Questions
- How do I back up my iPad using a Mac?
- How do I restore my iPad from a backup on my Mac?
- Do I need special software to back up my iPad on a Mac?
- Can I use a Bowdoin Mac to back up my iPad?
- How do I encrypt my iPad backup on a Mac?
- How do I check when my last iPad backup was made?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff backing up or restoring an iPad using a Mac. It is intended for users who prefer a local backup or who do not use iCloud. macOS Sequoia (15) or Tahoe (26) is required — iTunes is not used on these versions; device management is handled through Finder. You will need the USB-C cable that came with your iPad and sufficient free storage on the Mac.
Resolution
Connect your iPad to your Mac
- Use the USB-C cable that came with your iPad to connect it to your Mac.
- Open Finder. Your iPad will appear under Locations in the left sidebar.
- Click your iPad in the sidebar. If this is the first time connecting to this Mac, you will be prompted on both devices to trust the connection — tap Trust on the iPad and enter your iPad passcode when prompted.
Back up your iPad
- With your iPad selected in Finder, click the General tab if it is not already selected.
- Under the Backups section, select Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.
- To encrypt your backup (recommended for security), check Encrypt local backup and create a password you will remember. Encrypted backups include saved passwords and health data that unencrypted backups do not.
- Click Back Up Now and wait for the process to finish. Keep the iPad connected throughout.
- When the backup completes, the Latest Backup date and time will update under the Backups section — this confirms the backup was successful.
Important: Do not disconnect your iPad until the backup has fully completed. Disconnecting early may result in an incomplete or corrupted backup.
Restore your iPad from a backup
- Connect your iPad to your Mac and open it in Finder as described above.
- Under the Backups section, click Restore Backup.
- Choose the backup you want to restore from the list. If the backup is encrypted, you will be prompted to enter the backup password.
- Click Restore and keep the iPad connected until the process completes. Your apps and settings will be restored when it finishes.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources