iCloud Backup Failed: 'Last Backup Could Not Be Completed'

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Check Next Backup Size

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   1. Settings > your name > iCloud > Storage (or Manage Account Storage) > Backups
   2. Select this device and wait for Next Backup Size to calculate
   3. Compare it with your free iCloud space
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Shrink the backup or add space

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   1. In the same Backups screen, turn off large apps you don't need backed up
   2. Delete old backups of devices you no longer use
   3. Or upgrade: Settings > your name > iCloud > Upgrade to iCloud+
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Fix the network and update iOS

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   1. Settings > Wi-Fi: confirm you're connected
   2. Try a different Wi-Fi network (some public and work networks block iCloud)
   3. Settings > General > Software Update
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Run the backup manually

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   1. Connect to power and Wi-Fi
   2. Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
   3. Leave it up to 24 hours for a first or large backup
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. If iCloud Backup is grayed out

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   1. Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup: if it says the device is being restored, wait for the restore to finish
   2. Settings > General > VPN & Device Management: a work or school profile may block backups
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Settings shows 'The last backup could not be completed', 'Not enough storage', a backup stuck for hours, or the iCloud Backup toggle is grayed out.

Why it happens

• Next backup larger than available iCloud storage
• Unstable or blocked Wi-Fi
• Pending iOS update
• Device still restoring from a previous backup
• Configuration profile (work/school MDM) blocking iCloud Backup
• Very large first backup on a slow upload

This guide also covers

• icloud backup failed
• last backup could not be completed
• icloud backup not working
• icloud backup not enough storage
• icloud backup taking forever

Other iCloud errors

• iCloud Photos Not Syncing
• iCloud Storage Full (Even After Deleting Photos)
• iCloud Drive Stuck on 'Waiting to Upload' (Mac)
• iCloud for Windows Not Syncing
• iCloud Mail Not Working or Not Receiving Emails
• iCloud 'Verification Failed: Error Connecting to Apple Account Server'
• iPhone Keeps Asking for iCloud / Apple Account Password
• 'Unable to Load Photo' iCloud Error on iPhone