Back Up iPhone to Mac on macOS 13 via Finder

Yes, you can back up your iPhone directly to a Mac running macOS 13 (Ventura) using Finder. Ever since Apple retired iTunes on macOS, device management and local backups have been built natively into the Finder application. This guide outlines the straightforward process of connecting your iPhone to your Mac, configuring your backup settings, and performing a full local backup without needing third-party software or iCloud storage.

How to Back Up Your iPhone Using Finder on macOS 13

Step 1: Connect Your Devices

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using an appropriate Lightning-to-USB or USB-C cable.
  2. Unlock your iPhone. If prompted on the screen, tap Trust This Computer and enter your iPhone passcode.
  3. If prompted on your Mac, click Trust.

Step 2: Locate Your iPhone in Finder

  1. Open a new Finder window on your Mac.
  2. In the Finder sidebar on the left, locate the Locations section.
  3. Click on your iPhone's name.

Step 3: Configure Backup Settings

  1. Click on the General tab in the main window.
  2. Under the Backups section, select the option labeled Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
  3. (Recommended) Check the box for Encrypt local backup. Encrypting your backup secures your personal data and ensures that account passwords, Health data, and saved Wi-Fi settings are included in the backup file. You will be prompted to create a password; do not lose this password, as you cannot restore the backup without it.

Step 4: Start the Backup

  1. Click the Back Up Now button.
  2. If you chose encryption, enter your designated backup password when prompted.
  3. Wait for the process to complete. You can track progress via the circular progress wheel next to your iPhone’s name in the sidebar or via the status bar at the bottom of the Finder window.

Verifying Your Backup

Once the process finishes, check the General tab under the Backups section. The timestamp next to Last backup to this Mac will update to display the current date and time, confirming that the backup was successful. You can also click Manage Backups to view and manage existing device backup archives stored on your Mac.