Have questions about backing up your iPhone?
Have questions about backing up your iPhone?
Do you know how two iPhones connected to the same Apple ID behave when synced to iCloud? It keeps its own data unless you manually share or restrict access. To prevent one from syncing to the other, use separate Apple IDs or set permissions carefully.
This part discusses the speed of data transfer between devices. It mentions that with each device holding about 50GB, the process could be quicker than using cloud services like iCloud. The concern is whether malware could move from an iPhone to a Windows laptop, which is why you're cautious. You also question if separating older models like the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone SE would prevent any confusion.
It’s better to back up your Windows laptop locally rather than relying on cloud services. This approach can be quicker and reduces dependence on internet connectivity or paid subscriptions. Your main worry is malware risk from an iPhone reaching a Windows device, which is a valid concern compared to using iCloud. Let me know if you’d like more details.
Ive never gotten my phone to sync with a Windows device thru iTunes. I have a MacBook Pro, and because it's MacOS it just works. Syncing via my Mac is very fast, but generally I only do it to add music. I generally just rely on iCloud for everything else. There is always a chance I would suppose. If the malware is written for iOS it wouldn't run on Windows. If the malware was written for Windows it could run, but most sane people run some sort of Anti Virus /Anti malware software, Windows 10 and on has built in protection. It would probably catch any infected file.
You're looking for a safe way to manage your files without exposing your laptop to malware. It seems iTunes and Windows could be risky, especially with ads on your iPhone. Using iCloud might help keep everything organized but could also pose privacy concerns. Consider backing up your data securely through iTunes or a cloud service that respects your privacy. If you need a straightforward solution, look into using a dedicated file manager or a trusted cloud storage app. Always prioritize security when transferring sensitive information.
What option suits you best? I use iTunes because my mom takes a lot of photos and we’re part Apple family, so my purchases stay together. Plus I prefer having storage off-site for important files. Still, if both phones share the same Apple account they’ll sync to the same iCloud account, which means it won’t be separate. I’m not sure it will be that way if done through iTunes. Another point is your internet speed and WiFi quality. In my setup I only get about 20 Mbps upload, so big backups will take a long time. On the other hand syncing to a computer might be quicker overall. It really depends on how fast you need it. That’s what Windows Defender is meant for—handling malware. You’re overcomplicating this.
Having iCloud linked means all your data stays connected across devices. If backups are done on each iPhone and synced to the same 200GB account, it should work smoothly without conflicts. The system is designed to handle multiple devices in sync, so you shouldn’t see issues unless there’s a technical glitch.
It usually takes about an hour each. Just a precaution, you’re not using that data. Was the pandemic upset people? It happens quickly—just go through it once, and you’ll see. Edited November 6, 2025 by leclod
All devices linked to the identical Apple ID share the same access rights and storage. This means iCloud data flows together across them. Backups stay centralized in one iCloud account, so restoring a device pulls in everything from that shared account. To maintain separation, each device would need its own unique Apple ID, though using the same ID for both would still allow syncing between them. Ultimately, the system prioritizes Apple Account over device-specific storage.
It seems the connection isn't working because of unexpected interference or security issues. Even with malware on another device, the setup might be blocked by firewall rules or software conflicts.