How to Access and View iCloud Backups

I recently backed up my iPhone to iCloud. I can see that there is data backed up but cannot access this data from my computer. Is there any way to access the iCloud backup from my PC? Thank you!

iCloud is a good service that Apple developed for iOS users to back up and restore contents. But for most users, it is easy to back up their iOS device with iCloud, but a little bit difficult to check the iCloud backup on the computer. To view these files in the iCloud backup, you have to do a full restore of your device. In other words, all the existing data on your iPhone will be erased and replaced with the files in your iCloud backup.

So, in the following guide, we will not only show you the detailed steps to view iCloud backups by restoring, but also share you another direct way to view iCloud backup online without erasing anything.

Part 1. How to View iCloud backups on your Mac or PC by Restoring

The traditional way to view iCloud backups is to restore the backup to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. However, just as we have mentioned above, this method requires you to erase everything on your device, and these erased files can’t be recovered anymore. So, if you have added some new files to your phone, this method is not recommended.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Scroll down the screen and choose Reset > Choose the ‘Erase All Content And Settings’ option.

Step 2. Follow the setup steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen > Tap on Restore from iCloud Backup option.

Step 3. Sign in your iCloud account (Apple ID) > Choose the recent backup that contains the files you want to view.

Step 4. Enter any passwords required when prompted. The restoring time depends on your Wi-Fi speed and the size of the backup.

Part 2. How to Access iCloud Backup without Restoring

If you don’t want to erase anything on your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch while accessing iCloud backup,  then here’s the way that can help you make it. AnyTrans for iOS, a powerful iTunes and iCloud backup browser, which allows you to access and view iCloud backup without limitations. Here are the features of AnyTrans:

• No Limitation. It gives you access to check and view all the new and old iCloud backups.
• No Data Loss Risk. You can download a whole iCloud backup or selectively download only photos, messages, contacts, etc. from the iCloud backup to PC/Mac/iPhone. No need to erase anything on your device.
• Incremental Backup. Incremental Backup feature only backs up the new data that is not in the existing backups, which saves both time and storage space.
• Air Backup. Air Backup feature helps you backup your iPhone automatically (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) within Wi-Fi. 

Now, Free Download AnyTrans for iOS to your computer and then follow the detailed steps to view your iCloud backups.

Step 1. When AnyTrans for iOS has detected your iPhone, click at the top of the interface, choose iCloud Manager.

Step 2. Then log in iCloud with your Apple ID and password. Don’t worry, AnyTrans will not retain your Apple account info or content.

Step 3. Click the button on the right to go to the category management page. Then click iCloud Backup.

Step 4. Now you can access your iCloud backups. There is a backup list on the left side, you can check the backup time and size. Select the one with the content you want to view, and then download it.

Step 5. Once the iCloud backup is downloaded, you can select the category of iOS content and view them, and you can also export them to PC/Mac computer in some format. In this post, we take Messages as an example.

Part 3. How to Check iCloud Backup Online

To check iCloud backup online, all you need to do is log in your iCloud account at iCoud.com. But it is worth mentioning that only a few types of data can be viewed via this method. You have no access to the data like app data, call history, voice memos, MMS messages, text messages, iMessages, etc. If you want to check these files in your iCloud backup, refer to Part 2. Below are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Open a browser and enter iCloud.com > Sign in to your iCloud account with Apple ID and password.

Step 2: A list of all the data in the iCloud account will be displayed, just click on the type of data you would like to view.

How to Backup iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch Automatically

Making an iPhone/iPad/iPod touch backup manually could be a time-consuming yet labor-consuming task. But backing up content on your device regularly is quite necessary to protect you from data loss. Here, AnyTrans for iOS provides you a more flexible iPhone backup solution – Air Backup.

Air Backup makes a backup of your iPhone automatically as your preferred frequency – daily, weekly, monthly … You don’t need to do anything, and it backs up your iPhone wirelessly and silently. To get more detailed steps here: How to Backup iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch Automatically >

Also Read: Quick Fixes: iTunes Backup Not Enough Space Is Available on Computer > 

The Bottom Line

That’s all about how to view iCloud backups. If you will have other problem while viewing iCloud backup files, feel free to leave them in the comment section and we will reply to you soon. Actually, AnyTrans for iOS can also let you upload iPhone data to iCloud, or backup your iPhone data to computer or iTunes, why not get it and have a try now? If this article is useful to you, don’t forget to share it with your friends.