Backup: automatic backups have stopped working
Updated on Mar 31, 2026
Reading time ~3 minutes
iMazing Mini performs automatic backups over Wi-Fi while your device is connected to the same local network as your computer. When automatic backups stop working, the cause is almost always one of a few specific conditions that prevent iMazing from reaching the device or triggering the backup at the scheduled time.
Diagnose the issue
Open iMazing Mini, select your device from the list, and open the Notifications tab. A history of recent notifications is available there, with details on why each backup did not occur.

Use the list below to identify your situation and determine which step to follow next:
- Last backup completed less than 24 hours ago. iMazing will not trigger a new backup until the interval has elapsed. No action needed.
- Backup timeframe is too short. iMazing did not have enough time to retry after a failed attempt. Proceed to step 3.
- Device inactive or locked for more than 24 hours. The device must be unlocked at least once per day for automatic backups to run.
- Device was rebooted and not unlocked afterward. This can happen after a manual restart, a battery drain, or an iOS update. Unlock the device to restore connectivity.
- Device entered emergency mode. This occurs when the power button is pressed five times. Unlock the device to exit this mode.
- Device and computer have not communicated in more than 30 days. Pairing has expired. Unpair and re-pair your device from scratch.
- Computer went to sleep during the scheduled backup window. Adjust your computer's sleep settings or your backup schedule to avoid overlap. Proceed to step 3.
- Wi-Fi backup is failing. Proceed to step 2.
Restore Wi-Fi Connectivity
If the notification history indicates a Wi-Fi connectivity issue, follow these steps:
- Unlock your device.
- Connect it to your computer with a USB or Lightning cable.
- Disconnect the cable, then trigger a manual backup over Wi-Fi to confirm connectivity is restored.
If the issue persists, unpair and re-pair your device from scratch. If iMazing is still unable to connect over Wi-Fi, refer to the Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting guide for additional steps.
Adjust the backup schedule
If the backup timeframe is too short, iMazing may not have enough time to retry after a failed attempt.
Open iMazing Mini, select your device, and open the Settings tab. Review the Backup Schedule section:

- Set a minimum timeframe of 4 hours between backups.
- If the issue persists, remove the timeframe restriction entirely and observe whether backups resume.

Note: After the first full backup completes, incremental backups typically take only a few minutes and use minimal system resources.