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iCloud Backup Greyed out? Fix in 7 Tested Ways

Is your iCloud Backup button greyed out? Don't fret, we've got you covered! In this post, we'll explore 7 effective ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Your precious data deserves to be safeguarded and we're here to help you do just that. Let's dive in!

September 12, 2023

Where is the iCloud Backup Button?

iCloud Backup Greyed out

The location of the iCloud backup button may vary depending on the device you are using, whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Here are instructions for turning on the iCloud backup button on an iPhone equipped with iOS 16:

Step 1: Open "Settings" on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the “Settings” menu.

Step 3: Select iCloud and open “iCloud Backup” in the iCloud settings to find the "Back Up Now" button. This is where you can manually initiate an iCloud backup of your device.

Why is my iPhone iCloud Backup Greyed out?

There are some probable reasons that may cause the iCloud Backup button greyed out on your iPhone.

  • Insufficient iCloud Storage: If you don't have enough available storage in your iCloud account to back up your device, it is possible that iCloud Backup is greyed out.
  • Disabled iCloud Backup: If iCloud backup has been disabled in your device's settings, the option will be greyed out.
  • Network Issues: If your device is not connected to a Wi-Fi network, or if you have a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection, iCloud backup may be unavailable.
  • Low Battery or Low Power Mode: If your device's battery is critically low or you have Low Power Mode enabled, iCloud backup may not be available.
  • Software or System Issues: Occasionally, software glitches or issues with your device's system software can cause the “iCloud backup greyed out” issue.
  • iCloud Account Issues: If there are issues with your iCloud account, such as payment problems or a locked account, it can affect your ability to use iCloud backup.
  • Device Restrictions: If you have certain restrictions enabled on your device (parental controls, device management profiles), these restrictions may prevent you from accessing or using iCloud backup.

How to Fix iCloud Backup Greyed out Issue [7 Methods]

iCloud Backup Greyed out on iPhone

Since we don’t know the specific details about your situation, it's challenging to provide an exact solution. If your iCloud backup option is greyed out and you're looking for a solution, you may need to investigate these possible causes and take appropriate actions to address the underlying issue. You can try the following methods.

Method 1: Check iCloud Storage

Ensure that you have enough available iCloud storage space for the backup. If your iCloud storage is full or nearly full, you may need to upgrade your iCloud storage plan or delete unnecessary data to free up space.

To check your iCloud storage, you can go with:

Step 1: Open “Settings” on your iPhone.

Step 2: Click on your Apple ID and select “iCloud”. Then click “Manage Account Storage” and you can see how much iCloud storage each app takes.

Check iCloud Storage on iPhone

Method 2: Enable Wi-Fi

iCloud backup requires a Wi-Fi connection. If the network connection is weak, you may encounter the iPhone “iCloud Backup greyed out” issue. So, make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable network.

Method 3: Turn Off Restrictions

If you have enabled restrictions on your device (Screen Time or parental controls), it can limit certain settings, including iCloud backup. To disable restrictions:

On iOS 14 and later: Go to "Settings" > "Screen Time" > "Content & Privacy Restrictions" and turn off restrictions.

Turn off Restrictions

Method 4: Update iOS

The outdated version of iOS may influence the iPhone's performance. Sometimes, updating to the latest iOS version can resolve the “iCloud Backup greyed out” issue. To update iOS: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" and follow the prompts to update your device.

Method 5: Check iCloud Account

Make sure your iCloud account is in good standing and that there are no issues with your payment information or account status.

Method 6: Restart Your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches that cause the “iCloud backup greyed out” issue. Restart your iPhone and check if the issue persists.

Method 7: Sign Out and Sign In

You may sign out of your iCloud account and then sign back in to solve the "iCloud Backup greyed out" issue. To do this:

Step 1: Open “Settings” on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on your Apple ID, scroll down the page, and choose “Sign Out”.

Step 3: Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.

iCloud Sign out

Bonus Tip: Backup Files from Other Clouds to iCloud Drive via MultCloud

If you use iCloud Drive as the main cloud storage service, you may use MultCloud to gather the files scattered on other clouds to iCloud for centralization. MultCloud integrates several clouds like Google Drive, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photos, Dropbox, and OneDrive on one platform. You can run various tasks to connect 2 clouds like Cloud Transfer, Cloud Sync, and Cloud Backup.

Using Cloud Backup to backup files from other clouds to iCloud Drive is quite easy. You only need 3 steps to create a task. Additionally, Cloud Backup offers the Filter and Schedule features to help you automatically run the backup task at your preferred frequency and with your selected files. Besides, Cloud Backup allows you to restore the files from iCloud Drive to the source cloud with different file versions.

We will use backing up Dropbox to iCloud Drive as an example to show the steps.

Step 1: Get a new MultCloud account for free if you have not signed up before.

Step 2: Add Dropbox and iCloud Drive to MultCloud. To add a cloud, you will choose “Add Cloud” and select the cloud icon. Then log in to the cloud account and grant access permission to MultCloud.

Add iCloud Drive and Dropbox

Step 3: Click “Cloud Backup” and choose Dropbox and iCloud Drive in the boxes. Then open “Options” and “Schedule” to set a backup frequency or select the files that you want to backup if you need them. Finally, click “Backup Now” to finish creating a task.

Backup Dropbox to iCloud Drive

Note: Since you may have some super large files that need to be backed up to iCloud Drive, you can upgrade to a paid plan and get more than 5 GB of traffic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resolving the “iCloud Backup greyed out” dilemma is crucial for securing your data. We've delved into 7 comprehensive solutions in this post, empowering you to regain control of your backups and ensure your digital life remains protected.

Besides, if you are interested in MultCloud backing up files from other clouds to iCloud Drive, follow the steps above now and enjoy the convenience of cloud-to-cloud transfer.

How do I force iCloud to backup my iPhone photos?
 
Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi and ensure you have sufficient iCloud storage.
Step 2: Open "Settings" on your iPhone.
Step 3: Tap your Apple ID at the top.
Step 4: Select "iCloud," then "Photos."
Step 5: Toggle on "iCloud Photos" to initiate a backup immediately.
Why are some of my iCloud documents greyed out?
 
iCloud documents may appear greyed out due to synchronization issues, insufficient storage, or conflicts with file formats. Ensure iCloud is enabled, check your storage space, and verify file compatibility. Restarting the app or device and ensuring a stable internet connection can also resolve this issue.
Why is my iPhone backup greyed out on my Mac?
 
Your iPhone backup may be greyed out on your Mac due to various reasons. Ensure your iPhone is connected and trusted on your Mac, update both devices to the latest software versions, and check your USB cable for damage. Restarting both devices or using a different USB port can also help resolve the issue.

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