iTunes is a must-have companion for any iOS device owner. The utility not only helps you exchange content between a PC and a mobile device, but also makes it possible to update or restore your Apple gadget, buy and download new applications and media files, create a ringtone, etc. However, perhaps the most important option of the program is making a backup, because today we store so much important and valuable information in our mobile assistants that it would be an extreme shame to lose it if it is lost/stolen or simply when the device breaks.
In this article we will tell you how to create a copy of data in iTunes, as well as where iTunes stores backups.
Creating a backup in iTunes is a very simple procedure and even a novice user can handle it. To perform a backup, follow these instructions:
Ready! All that remains is to wait until the program saves the created duplicate on the PC. You can verify that the backup in iTunes was successful by opening the “Edit” section of the program, then “Settings” and going to the “Devices” tab - the created copy and the number of its creation will be displayed here.
As you understand, backups need to be repeated regularly. In this case, please note that only the latest current duplicate will be stored on the computer - when creating a new backup, old data is deleted automatically.
Where are iTunes backup files stored?
So, we figured out how to make a backup copy, but you probably have a logical question - where exactly does the program save the backed up information and is it possible to view it. Well, let's find out.
The directory into which the utility determines the copied data instance depends on what PC you are working with.
If you own a Mac, you can access the storage location as follows:
If you are using a Windows computer, to find the storage location of the backed up information:
How to view files and restore from iTunes backup?
Now let’s talk about what a backup saved in iTunes looks like. It is a folder whose name contains 40 characters. There are a bunch of other folders hiding in this folder. None of the folders can be renamed, and on the official Apple support page it is highly recommended not to transfer the folder with the backup information anywhere. After all, something can be damaged inadvertently - you can accidentally delete some important file, and if the duplicate is damaged, when restoring data, you will most likely encounter an error.
However, most likely, when you see this pile of folders, you will have a question not about how to move them somewhere, but how to restore any information from a copy that looks so strange. Well, that is, with iCloud everything is clear - if you made a backup in the cloud, you simply open the iCloud.com website, log in using your Apple ID and see all the backed up data neatly laid out in clear sections - “Contacts”, “Photos” etc.
With iTunes, everything is somewhat different - you cannot view the data here, but, in fact, this should not worry the user too much. After all, this will not prevent data from being restored from iTunes to new iOS device. When transferring content, the user will be required to initial setup new gadget, just select “Restore via iTunes” and connect the device to the PC - all the work will be done automatically.
But what if you need to extract partially backed up content in order to later transfer it, for example, to an Android device. This is where you have to work hard. There are different mechanisms for each type of information. For example, you can see how to copy contacts.
By the way, a complete list of information stored by duplicate data in iTunes can be found in this article.
What to do if iTunes backups refuse to be created?
Unfortunately, sometimes when performing a backup, you may encounter an error: “iTunes was unable to create a backup.” There can be many reasons for this - from simple wear and tear of the synchronization cable to conflicts with virus software.
First of all, if the backup procedure fails, it is recommended to take the following measures to eliminate the error:
If none of the recommendations help and you still cannot perform a backup, read this article or contact Apple Support.
Let's summarize
Well, now you know how to create a duplicate of data in iTunes, and you also know where the program stores the folders with the copies made. Unfortunately, it is impossible to view the information in them directly, but this is not important for restoring content. If you made a backup via iTunes, you can always extract information from the copy using special programs and get it in the end in proper form.
Many users don’t even think about it, and simply rebuild their device, and then rack their brains and wonder - where did all the contacts, messages, settings, applications go? Fortunately, in the latest iTunes this process is automated and you don’t need to think about it.
But what if you just don’t like the design of the new combine and want to stay on your old favorite iTunes? In this case, you will have to make a backup copy manually. You can also hide everything in iCloud.
So, let's try to figure it out possible options backup...
Let's start with the fact that there are 2 ways to save an iPhone backup.
- On your computer using iTunes.
- In the cloud, on Apple servers via iCloud.
What is more convenient, everyone chooses for themselves.
Simultaneously: both in iTunes and in iCloud backup A copy of the iPhone cannot be stored!
In old iTunes
This is done quite simply, you just need to follow these steps:
- Connect your device to your computer.
- Select your device on the left in the partition selection column.
- In the device window that opens, scroll to "Backup".
- Select the copying path: either it will be iCloud or a classic copy on your computer.
- Wait for the backup process to complete.
In the new iTunes
IN new iTunes Version 11 (if you have it installed and you disabled autobackup and forgot to do the last one) you only need:
- Connect the device to the computer.
- Select a device at the top right by its name.
- Click the button "Backup" .
Where is iPhone backup stored on computer:
This location depends on the operating system installed on your computer:
- Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.
- Vista or Windows 7: Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.
- MacOS: \Users\Username\Libraries\Application Support\MobileSync\Backup.
Backup to iCloud
From now on, backups to the Apple server will occur every day without your participation.
But for this you need:
- Internet connection via Wi-Fi.
- Connecting iPhone to a power source.
- Screen lock.
You can manually create a backup copy yourself. To do this, connect your iPhone to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Open "Settings" - "iCloud" - "Storage & Backups". Select "Create a copy".
How to Restore an iPhone Backup
In old iTunes
In the right sidebar, select your iPhone. Click the right mouse button on this item.
In the menu that appears, select "Restore from backup". Specify the required backup copy of iPhone. Click "Restore".
In the new iTunes
In the lower right corner, click the device button. Go to the Review tab. Click "Restore from copy".
Transfer data from iPhone
We considered the first option.
Option number two is a situation where you can’t make a backup through iTunes, but you need to do it.
Attention - for the method described below you will need installed jailbreak on your device. This method is not exactly a method, but only an opportunity to save the remains of Pompeii under various force majeure circumstances.
So, if iTunes does not want or cannot perform a backup, but it is very necessary, then the following will help to get out of the situation to some extent:
- Contacts - var/mobile/Library/AddressBook. (backup iPhone contacts. There are two files in the folder, save both.).
- SMS- var/mobile/Library/SMS .
- Mail - var/mobile/Library/Mail .
- Notes - /var/mobile/Library/Notes/ .
- Programs from App Store should be in iTunes, if not, right-click in iTunes on your iPhone, then “Transfer purchases.”
- Programs from Cydia will have to be reinstalled. You can save a list of them using AptBackup by installing the appropriate application from Cydia.
- Photos are in var/mobile/Media/DCIM .
- The music must be in iTunes, if not, copy it using file manager(and just don’t try to copy it back to them later, it will ruin your media library on your phone and you’ll only have to restore it complete update libraries).
- The ringtones should be in iTunes, if not, copy them using the file manager for iPhone (don’t even try to copy them back later, it will ruin your media library on your phone!).
- Calendar - /var/mobile/Library/Calendar .
- Bookmarks, history - /var/mobile/Library/Safari .
- Safari bookmarks as desktop icons /var/mobile/Library/WebClips .
On all folders from the Library transferred manually, it is necessary to check the rights (0700 Owner - mobile, Group - mobile), and on the files themselves that are inside (0644 Owner - mobile, Group - mobile). If the rights are set correctly, then the contacts will be saved normally and there will be no crashes.
Now, having learned how and where to make a Backup, you will no longer be afraid of data loss when changing your phone, or in a situation where you made a mistake when
iPhone is one of the most popular mobile devices to date. This is not surprising, because the gadget contains all the necessary functionality to meet the needs of its owners.
As practice shows, all iPhone owners use the option to save information. Every time in the process of synchronizing a gadget with iTunes, users automatic mode backup data from their device. Thanks to this, users can easily recover lost data.
Advice. It is worth paying attention to the fact that each gadget is assigned only one backup copy. If you make adjustments, old version will be replaced with a new copy. Information previously saved will be irretrievably lost.
But gadget owners often wonder where the iPhone backup is stored on the computer, because when restoring data it is important not to miss a single detail. IN this review you will learn where the iPhone backup is saved on your computer and how to minimize the time spent searching for it.
iPhone: where are backups stored?
One of the most popular operating systems is Windows 7, 8 and 10. In order to understand how to find a backup copy of an iPhone on a computer saved with iTunes help, you need to follow simple recommendations:
There is another alternative search for backups. To implement it, follow the step-by-step guide:
- Find the search bar on your computer.
- Next, you need to enter the following into the search engine: %appdata% and press the “enter” function
- A folder will appear in front of you. It must be opened to obtain copies.
- Search completed successfully. You can begin operations with the backup copy.
Advice. If you need to view your backup data, you don't have to use a computer. The option is available in iTunes: Edit → Preferences → Devices.
I don’t know about you, but for me the contents of the memory of my iPhone 5s are much more expensive than the device itself. If you bought it once, you can buy it a second and third time, but the accumulated value over the years, even if it is possible, is not easy to do.
How to Move iTunes Backups to Another Drive in Windows 7, 8 and 10
- Close iTunes.
- Copy or move the folder “C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” to another drive (replace username with your own). Just in case, copy the folder somewhere else.
In my virtual machine In Windows 10 it is located at: C:\Users\le7andr\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
- Run the command line (command line processor) “cmd.exe” with administrator rights (“Start” -> “Search programs and files” -> “cmd” -> Right click mouse call context menu on the file "cmd.exe" and select "Run as administrator"). The name of the command line window must include “Administrator: C:/Windows/System32/cmd.exe”.
- Enter the command: MKLINK /D “from” “to”
Example:
mklink /d “C:\Users\Alexander Varakin\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” D:\iTunes\BackupInstead of “Alexander Varakin”, enter your username. If there are spaces in the path (here Apple Computer), it must be enclosed in quotation marks (“”). To avoid typing the path manually, drag the desired folder into the command prompt window. Press Enter.
- Example of command execution.
- Launch iTunes and check for backups in the program settings on the “Devices” tab.
How to Move iTunes Backups to Another Drive in Windows XP
- Close iTunes.
- Copy or move the folder “C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” to another drive (replace username with your own). Just in case, it is better to copy the folder somewhere else.
- Delete the "Backup" folder on system disk(where the backups were moved from).
- Download Junction from the link, unzip it, for example, to the root of drive “C”.
- Run the command line “cmd.exe” with administrator rights (“Start” -> “Search programs and files” -> “cmd” -> Right-click the context menu on the file “cmd.exe” and select “Run as administrator” "). The name of the command line window must include “Administrator: C:/Windows/System32/cmd.exe”.
- IN command line enter the command: C:\Path_to_Junction\junction.exe “from” “to” -s,
- “from” - the previous location of the “Backup” folder on the system drive;
- “where” is the new path to the backup folder.
Example: C:\Junction\junction.exe "C:\Users\Alexander Varakin\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\" D:\iTunes\Backup -s
- Launch iTunes and check for backups in the program settings on the “Devices” tab.
How to Move iTunes Backups to Another Drive on Mac OS X
For Mac computers with a backup function using the Time Machine program built into OS X or third-party ones, the issue of the safety of backup copies is not so acute, but it will still be useful to someone.
On Mac computers on OS X the procedure is a little simpler:
Backups transferred to another drive will be available in iTunes until the next reinstallation of the operating system, after which the symbolic links will need to be created again.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult about finding an iTunes backup on Windows computer or Mac. It’s not difficult to move “heavy” backups to another disk (partition or external drive) and associate them with iTunes using symbolic links.
If you have any questions or additions, write them in the comments and we’ll discuss them.
Every time you sync your iPhone with iTunes, it is automatically backed up. From which in the future you can easily restore information that has disappeared for any reason. However, situations often occur when backup copies are deleted, for example, after reinstalling the operating system. In order to avoid such problems, it is important to copy the backups you have made to any external device from time to time. hard drive or to cloud storage.
The iTunes backup contains huge amount important information: from contact list to bookmarks Safari browser. Of course, no one wants to lose so much information accumulated over a long time. using iPhone. Therefore, in this article I want to tell you where iPhone, iPad or iPod backups are stored on your computer.
Where is iPhone backup stored on Mac OS
Backups on Mac OS are located in ~//Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ . Therefore, in order to copy them, just go to the Backup folder and transfer them from there to any external storage device.
Where is iPhone backup stored in Windows XP
In Windows XP, you can find backups by following the path \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\. In order to copy them, open the Backup folder and transfer to any external storage device.
Where is iPhone backup stored in Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10
In Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10, backups are located in the same place along the path \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.
Note:If you don’t see desired folder, then you need to enable display in the Control Panel hidden folders and files. To do this you need to go to Control Panel → Folder Options → View and mark the item with a circle Show hidden files, folders and drives. In Windows 7 and Windows 8, for easier display, switch the Control Panel to classic view by clicking View - Small icons. In case you have Windows 10 for more easy access folder parameters, it is best to search the system with the request « Change search options for files and folders» .
How to quickly detect iPhone backup files in Windows 7/8/10
Step 1. Open the search bar. In Windows 7 you need to click on the menu "Start"; in Windows 8 this can be done by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner; in Windows 10, click on the search bar next to the menu "Start"
Step 2. Enter the following command in the search bar: %appdata%
Step 3. Open the found folder 
Step 4. From this folder, go to the directory Apple Computer → MobileSync → Backup.
Important!Don't forget that only one backup is available for each device. So if you create a new one. then the old one will be automatically deleted. Of course, all data stored in it will be deleted. Try not to lose your backup files by copying them in case you reinstall operating system, to removable media or cloud service, for example, Dropbox.
You can view information about backups directly from iTunes, to do this, go to Edit → Settings → Devices. Here you can see the date of the last synchronization, disable automatic synchronization and delete existing backups.
