iOS backups.
I’ve been using a Belkin 15 W dual MagSafe charger for many months. It’s fast and I’m pleased with it.
We’re informed by Apple that iPhones would be automatically backed up when not in use and connected to power.
I didn’t realise that this precludes using MagSafe chargers and I’ve been backing up my iPhone 17 manually via Settings/iCloud whenever I think of it.
To test whether the iPhone actually needs to be plugged in via USB-C, I did that and my iPhone was backed up within a few minutes of doing so.
An Internet search finds agreement and disagreement with this situation.
What about TidBITS readers?
What kind of backup are you referring to? local over wifi to a Mac or iCloud etc?
I wasn’t aware of Apple telling this, as I backup/sync with a usb cable (never did it any other way) to the Mac using Finder every few days, but it sounds familiar so I’m interested in helping/learning more so wanted to clarify…
Like @TBTdn above, I’m not sure I understand what you are doing.
AFAIK, iCloud backups happen when the device is plugged into power (hadn’t heard of any MagSafe limitations there), but they should take place automatically with the only way to manually trigger them in Settings > (You >) iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
OTOH, if you’re talking about backing up to Mac, that requires being plugged into the Mac and then in the iPhone’s Finder window hitting the Back Up Now button manually. AFAIK there is no more option to have this happen automatically when you plug the iPhone into the Mac (unlike just syncing which can be set to happen automatically via checkbox under Options:). There also used to be a option to initiate this from the iPhone side (via a command in Settings > General IIRC), but Apple removed that option many iOS versions ago, so these days you always have to initiate sync and backup form the Mac side.
If I assume you’re trying the former (iCloud), is it possible your MagSafe charging setup is not properly working or just not delivering enough wattage? Have you tried another MagSafe charger?
If using a cable plugged into a Mac then it might be that popping the iPhone onto a Magsafe charger disrupts this. The iPhone should get its power through the USB cable.