Don’t go right into the iOS 26 public beta, even though I know you’re itching to install it. After you are aware of the dangers of using beta software, spend a few minutes now creating a backup of your iPhone’s current configuration to save hours of trouble down the road if anything goes wrong.
However, I’m not referring to any kind of routine backup. For daily peace of mind and when you upgrade to a new iPhone, it’s a great idea that you have your Apple Account settings set up to automatically backup your phone to iCloud. In the unusual event that anything goes wrong with the iOS 26 public beta release, I’m talking about making an archive that can save your hide.
Why installing an archive is necessary before installing a new iOS version
Most likely, you’re used to regularly backing up your data using iCloud Backup. As long as you have enough iCloud storage space available, it operates in the background—that is, when you are sleeping and charging your device—and requires the least amount of backup friction. If you haven’t previously, activate Back Up This iPhone by going to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
An iCloud backup, however, presents a challenge when switching to a full release version of iOS, such as from iOS 18 to iOS 26: If you go back to iOS 18, you won’t be able to recover from that cloud backup. Furthermore, you are unable to choose from earlier backup versions; iCloud only retains the most recent backup. You will get an error if you attempt to restore to iOS 18 using an iOS 26 cloud backup. (When installing iOS betas, creating an archive is also a crucial step.)
Is it necessary to encrypt the local backup?
You should choose whether to activate the “Encrypt local backup” option before creating this archived backup. This function jumbles the data for security purposes, making it impossible for someone with access to your computer to access it. Additionally, this option keeps private data from the Health and Fitness applications and passwords safe in the backup.
The drawback is that you have to create a new password just for the backup. The backup is worthless if you lose or forget that password. Therefore, you should write down this password in a location that you can quickly access. You’ll need to determine if that’s a reasonable trade-off when using an iOS 18 backup as a backup in case you need to install the iOS 26 beta.
On your Mac, create a local iPhone archive.
All you need to do this kind of backup is disk space and a little perseverance:
Connect the iPhone to the Mac.
Select File > New Finder Window or hit Command-N to launch a new Finder window.
Choose your iPhone from the Locations section of the left-hand sidebar.
Click the Encrypt local backup option and provide a password if you want to encrypt the data.
Press the Back Up Now button under the General tab.
Select Manage Backups.
Select Archive by right-clicking (or control-clicking) the backup you created.
By going the further step of designating the backup as an archive, you may prevent it from being automatically erased if the Mac runs out of space or overwritten by the subsequent local backup.
On Windows, create a local iPhone archive.
When using a linked iPhone on Windows, the iTunes app remains the primary interface. Launch iTunes and do these actions:
Connect the iPhone to your Windows PC.
Click the iPhone button in the upper left corner of the Apple Devices app.
Select General.
Click the Encrypt local backup option and provide a password if you want to encrypt the data.
Click “Back Up Now.”
Select Manage Backups.
Select Archive with a right-click on the backup you created. By taking this additional precaution, you may prevent the backup from being automatically erased if the machine runs out of space or overwritten by the subsequent local backup.
With an archive in place, you may begin using the iOS 26 beta with the assurance that you can promptly restore your iPhone to functionality in the event that anything necessitates a switch to iOS 18.