If you’re struggling with such a similar issue and receiving the error message saying, “some files were unavailable during the last backup,” then we can show you ten easy tips.
Understanding Unavailable Files During Backups
1. Causes of Unavailable Files
Several factors can contribute to certain files being unavailable during the backup process. One common reason is that the file might be open or in use by another app on your iPhone. Additionally, files that are too large or in unsupported formats may also be excluded from the backup. It’s important to understand these causes to address the issue effectively.
2. Common Scenarios
During backups, you might encounter scenarios where specific files are marked as unavailable. For instance, if you are trying to back up a video that is currently being edited in a video editing app, it may not be accessible for backup until the editing process is complete. Similarly, files stored within certain apps that don’t support iCloud backups may be excluded from the backup file.
METHOD 1: Killing All Active Background Apps
If some files were unavailable during the last backup, it could be due to the constant running of numerous applications in the background that can occupy device files.
You have to kill such extra unused applications. To do that, press the Home switch twice and swipe up the applications in sequence.
METHOD 2: Checking Network Connection
The iCloud backup process requires a constant Internet connection. The error, “some files were unavailable during the last backup,” means that your Internet connection was not active or missing, and the server cannot reach some files.
So, check the connection and make certain to try an alternate Wi-Fi network for the process of iCloud backup. If necessary, you can start over with the router.
METHOD 3: Resetting Network Settings
Since iCloud works competently when the Internet connection is steady, a resetting of the network settings can be supportive in finishing this problem.
If some files were unavailable during the last backup, visit ‘Settings,’ choose ‘General,’ select ‘Reset,’ and opt for Reset Network Settings. Insert the passcode and click on the Reset Network Settings option to confirm.
Remember that this tip will eliminate all previous network settings, like VPN settings. Wi-Fi passwords, and so on.
METHOD 4: Checking iCloud Storage
If some files were unavailable during the last backup, you could also try to check iCloud storage. If there is insufficient storage, the backup process will fail.
To ensure the amount of iCloud storage, just visit ‘Settings, choose ‘iCloud,’ and select the ‘Storage’ option. Accomplish the space by eliminating unwanted long-standing device backups.
METHOD 5: Checking the Status of the Apple System
Apple System status can sometimes be why some files were unavailable during the last backup.
This is because, when you are endeavoring to make a backup of the iCloud account, perhaps the server of iCloud backup faces a service outage, and possibly, the files may have been backed up altogether.
Go to the page of Apple System and ensure if iCloud Server has any prevailing issues or not, and then try again.
METHOD 6: Hard Resetting iPhone
iPhone Resetting is ideal for almost any issues your iPhone is stuck with. The technique has proved helpful in recovering many issues.
For the iPhone 6 device and the older models: Initiate by pressing the Sleep/Wake switch and the Home switch. Hold the button until the Apple logo shows on the device screen.
For the iPhone 7 and the 7 Plus devices: The users of iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7 are required to press the Volume Down switch instead of the Home switch along with the Sleep/Wake switch. Keep on holding for approximately ten seconds, and then release the switches when you perceive the logo of Apple.
For the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X devices: The users must press the Volume Up switch and quickly release it. Do this with the Volume Down switch too. Subsequently, keep pressing on the side switch and hang around for the Apple logo to appear.
METHOD 7: Signing in and Out of the iCloud Account
If some files were unavailable during the last backup, and on making a backup using iCloud, the problem might be with the iCloud app itself. So, it is suggested to sign out and sign in to the iCloud account again.
Start by visiting ‘Settings’ choose ‘iCloud, and opt for ‘Sign Out’ on your iPhone. Then, sign in to your iCloud account and ensure that the issue has disappeared.
METHOD 8: Deleting the Previous Backup and Trying Again
If the above-mentioned tips don’t work, delete the present iCloud backup and attempt to re-create them. This has proved effective for several users as some files can be corrupted or not properly backed up.
Nevertheless, we would like to suggest that you make use of the iCareFone program before deleting the backup. Employing iCareFone can help export the above sixteen data types from the iCloud backup to the PC.
In addition, this tool offers extraction functions using the support of which. You would be capable of extracting data files from the iTunes backup. Possibly, you may even get back your lost files.
METHOD 9: Using iTunes for Backing up iPhone
One can also use iTunes to back up their files if an iCloud backup fails and some files were unavailable during the last backup.
1: Access iTunes on the PC and then connect the device to the PC using a USB cable.
2: Tap the top device icon and visit the ‘Summary’ tab.
3: In the Backups section, tap on ‘Back Up Now.’
METHOD 10. Using a Third-party Tool to Backup iPhone Selectively
When you want to back up some data files in place of the entire device, the iCareFone program can be used to back up and restore iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Here are the features of this tool.
iCareFone Key Features:
- It is a flexible toolkit designed for making a partial and full backup of files.
- Support separate data backup from iCloud, iTunes, and iOS devices, like WhatsApp and WeChat, rather than the entire device.
- On backing up the iOS device using iCareFone, there will be no overwriting of the former backup files.
- It is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
- It is compatible with the latest version of iOS and all iOS devices.
FAQs
Q1. Can I back up my iPhone without an internet connection? A1. No, an internet connection is required to back up your iPhone using iCloud. However, you can use iTunes for offline backups.
Q2. How often should I back up my iPhone? A2. It is recommended to back up your iPhone regularly, ideally once a week or before making any significant changes to your device.
Q3. Can I selectively back up files on my iPhone? A3. With iCloud backups, you cannot selectively choose which files to back up. It backs up your entire device’s data. However, third-party backup solutions may offer more flexibility in this regard.
Q4. Why are some files larger than usual during backups? A4. Some files, such as photos and videos, may appear larger during the backup process due to compression algorithms used to optimize storage space.
Q5. Can I access my iPhone backup from multiple devices? A5. Yes, you can access your iCloud backup from multiple devices using the same Apple ID, making it convenient for data restoration on different devices.
Conclusion
These are a few good ways to address the annoying problem when some files are unavailable during the last backup. It is a commonly occurring issue that is faced by most iPhone users.
You can secure your device by using any of the above-mentioned tips. iCareFone is an ideal solution for this. It is a brilliant app that can be used on both macOS and Windows OS.