How to Fix iCloud Backup Stuck on Estimating Time Remaining

So, you’re backing up your iPhone to iCloud or maybe restoring data from iCloud to your iPhone. You follow all the steps, and then… you hit that screen.

It says “estimating time remaining”, but nothing happens. The progress bar doesn’t move, and you’re stuck staring at the same message for what feels like forever.

At this point, you’re probably wondering—is it actually stuck, or does it really take this long to estimate the time?

The truth is, it could be either. Sometimes, it’s just a slow process. Other times, something is wrong and the backup is genuinely stuck.

Either way, it’s frustrating, especially if you rely on iCloud to keep your data safe.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix the “iCloud backup stuck on estimating time remaining” problem. Let’s get this sorted.

Getting the Fundamentals Right…

First, let’s make sure we’re starting off on the right foot. Before jumping into fixes, it’s important to check the basics—like your internet connection, battery level, etc.

Here are a few things you should double-check to avoid simple issues from the start:

Is Your Wi-Fi Connection Fast and Stable?

Let’s state the obvious—you need a fast and stable internet connection whether you’re backing up your iPhone to iCloud or restoring data from iCloud.

If your Wi-Fi is unstable—or worse, you’re on public Wi-Fi that cuts out occasionally—the process can get stuck and feel like it’s taking forever.

When Backing Up to iCloud:

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.



2. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable network.
3. If the connection seems slow, restart your router and reconnect.
4. Test the Wi-Fi by opening a website or streaming a video to check its speed.

When Restoring from iCloud:

If you’re restoring data to your new iPhone, use another device—like a laptop or tablet—to check the Wi-Fi connection:

• Ensure the second device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Open a browser or streaming app to confirm it’s working properly.
• For better accuracy, use an app like Speedtest by Ookla to check download and upload speeds.

If your Wi-Fi passes all these checks and the process is still stuck, it’s time to move on to the next steps.

Plug Your Device into Power

iCloud backups and restores can pause—or even fail—if your device’s battery is low. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep your iPhone plugged in during the process.

Here’s what to do:

• Connect your iPhone to a charger using the original cable and adapter.
• Look for the charging indicator on the screen to confirm it’s charging.
• Keep the device plugged in until the backup or restore is complete.

Restoring from iCloud to iPhone

Let’s start by fixing the “estimating time remaining” issue when restoring iCloud data to your iPhone. If you’re seeing the same message while backing up your iPhone to iCloud, go to this section.

It Takes Time

First of all, restoring data from iCloud to your new iPhone can take time—especially if you’re restoring tens or even hundreds of gigabytes.

So, if you’re stuck at “estimating time remaining” for about 10-20 minutes, it’s probably normal. Be patient and let the process continue.

Check Your Router

If the process is still stuck after 20-30 minutes, check your router, Google Home, or whatever network device your iPhone is connected to.

Look for any uploading or downloading activity on the iPhone. If you see data being transferred, it’s likely not stuck—it’s just sorting through the large download required. In this case, give it more time.

Force Restart Your Phone

If you’ve been stuck on the “estimating time remaining” message for too long and there’s no downloading or uploading activity, try force restarting your phone. Then, repeat the restore process.

Check out our article on how to force restart an iPhone.

Contact Apple Support

If nothing else works, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support. You can contact them online, and depending on their advice, you may need to take your device in for further inspection.

Backing Up from iPhone to iCloud

If you’re stuck on the “estimating time remaining” message while trying to back up your iPhone data to iCloud, try the following steps:

Restart Your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches that cause the backup to freeze. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down.



2. Slide to power off your device.
3. Wait for 30 seconds, then press and hold the power button to turn it back on.

After restarting, try running the iCloud backup again.

Check for iOS or iPadOS Updates

Outdated software may have bugs that cause backups to freeze. Updating your device can often fix these issues. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.



2. Wait while your device checks for updates.
3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Tip: Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power during the update process.

Verify iCloud Storage Availability

Low iCloud storage can cause backups to freeze. It’s important to check how much space is available before starting a backup.

To check your iCloud storage, go to Settings and tap your name at the top. Then, select iCloud.

Next, tap Storage to view how much space is available. This screen will show you a breakdown of what’s using your storage.

If your storage is full, you have a couple of options. First, you can free up space by deleting old backups or removing unnecessary data stored in iCloud.

Alternatively, you can upgrade your storage plan. Tap Buy More Storage and select a plan that suits your needs.

Sign Out and Back Into iCloud

iCloud account errors can sometimes cause backups to freeze. Signing out and back in can refresh your settings and fix the issue.

Sign Out of iCloud:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name].
2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
3. Enter your Apple ID password and confirm.

Restart Your Device:

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Slide to power off.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Sign Back In:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Sign in to your iPhone.
3. Enter your Apple ID and follow any prompts.

Start the Backup Again:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
2. Tap Back Up Now.

Delete the Previous Backup

Corrupted or incomplete backups can cause the process to freeze. Deleting old backups and starting fresh may fix the issue:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
2. Tap iCloud Backups and select your device.



3. Scroll down and tap Turn Off and Delete from iCloud.
4. Confirm by tapping Turn Off & Delete.

Now, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now to create a new backup.

Backup with iTunes or Finder

If iCloud backup is still stuck, try backing up your iPhone using a computer.

For macOS Catalina and Later

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with a USB cable.
2. Open Finder.
3. Select your device under Locations in the sidebar.



4. Click the General tab.
5. Under Backups, select Back up all data on your iPhone to this Mac.
6. (Optional) Choose Encrypt local backup to protect sensitive data.
7. Click Back Up Now.

Once the backup is complete, you can use it to restore your device if needed.

For Windows or macOS Mojave and Earlier

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes (download it if needed).
3. Click the Device icon in the top-left corner.
4. Go to the Summary tab.
5. Under Backups, select This Computer.
6. (Optional) Tick Encrypt local backup to include sensitive data.
7. Click Back Up Now.

Check the backup time under Latest Backup to confirm it completed successfully.

FAQ:

Why is my iPhone stuck on restore from iCloud?

Your iPhone might be stuck because of a slow Wi-Fi connection, low iCloud storage, or a software glitch. Corrupted backups can also cause problems. Restarting your phone, checking Wi-Fi speed, and updating iOS often fix the issue.

Why is it taking so long to restore from iCloud?

The time depends on your backup size and internet speed. Large backups, especially with lots of photos and videos, take longer. Make sure your Wi-Fi is fast and stable. Use tools like Speedtest to test it. Keep your iPhone plugged in, and give it time—some restores take hours.

How long does it take to restore from iCloud?

Restoring a small backup can take as little as 5-15 minutes. Larger backups, especially over 50 GB, can take 1-3 hours or more. If it seems unusually slow, check your Wi-Fi, restart your phone, and try again.

How do I stop my iPhone from restoring?

You can cancel the restore anytime by going to Settings, tapping your name, and selecting iCloud. Then, go to iCloud Backup and choose “Stop Restoring iPhone” Be aware that any incomplete data won’t be restored, so you may need to start over later.

What if my iPhone is stuck on the restore screen?

If your phone is frozen on the Apple logo with a progress bar, force restart it. For iPhone 8 or later, press Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 7, hold the Volume Down and Power Button together. For iPhone 6s or earlier, hold the Home and Power Buttons until you see the Apple logo. If that doesn’t fix it, connect your phone to a computer and restore it using iTunes or Finder.

How do I cancel restore data from iCloud?

To cancel a restore, open Settings, tap your name, and go to iCloud. Select iCloud Backup, then tap “Stop Restoring iPhone” and confirm. Keep in mind that any data that hasn’t been restored yet will be lost.

How do I finish restoring my iPhone?

If your restore isn’t completing, restart your iPhone and check your Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings and check the restore progress under iCloud Backup. If it’s stuck, cancel the restore and start over. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support for help.

What if my iPhone freezes during restore?

If your iPhone freezes, try forcing a restart and reconnecting to Wi-Fi. If the restore still won’t continue, connect your phone to a computer and restore it through iTunes or Finder. For persistent issues, reach out to Apple Support for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Getting stuck on “estimating time remaining” during an iCloud backup or restore can be frustrating, but it’s often an easy fix.

In most cases, a stable Wi-Fi connection, a quick restart, or clearing up iCloud storage does the trick. If not, following the steps in this guide should help you get back on track.

And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support—they’re there to help. Good luck!