Is iTunes backup now greyed out? Has this happened to you when you try creating a backup of your iPhone through iTunes?
Essentially, this means that users cannot create a backup of their personal data using iTunes. Many iPhone users face the ‘iTunes back up now greyed out’ issue when trying to back up their smartphones on Windows.
This could be really annoying, especially when users have to restore their devices. Also, when they like to back up their iPhone data on their computers.
However, the good thing is that it is possible to fix this annoying issue. Learn about some effective ways to fix iTunes backup now greyed out here!
Part 1: Reasons Why iTunes ‘Back Up Now’ Greyed Out
As stated above, many iPhone users come across this frustrating problem. There can be various reasons why this problem occurs in the first place.
Here are some common reasons why iTunes back up now greyed out!
- The version of iTunes can be outdated, and thus, you cannot sync your iPhone to iTunes.
- The issue occurs when you connect your device to the system through an incompatible lighting cable or the wrong USB port.
- Also, an un-updated iPhone can cause this iTunes issue.
- It can happen due to a weak or unstable internet connection. Therefore, connect to a strong or reliable Wi-Fi connection when backing up the device.

PS: if you are facing the issue of iPhone locked connect to iTunes or iTunes WiFi sync not working, here are the top solutions for you.
Part 2: How to Fix iTunes ‘Back Up Now’ Greyed Out Issue
When iTunes ‘Back up Now’ greyed out, you cannot back up your iPhone. In that case, you have to look for different ways to fix this annoying problem. Here are some effective ways to resolve this iTunes issue:
1. Get the Latest Version of iTunes for Your Windows PC
The first thing that you can do is update your iTunes. If you experience the iTunes backup now greyed out issue, probably its version is outdated.
As a result, iTunes turns out to be incompatible with your device. Thus, updating iTunes on your system to the recent version could resolve the issue.
Steps to Fix iTunes ‘Back Up Now’ Greyed out:
To resolve this annoying issue, go through the instructions listed below:
Step 1: Open iTunes
In the first place, users have to launch the iTunes application on their Windows system.
Step 2: Look for Updates
Next, you have to click on the ‘Help‘ tab from the menu present at the window’s top. From there, click on the ‘Check for Update‘ option.
Step 3: Install the Recent Version
Now, if there is an update available, download it by clicking on the ‘Download iTunes‘ tab. After that, install iTunes’ latest version on your system.

2. Restart Your Windows System and iTunes
Sometimes, the iTunes backup now greyed out issue can occur due to unknown reasons. In that case, it is recommended to restart your computer and iTunes. This could probably resolve the issue.
Steps for Restarting Your Device and iTunes:
To resolve this iTunes issue, follow some simple steps given below:
Step 1: Open iTunes
First, open iTunes and keep on pressing the Sleep/Wake button and the Home tab simultaneously to shut down your iPhone.
Step 2: Switch off Your Device
After some time, switch off your iPhone by clicking on the Power tab.
Step 3: Reopen iTunes
Next, open the iTunes app again to check if the iTunes backup now greyed out issue has been fixed.

Steps for Restarting Your Windows Computer:
It is best to restart your PC in the following manner to fix iTunes.
Step 1: Press the ‘Windows’ Button
In the first place, press the key ‘Windows‘ on your PC.
Step 2: Press the Power Tab
Now, look for and click on the Power tab.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Restart’
Select the option ‘Restart.’ After your computer restarts, open iTunes. Then, connect your device to the Windows system with a lightning cable.

Besides, if you are bothered with issues like the iPad keeps freezing, click to fix it with ease now.
Part 3: How to Backup Your iPhone When iTunes ‘Back Up Now’ Greyed Out
Solution 1: Backup Your Device through iCloud
If you are struggling with the iTunes backup now greyed out issue, then it is not the end of the world. You can still use iCloud backup for backing up your iOS device.
Steps to Backup Your Device using iCloud:
If iTunes is not working fine, then you can back up your iPhone with iCloud (how to back up locked iPhone). For this, use the steps given below:
Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi
Firstly, connect your iOS device to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Step 2: Open Settings
Now, visit Settings on the device and go to your name or Apple ID. After that, tap on the iCloud tab.
Step 3: Click on ‘iCloud Backup’
Next, tap on the option ‘iCloud Backup‘ from there.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Back Up Now’
Press the ‘Back Up Now‘ tab and make sure that your iPhone stays connected to the Wi-Fi until the procedure is over.

Solution 2: Backup Your Device Using iCareFone
On facing the iTunes backup now greyed out issue on your system, look for a professional solution. It is best to go with iCareFone. This is an amazing backup and restore application, which comes with many features.
Using this tool, users can back up their iOS devices in an easy and quick way. Some of its features are:

- Back up your data files and restore them separately. This supports WhatsApp, Contacts, WeChat, SMS from iCloud, iCareFone Backup, or iTunes.
- Back up your iPhone without overwriting your previous backup.
- Preview and export more than 18 kinds of data from the backup data or your iDevice.
- The tool is compatible with iOS 16. It even supports the iPhone 14.
Assuming you are struggling with the iTunes backup now greyed out issue yet, resolve it with TunesCare. Tenorshare TunesCare provides you with an effective solution to this problem. This robust tool can help you in resolving all Apple iTunes-related issues.
The application resolves the issue for all iOS devices, including iPods, iPads, and iPhones. One can employ Tenorshare TunesCare either on Mac or Windows PC. Now, follow some simple steps given below to resolve the iTunes backup now greyed out issue using TunesCare:
Step 1: Install Tenorshare TunesCare
Firstly, you have to download Tenorshare TunesCare on your Windows PC. After that, install the program in the local directory. As the procedure is quite simple, you can install it hassle-free.
Step 2: Open the Program
Next, you have to launch the program on your Windows PC. Once installed, you can tap on the ‘Fix iTunes Sync Problem‘ option.

Step 3: Tap on the ‘Repair iTunes’ Tab
Tenorshare TunesCare will then look after the iTunes app. Now, the tool will offer suggestions for repairing if it is running fine and ask to troubleshoot iTunes. Examine the description. Once done, tap on the ‘Repair iTunes‘ tab.

Step 4: Repair iTunes
Once tapped on the ‘Repair iTunes‘ option, the tool will check and start repairing it on your Windows system. Basically, it checks for iTunes drivers and even updates the same if needed.
Step 5: Resolve the Issue
Once the procedure is over, iTunes will show a message saying, “iTunes is successfully repaired.” Tenorshare TunesCare will start your device automatically and resolve the ‘iTunes backup now greyed out’ problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is my iTunes ‘Back Up Now’ greyed out?
- This can be due to incorrect settings, software glitches, or insufficient storage space.
- How can I fix the iTunes ‘Back Up Now’ greyed out issue?
- You can fix this issue by updating iTunes, restarting your device, freeing up space, or restoring your device.
- Is it safe to restore my device?
- Yes, but ensure to back up all important data before proceeding.
- Why should I keep my iTunes updated?
- Keeping iTunes updated ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes.
- Why does restarting the device help?
- Restarting refreshes your device’s software, potentially fixing any temporary glitches.
Conclusion
So, if you like to create a backup of your iPhone on iTunes and come across ‘iTunes back up now greyed out,’ no worries; you can now resolve the issue by trying the methods discussed above.
However, it is suggested that you employ alternative methods for backing up your iOS device.
This ensures that you do not experience the same issue again. It is better to download iCareFone to back up your device effortlessly.
Also, employ Tenorshare TunesCare to fix iTunes-related issues like iTunes backup now greyed out hassle-free!