[Solved] iCloud: The Last Backup Could Not Be Completed

iCloud backup is an important feature to keep your data safe on Apple devices. However, it can run into various issues including “the last backup could not be completed”. Most of you don’t know what to do when facing this warning message. Luckily, this post from NewsPivot offers you 8 effective methods to fix it.

Why Can’t the Last Backup Be Completed?

The reasons why your last iCloud backup failed can vary. Here, we will discuss the most common ones:

1. The iCloud backup feature is off.
2. Weak and unstable internet connection.
3. Insufficient iCloud storage space.
4. Outdated system version.
5. Apple server issue.
6. Software glitches in iCloud.

Related post: How to Fix Photos Not Uploading to iCloud from iPhone/iPad.

How to Fix “The Last Backup Could Not Be Completed”?

Based on the reasons for this problem, we list several fixes to it. Before proceeding with these methods, try restarting your iPhone first. It can resolve most of the potential errors on the iPhone easily and quickly. If restarting can’t work, move on to the next part.

Enable iCloud Backup

One important thing to make iCloud work normally is to ensure the iCloud backup feature is enabled on your iPhone. Sometimes, the iCloud settings may be accidentally changed, leading to the iCloud backup could not be completed issue. To get rid of it, here’s a guide:

Step 1: Head to Settings > hit your Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

Step 2: Make sure the Back Up This iPhone option is turned on. If it is on, toggle it off and on again. After a few minutes, hit Back Up Now to start the backup progress.

Check Apple System Status

There is a case that the failure of the last iCloud backup doesn’t lie in your device but in the Apple server. You should go to Apple System Status to check whether iCloud Backup is available. If not, you can only wait for Apple to resolve it.

Connect to a Stable Internet

A poor and unstable network connection can result in the error “The last backup could not be completed”. In this situation, you need to check your internet connection and make sure it is reliable. Here are some small tips:

1. Reconnect to the Wi-Fi by tapping the “i” icon and selecting Forget This Network. Then reconnect it.
2. Switch to another strong Wi-Fi connection.
3. Turn off and on your Wi-Fi to refresh it.
4. If you are using Cellular Data, enable the Airplane mode and disable it.

Reset Network Settings

If the error message still exists after adjusting your network connection, try resetting network settings to solve it. To do so, follow the details:

Step 1: Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Click on Reset > Reset Network Settings > enter your screen passcode to confirm the reset action.

Free up iCloud Storage Space

Since iCloud only offers 5 GB storage for free, you can easily run out of it with a large number of backups. When this happens, the last backup won’t be completed. To deal with it, try to remove the old and unnecessary backups. The instructions are as follows:

Step 1: Go to Settings > tap on your profile > iCloud > Manage Account Storage.

Step 2: Hit Backups, and you can see all your devices using iCloud backup. Select the device that is not creating a backup, and then tap on Delete Backup.

Update the Device

Keeping your device up-to-date is workable to avoid software glitches including the “iCloud backup could not be completed” problem. It may happen because earlier or incompatible versions could interfere with backups. To update your device, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2: If there is an available update, hit Update Now to download and install the latest iOS version. Then try backing up your data again to check whether the error message persists.

Resign into Your Apple ID

The “The last backup could not be completed” error message might be caused by a bug in iCloud. In this case, signing out of iCloud and resigning into it can do the trick. This action will refresh your Apple account and fix any remaining issues with iCloud. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Go to Settings > tap on your name > hit Sign Out at the bottom > enter your Apple ID password to confirm it.

Step 2: Wait for a few seconds, go to Settings, and sign in with your Apple account again.

Ask Apple Support for Help

If you have tried all the solutions above but you can’t address the iCloud last backup incomplete issue, the ultimate way is to seek help from the Apple support team. Bring your device to a local Apple store, then the professional staff will check the underlying technical issues and provide additional guidance.

Final Words

All in all, “The last backup could not be completed” is a common error in the iCloud backup process. When facing this error, don’t panic, just follow the solutions in this post. Believe that you can get out of it easily after reading this guide.