and updated with Apple’s current iOS menu paths.
To access an iCloud backup, restore it to an iPhone or iPad: erase the device, then choose Restore from iCloud Backup on the Apps & Data setup screen. Apple does not let you open a backup on a computer. iCloud.com shows only synced data such as Photos, Mail, Contacts and iCloud Drive, while paid third-party tools can read backup contents on a PC or Mac.
Key Takeaways
- iCloud Backup runs daily when the device is on power and Wi-Fi with the screen locked.
- iCloud.com shows synced data, not the device backup itself.
- Restoring a backup requires erasing the device first.
- Backups of devices with iCloud Backup turned off are deleted after 180 days, according to Apple.
- Every Apple ID gets 5 GB free; iCloud+ starts at $0.99 a month in the US as of October 2026.
With the increased usage of Apple devices, backing up data in iCloud and the recovery of the data to your iOS devices becomes very crucial for the device owners.
This guide explains how iCloud Backup works on an iPhone or iPad, what a backup contains, and the three practical ways to get at the data in it: iCloud.com, a restore, and third-party desktop software.
How do you turn on iCloud Backup?
iCloud Backup is switched on from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad itself. Navigate to Settings-><Your Name>-> iCloud->iCloud Backup and turn on Back Up This iPhone (Back Up This iPad on an iPad). According to Apple, the device then backs up automatically each day when it is connected to a power source and Wi-Fi and its screen is locked. Tap Back Up Now to start a backup straight away.
How can you access an iCloud backup?
An iCloud backup is designed to be restored to a device, not browsed like a folder, so people often want a way to see its contents on a PC or laptop.
There is no Apple tool that opens a backup file directly, but the methods below cover most needs, from checking synced data to recovering the full backup.
1] Logging into iCloud.com
iCloud.com is the easiest way to see data that is stored in iCloud. Sign in at www.icloud.com with the Apple ID and password used on the device.
iCloud.com shows data that syncs to iCloud, such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Photos (when iCloud Photos is on), iCloud Drive, Notes and Reminders. It does not show the contents of the device backup itself.
Data held only inside the device backup, such as app data and messages when Messages in iCloud is off (for example, WhatsApp, Viber), cannot be opened through iCloud.com.
2] Restoring an iPhone or iPad from the iCloud backup
Restoring the backup to a device is Apple’s supported way to get everything in an iCloud backup back. The catch is that a restore starts from an erased device, so anything added since the backup was made is lost unless it is saved elsewhere first.
From Settings -> General-> Reset -> Erase All Content and Settings, the erase option was found on iOS 14 and earlier. On iOS 15 and later, Apple lists the path as Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad), then Erase All Content and Settings.
After the device restarts, follow the setup screens and choose Restore from iCloud Backup on the Apps & Data screen. Sign in with iCloud credentials and choose the required backup from a list of latest device backups sorted by date.
Before erasing, make a fresh backup or copy any new photos and files elsewhere, because the erase removes everything currently on the device.
3] Dr. Fone’s Recover iOS option
Paid third-party desktop software is a third route; the software maker’s own guide on how to access iCloud backup describes one approach. Dr.Fone’s Recovery iOS is one such tool: it is commercial software from Wondershare with a free trial and paid plans, and the claims about its speed and safety come from its maker. Beyond just viewing the software package allows users to extract the information from the backup. Its maker lists these capabilities:
- Downloading and extracting of iCloud backup files.
- Sorting of the iCloud backup information into categories of relevant files.
- Compatible with all iOS devices like iPhones, iPads and iPod touch models.
- Flexibility to selectively choose, preview and export the iCloud data.
- Described by its maker as simple, safe and fast software.
- Supports installation to Windows and MacOS machines.
Once installed on your laptop, launch the Dr.Fone’s software. The home screen provides a host of options that can be done on your iOS device with Dr.Fone’s software.
- Of the options, choose ‘Recover’ and select ‘Recover from iCloud backup file’ option.
- Sign in with your iCloud ID and password.
- Click on ‘Start Scan’ in order to let the Dr.Fone software scan your iCloud account for the location of backup files.
- List of all backed data like your WhatsApp messages, Viber and Kik content is displayed.
- You can either ‘Select All’ or selectively choose the information that you want to store on your PC.
- Proceed to download to store them securely.
Save the information as HTML files and print them as needed if your computer is also connected to the printer.
Dr.Fone’s Recover iOS software is one option for reading iCloud backup information on a computer; Apple’s own restore method above costs nothing beyond the iCloud storage the backup already uses.
What does an iCloud backup include?
An iCloud backup contains the information on the device that is not already stored in iCloud. According to Apple, it includes device settings, Home Screen layout and app organization, app data for downloaded apps, purchased ringtones, Visual Voicemail passwords and Apple Watch backups. It also includes messages, photos and videos when Messages in iCloud and iCloud Photos are turned off.
Data that already syncs to iCloud is not duplicated in the backup. Apple names iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, Notes, Messages in iCloud and app data stored in iCloud Drive as examples. That synced data is the part you can see on iCloud.com.
| Type of data | In the iCloud backup? | Viewable on iCloud.com? |
|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos with iCloud Photos on | No (already in iCloud) | Yes, in Photos |
| Photos and videos with iCloud Photos off | Yes | No |
| Messages with Messages in iCloud on | No (already in iCloud) | No |
| Messages with Messages in iCloud off | Yes | No |
| Contacts, Calendar, Mail, Notes, Reminders synced to iCloud | No (already in iCloud) | Yes |
| Device settings, Home Screen layout, app data | Yes | No |
How do you see which iCloud backups you have?
Apple lets you list and delete backups on every platform, even though it does not let you open them.
- iPhone or iPad: go to Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, then iCloud Backup to see the devices that have backups.
- Mac: open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click your name, then iCloud, Manage and Backups.
- Windows PC: open iCloud for Windows, click Storage, then Backups.
According to Apple’s iCloud User Guide, if iCloud Backup is turned off for a device, any backups stored in iCloud are kept for 180 days before being deleted. Anyone planning to restore an old phone’s backup should do so within that window.
How much iCloud storage does a backup need?
Every Apple ID comes with 5 GB of free iCloud storage, which is shared by backups, photos, mail and files. Backups of phones with many apps or local photos often need more. As of October 2026, Apple lists these US monthly prices for iCloud+ plans:
| iCloud+ plan | US price per month |
|---|---|
| 50 GB | $0.99 |
| 200 GB | $2.99 |
| 2 TB | $9.99 |
| 6 TB | $29.99 |
| 12 TB | $59.99 |
Prices differ by country and currency, so check the plan list in Settings for local pricing.
Which method should you use?
| Method | What you can see | Cost | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud.com | Synced data only (Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Photos, iCloud Drive, Notes, Reminders) | Free | Does not open the device backup |
| Restore to a device | Everything in the backup, on the device | Free | Requires erasing the device first |
| Third-party desktop software | Backup contents on a computer, depending on the tool | Usually paid after a trial | Requires giving the software your Apple ID sign-in |
Common mistakes when accessing an iCloud backup
- Expecting to browse the backup on iCloud.com. The website only shows synced data, not the backup file.
- Erasing a phone without a fresh backup. A restore brings back the backup as it was on its date, so newer data is lost.
- Using a different Apple ID. A backup can only be restored with the Apple ID that created it.
- Running out of storage. If iCloud is full, new backups stop, and the last good backup may be weeks old.
- Waiting too long on an old device. Backups of devices with iCloud Backup turned off are deleted after 180 days.
For broader context, see why it matters to back up and recover data in the cloud, and the guide to the easiest way to back up a computer to the cloud. If you are moving data between accounts, read how to transfer contacts from one Apple ID to a new Apple ID. A restore is also a common fix for an iPhone stuck in a boot loop, and it is worth checking backups before buying or selling a used iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view my iCloud backup on a computer?
Apple does not offer a way to open an iCloud backup on a computer. iCloud.com shows only data that syncs to iCloud, such as Photos, Mail, Contacts and iCloud Drive. To see everything in the backup, restore it to a device or use third-party desktop software.
Can I restore an iCloud backup without erasing my iPhone?
No. Apple’s restore option appears during setup, so an iPhone that is already set up must be erased first with Erase All Content and Settings. Make a fresh backup or save new data elsewhere before erasing.
How long does Apple keep an iCloud backup?
According to Apple, when iCloud Backup is turned off for a device, its backups stay in iCloud for 180 days before they are deleted.
How do I check or start an iCloud backup?
On the iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, then iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now to make a new backup while connected to Wi-Fi.
Is iCloud backup free?
Every Apple ID includes 5 GB of free iCloud storage. Larger backups need an iCloud+ plan; as of October 2026 the US price starts at $0.99 a month for 50 GB.
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