Best Way to Backup Apps on iPhone

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2020-01-13 / Update for  iPhone Backup

Almost every app including the official apps of iOS like iTunes and iCloud are unable to backup apps. The app data will be available on the backup but once you restore the backup you have to download the app again from the App Store and the app data will be added to it automatically. The problem is that users expect that the app/apps will be backed up as a whole but in reality that is not the case. But there are few apps available that are able to backup not only the app data but also the apps as well. And here we are with one of the best tools for app backup period! So, let’s have a closer look.

Way 1: Backup Apps and Apps Data for Free

First of all, if your goal is to backup apps from iPhone then any official apps like iTunes or iCloud won’t be a suitable option, as these official apps are unable to backup apps, although they can make app data backup. So, it will be better for you to look for other sustainable options without wasting time.

Tenorshare iCareFone is an excellent software which is capable of backing up all the data from your iPhone including apps and app data. You will be able to make a full backup of your iOS device using this tool very easily with its user-friendly interface. It is a complete data management tool that can manage all your data along with backup capabilities and other very helpful features like 1-click import and export, system repair etc. Here’s how to backup apps using Tenorshare iCareFone:

Step 1: Download the software from the Tenorshare website and install it on your computer.

Step 2: Now, connect your target iPhone to your computer, establish the connection properly.

Step 3: Then, run the software on your computer and select “Backup and Restore” option on the main interface.

icarefone main interface

Step 4: In the next window, all the file types on your iPhone will be categorized and all of them will be selected by default.

select files for  backup

Step 5: You can customize the selection easily like choose Messages and attachments, all the options inside the App Data category etc. Once you are done, just click the “Backup” button below.

backup done

Now, all of your iPhone files will be backed up on your computer, including the apps and the app data. This is how easy it is to backup apps and app data using iCareFone. And you can view & restore the apps backup data at any time. Just select "View Backup Data" and the details will be displayed for you.

view apps backup data

The following video will help you fully understand how to backup using iCareFone. Not only for apps, but all your precious data can be backed up for free with this amazing tool!

Way 2: Backup Apps on iPhone using iTunes

Unfortunately, you will be unable to backup apps on iPhone using iTunes. It can only backup the app data. After you restore that backup files on your iPhone, you have to download the apps again and the app data will be added to it automatically. This is a huge disadvantage, but nonetheless, here’s how to backup apps on iPhone using iTunes app:

Step 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer and run iTunes.

Step 2: Click on the Device icon on the iTunes window and then go to “Summary”.

Step 3: Then, you have to click on “This Computer” under automatically backup.

Step 4: You can encrypt the backup if you want and then tap “Back Up Now”.

Step 5: After the process is completed you have to click on “Done”.

itunes backup now

As mentioned earlier, iTunes won’t backup the apps, only the app data. The backup file will be highly encrypted, so, you won’t be able to use the data inside it unless you restore the backup again on an iPhone. One thing you can get here is the app icon while using iTunes and keep in mind that’s the only thing!

Comparison of iCareFone Backup and iTunes Backup

This detailed comparison table will help you understand better why choose iCareFone for apps backup.

FEATURES iCareFone Backup iTunes Backup
Selective Backup
App Backup
App Data Backup
User-friendly
Chance of data loss May happen
Accessible data after backup

Write in the End

Well, iTunes is a very efficient and effect medium to backup iOS devices but if your goal is to back up apps along with the app files then you would be very disappointed. It will be better for you to use Tenorshare iCareFone as it is user-friendly and very efficient. It is a very quick working software that will back up the apps and app data from your iOS device easily. Highly recommended!

The World's Best iOS 17 File Manager
  • Free backup everything you need on iPhone/iPad/iPod
  • Transfer music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS without limitation
  • Selectively restore files without erasing current data