How to Manage Your iCloud Backup in Polycam

iCloud backup provides an additional layer of data protection for iOS users, ensuring your Polycam captures are safely stored and can be restored when transferring to a new device.

Understanding iCloud Backup

If you are using an iOS device (such as an iPhone or iPad), you have a secondary way of backing up your data. Turning on iCloud backup will save the data locally stored on your Polycam account. When you transfer to a new phone device with iCloud backup, your captures should carry over to the new device as long as you meet Apple's iCloud backup requirements.

Important Note: If possible, always check your iCloud storage before making any changes to the app or phone. If you are out of iCloud storage, your captures might not be stored within the available storage.

Availability and Requirements

Plan Access

iCloud backup is available on the following plans and platforms:

iOS Web Android
Free ✅ ❌ ❌
Basic ✅ ❌ ❌
Pro LEGACY ✅ ❌ ❌
Business ✅ ❌ ❌
Enterprise ✅ ❌ ❌

Apple iCloud Backup Requirements

Apple iCloud backups should back up your data daily if it meets the following criteria:

  • Power connection: Your iPhone is connected to power
  • Device locked: Your iPhone is locked
  • Wi-Fi connection: Your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi
Storage Warning: Before enabling iCloud backup, verify you have sufficient iCloud storage available. If your iCloud storage is full, your Polycam captures may not be backed up properly.

How to Enable iCloud Backup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1Access Your Profile

Tap your Profile Icon on the app's bottom right-hand side.

2Navigate to Storage Settings

In the account page, navigate to the Storage section.

3Select iCloud Backup Option

Select the iCloud Backup option from the Storage section.

4Enable or Disable Backup

On the iCloud backup page, you can enable or disable the option for iCloud backup by toggling the switch.

Backup Confirmation: Once enabled, your Polycam data will be included in your device's regular iCloud backup schedule, provided your device meets Apple's backup requirements.

Managing iCloud Storage

Checking Available Storage

To ensure successful backups, regularly monitor your iCloud storage:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device
  2. Tap your name at the top of the screen
  3. Select iCloud
  4. View your storage usage at the top of the screen

What Gets Backed Up

When iCloud backup is enabled for Polycam, the following data is included:

  • Capture data: All locally stored 3D scans and captures
  • Project files: Associated project information and metadata
  • App settings: Your Polycam app preferences and configurations
Cloud Sync vs. iCloud Backup: iCloud backup is separate from Polycam's cloud sync feature. For maximum data protection, consider using both: Polycam's cloud storage for access across devices and iCloud backup as an additional safety net.

Restoring from iCloud Backup

When Transferring to a New Device

Your Polycam data will be restored automatically when you:

  1. Set up your new device: Choose to restore from iCloud backup during initial setup
  2. Select the correct backup: Choose the most recent backup that includes your Polycam data
  3. Complete the restore: Wait for the restore process to finish completely
  4. Open Polycam: Launch the Polycam app to verify your captures have been restored

Restore Requirements

  • The backup must have been created with iCloud backup enabled in Polycam
  • You must be signed in with the same Apple ID used to create the backup
  • Your new device must have sufficient storage to accommodate the restored data
  • A stable Wi-Fi connection is required for the restore process

Troubleshooting

Backup Not Working

If your iCloud backup isn't functioning properly:

  1. Check iCloud storage: Verify you have available space in your iCloud account
  2. Verify backup settings: Ensure iCloud backup is enabled in both iOS Settings and Polycam
  3. Check backup conditions: Confirm your device meets all three Apple backup requirements (power, locked, Wi-Fi)
  4. Review last backup date: Check Settings [Your Name] iCloud iCloud Backup to see when your last successful backup occurred

Captures Not Restoring

If your captures don't appear after restoring from backup:

  • Wait for completion: Large backups can take time to fully restore; be patient
  • Check backup timing: Ensure the backup you restored from was created after you captured the missing data
  • Verify account: Confirm you're signed in with the correct Polycam account
  • Force quit and restart: Close Polycam completely and reopen it

Running Out of iCloud Storage

If you're consistently running out of iCloud storage:

  • Upgrade your plan: Consider purchasing additional iCloud storage from Apple
  • Manage backups: Remove backups from old devices you no longer use
  • Optimize photos: Enable "Optimize iPhone Storage" in Photos settings
  • Use Polycam cloud storage: Rely on Polycam's built-in cloud storage for your captures
Need Help? If you continue to experience issues with iCloud backup in Polycam, contact Polycam support with details about your iOS version, available iCloud storage, and the specific issue you're encountering.

Best Practices for Data Protection

Backup Strategy

  • Use multiple backup methods: Combine iCloud backup with Polycam's cloud storage for redundancy
  • Monitor storage regularly: Check both iCloud and device storage to ensure backups can complete
  • Maintain consistent power: Connect your device to power nightly to enable automatic backups
  • Stay on Wi-Fi: Keep your device connected to Wi-Fi overnight for successful backups

Before Major Changes

Before upgrading your device, switching phones, or making significant changes:

  • Force a backup: Manually trigger an iCloud backup in Settings
  • Verify completion: Confirm the backup finished successfully
  • Check backup size: Ensure the backup size seems appropriate for your data
  • Export important captures: Consider exporting critical captures as an additional precaution

Understanding Backup Limitations

What iCloud Backup Doesn't Include

Be aware that iCloud backup has certain limitations:

  • Cloud-synced data: Captures already synced to Polycam's cloud may not need separate iCloud backup
  • Temporary files: Cache and temporary processing files are not included

Storage Considerations

iCloud backup storage usage depends on:

  • The number of captures stored locally on your device
  • The size and complexity of your 3D scans
  • Whether captures are also stored in Polycam's cloud
  • Other apps and data being backed up to iCloud