Your phone says it's backed up. But when did it actually last do it?

We ask this question in store every day — and most people aren't sure. Which is completely understandable, because backup is designed to be invisible. When it's working, you never notice it.

The problem is when it stops working, you don't notice that either.

Here's exactly how to check — on iPhone and Android — in about 60 seconds.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Tap iCloud.
4. Tap iCloud Backup.
5. Look at the line that says "Last successful backup."

That's your answer. If it's within the last few days, you're in good shape. If it says "Never," or the date is months ago, something has gone wrong.

While you're on this screen — check that iCloud Backup is turned on, and that you have enough iCloud storage. If iCloud is full, backup will have stopped silently.

On Android

(Steps vary slightly by phone, but the path is similar.)

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Google (or System, then Backup, depending on your phone).
3. Tap Backup.
4. Look at the "Last backup" date for your device.

Same question — if it's recent, you're fine. If it's old or missing, something is off.

Check that backup is turned on, and that the Google account being used is the one you actually use. We see this constantly — backup is on, but pointed at an old or abandoned account.

What "backed up" actually means

Phone backups generally cover your photos, contacts, messages, app data and settings. They do not always include everything you'd assume — WhatsApp chats, for example, often need their own backup turned on separately.

If your photos matter to you (and for most people, this is the single most important thing), make sure photo backup is on specifically — through iCloud Photos on iPhone, or Google Photos on Android.

If something doesn't look right

If the last backup date is months ago, or the screen says it failed, don't panic. It usually means one of three things: storage is full, the account isn't set up correctly, or the settings have drifted. All three are fixable in a single visit.

Bring the phone in. We'll look at it properly, fix whatever's wrong, and make sure it's quietly doing its job again — the way you thought it was.

Want us to check it for you?

Cloud Backup Setup, in-store. We make sure your phone, photos and important data are actually being backed up — not just turned on. Open 7 days. Find your nearest store at kingit.com.au.