**Apple** will be releasing **iOS 12** overnight tonight/tomorrow morning. It will come with a whole heap of exciting new features as well some key security and bug fixes.

As with all major software updates, it is always good to **Back Up** your device before upgrading to the new software. Although they shouldn't, things **_CAN_** go wrong. Fortunately **Apple** gives you 2 easy ways to achieve this:

### **iTunes**

Plug your iOS device into your PC or Mac running the latest version of iTunes.

Click on the small thumbnail of your device next to the **Music** drop-down menu. In the **Summary** section, choose **Back Up Now**. You have the choice to either back up to **iCloud** or **This Computer**. In both cases, it is a good idea to select **Encrypt iPhone backup/Encrypt iPad backup**.

*Ensure you don't forget the password you choose, otherwise you won't be able to restore the device from the backup, should anything go wrong.*

### **iCloud**

You can also back up to **iCloud** directly on your **iPhone** or **iPad**.

On your **iOS Device**, go to **Settings** \> tap on your name > **iCloud** \> **iCloud Backup** \> **Back up now**

Ensure your device is connected to both a **WiFi network** and **charger**. This process can use up a lot of **data** and **battery power.**

Whilst this method is the easiest and most convenient way to backup your device, there are some things that are not included in this method:

- Data that's already stored in iCloud, like Contacts, Calendars, Notes, My Photo Stream, iCloud Photo Library, iMessages, and text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages
- Data stored in other cloud services, such as Gmail and Exchange mail
- Apple Pay information and settings
- Touch ID settings

Therefore we recommend the **iTunes** method of backup to ensure you have everything you need.

More information on iOS 12 can be found directly on the [**Apple Website**](http://www.apple.com/au/ios/ios-12/)