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The iOS 7 launch will be the biggest overhaul the operating system has seen to date. Here’s what to do to make sure you don’t lose anything.
(Credit: Apple)
Before you get overexcited and update to the new version of iOS due out today, it’s important to perform a few housekeeping tasks to make sure you don’t lose any of your data.
The first thing you should do is open the App Store on your device and go to the updates tab. Many apps are updating in preparation for the operating system. If you don’t update to the latest version of those apps, it is possible that you will lose all of your data. Tap “Update All” in the top right of the screen and wait for all updates to finish downloading.
The next step is to back up your iDevice. There are two ways to do this: via iCloud and via iTunes. To back up via iCloud, open your device’s settings. Scroll down and tap on iCloud, then scroll down the page and tap on Storage & Backup.
If you haven’t already done this, you can set your device to backup automatically via iCloud. This means that your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch will automatically back up photos, accounts, documents and settings — including contacts and app data, such as game save files — when the device is plugged into either a computer or power point, locked and connected to Wi-Fi.
You can also hit the “Back Up Now” button to perform an iCloud backup, although you should make sure that you have enough battery power or your device is plugged in before doing so.
To back up via iTunes, plug your device into your computer and launch the software. Click on your device’s name in the top right-hand side of the screen. On that front launch page, you will see, in the second box down, information pertaining to backup. You can either choose iCloud or the connected computer to back up. Clicking “Back Up Now” will back your device up to the option of your choice.
This is the important part: now wait for it to finish. Once all app updates are installed and your device is backed up, you are good to go. Enjoy!
