Usually, you don’t have to know about the accurate location of iTunes backup files because iTunes will show them for you automatically. But what if you purchase a new computer and want to transfer the backup files from the old PC to the new one, you have to know the location of the backup files so that you can have a copy for them. This article will show the following several parts:

Part 1: The location of your iPhone backup files

1: The location of your iTunes backup files

If you are a Windows user, you can find your iPhone backup files under the path just as below according to your operating system:

Note: In order to show the hidden folder, you should enable “show hidden files” firstly. Just open an arbitrary folder, go to “Tools->Folder Options->View”, and then enable “Show hidden files, folders and drives”.

For XP: C:\Documents and Settings\ (username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

For Vista:

For Windows 7: C:\Users\ (username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

For Windows 8, 8.1: C:\Users\ (username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

For Windows 10: C:\Users\ (username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

(The “C:” means the system drive of your computer.)

You can open an arbitrary folder and enter the path above into the address bar and then tap the Enter key, to access to the target path quickly.

If you are a Mac user, you should go to “ ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/” and view all your iPhone backup files there.

2. Location for iCloud backup files

As to iCloud backup files, since they are all saved in the remote storage, you cannot find iCloud backup files on computer but can still view them very easy.

To Mac users, you have to go to “System Preferences” under Apple menu, and go to “iCloud” and click “Manage” Menu.

To Windows users, just click Start| All Programs| iCloud| iCloud and then choose “Manage”, if you are using Windows 8, you can find the relevant title in the Start Window.

Besides, you can also view the backup data directly on your iPhone. Just go into Settings->iCloud and then choose “Storage & Backup”.

Part 2: Change the storage path of iTunes backup files

Since you know where your backup files are, you must wonder how to change the default storage path and save your backup files in other places so that you can save more space for your system drive. This is not really complex. Here are the steps:

For Windows XP:

• 1) Close your iTunes. And you have to download the junction utility from the Internet.
• 2) Extract the junction utility, and copy “junction.exe” to your username folder.
• 3) Go to the path which saved your iTunes backup files, copy all the backup files to other places.
• 4) Click Start, click Run and input “cmd” into the text box, then tap the Enter key.
• 5) Now the command prompt will pop up, now you have to create an NTFS junction point. Input below commander and tap Enter key:
  Junction “C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “(the new storage path you want)”
• 6) Now back up your iPhone file with iTunes once, and go to the new storage path to check whether the new backup file is saved there.

For Windows Vista/7/8:

• 1) Go to the location of the iTunes backup files, and copy all the files into the new backup storage path you want.
• 2) Both tap Windows and R, and input “cmd” into the popping-up textbox, and then click Ok.
• 3) Now command prompt will pop up. Input the commander just as below and tap Enter key:
  mklink /j “C:\Users\username\App Data\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “(the new storage path you want)”
• 4) Backup your iPhone file with iTunes, and go to the new storage path to check whether new backup file is saved there.

For Mac OS X:

• 1) Exit iTunes, and go to the iTunes backup location and copy all backups to the new storage folder.
• 2) Launch Terminal and enter the command prompt. Input the commander just as follows:
  ln -s /Volumes/External/Backup/ ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup
• 3) Back up your iPhone file with iTunes, and go to new storage path to check whether the new backup data is saved there.

Part 3: How to delete iTunes backup files

Although backup files can give you a chance to get your important data back after deleting them by accident, too many backup files may also waste the storage space. In this case, you may need to delete some files which are already out of date and make room for the new backup files. As to iCloud backup files, deleting the useless backup files in time is also very important. As we know, your iCloud storage is limited and precious, so you have to delete some out-of-data backup files or you may not have enough space to back up your iPhone anymore.

Since you have known where your iTunes backup files are, deleting them can be very easy. Just go into the storage folder of iTunes backup files, and choose what you want and delete them directly. As to deleting backup files in iCloud server, you can just finish the task on your iPhone: Just go “Settings”->”iCloud”->”Storage& Backup”->”Manage Storage”, and then select the backup you want to delete, and then tap “Delete Backup”.

Part 4: How to recover iPhone data without any backup files

Deleting backup files is really easy, but if you just deleted certain important backup which contains your precious personal files by mistake, and you just want to use it to restore your iPhone, it can really be a great disaster. Just in case, you have to know how to retrieve the lost data without backup files as well. Actually, there are some methods to get the deleted data back without backup files, and the easiest way is to choose a well designed tool to help you.

Is such an iPhone recovery tool. It can help you recover the deleted data such as contacts, SMS text messages, music, pictures, videos and so on from an iTunes or iCloud backup files, or even from iPhone directly:

• 1) Just download iMyfone D-Back and install it on the computer, then connect your iPhone to the computer as well using the USB cable.
• 2) Switch the software into “ Recover from iOS Device” mode, and after your iPhone has been detected, click “ Start” and the software will find out all deleted data on your iPhone.
• 3) You can view all the lost data now, just select all you want, and click “Recover”, all your lost important data will be back later.

User data is stored as files on hard drives PC. They can also be stored (external hard disks, CD/DVDs, flash drives, etc.).

Data must be stored separately from software. When storing data together with programs, there is a risk of accidental damage to the programs, which can also lead to destruction operating system.

If possible, it is better to store user files NOT on the C: drive, where the operating system files are located. Well, what if there is only one on the computer HDD C:, then we can advise you to create a folder on it, for example, with the name “D:”.

Then you need to make a shortcut to this folder (right mouse button - “Create shortcut”) and rename it, for example, “Disk_D”. The shortcut should be placed on the desktop of your computer, and all user data should be written to this folder D, thereby simulating another drive named D, which is actually not on your computer.

The operating system itself offers a more secure option from prying eyes. It has a “My Documents” folder where users are encouraged to store all their data. This folder even has pre-made internal folders for storing music, videos, documents, etc.

In the latter case, data protection is that the “My Documents” folder can only be accessed by a user who enters your username and password if you have set the login mode with account. If a username and password are not requested when turning on the PC (many users avoid this at home so as not to forget the password), then storing files in “My Documents” is no more secure than storing them in any other folder.

There should be a certain order in your folder (be it “My Documents” or “Disk_D”). Your files should be sorted into folders. should be clear, they should not be designated, for example, “1”, “2”, etc. It's better to come up with understandable names for them.

It is also better to name files with clear names. If you store different versions the same files, then it is better to call these versions the same names, but add, for example,

• “Materials about netbooks_version 1”,
• “Materials about netbooks_version 2”,
• “Materials about netbooks_version 3”
• etc.

The PC file system automatically puts the date of creation of files for the convenience of their subsequent search (by creation date, for example), but you can also manually put the date directly into the file name, which is convenient, again, in the case of simultaneous storage of several versions of the same document , For example:

• (03/01/2012) Kettle or user
• (03.03.2012) Kettle or user
• etc.

If the file names are clear and speak for themselves, then you can always use the built-in file search service:

• in Windows XP: “Start” – “Find” – “Files and Folders”,
• in Windows 7: “Start” - “Search programs and files.”

It will be enough to enter the name of the file of interest or a fragment of the searched text stored inside the file. And you will receive a selection of files that meet the search conditions.

The general principle that should guide a confident user in matters of data storage can be formulated as follows.

• The more accurately and carefully the data files for storage are prepared, the easier it is to find this data later.

• The user must always remember that he may forget where and what he has stored.

• And only if there is a certain order in the structure and names of folders, as well as in file names, can you quickly find the information of interest stored on the PC.

• You should form a habit of using Search when necessary.

You should periodically save your files somewhere outside of your computer. Otherwise, something irreparable may happen, and you will lose everything you have worked for weeks, months and even years.

Receive the latest articles on computer literacy directly to your Mailbox .
Already more 3,000 subscribers

.

Sooner or later, iPhone users face the question of where they are stored. backups. And it will be better if you find out about this in advance than when, after reinstalling the OS, all your contacts, photos and notes disappear. Information on an iPhone can even cost more than the device itself. Therefore, it is worth taking the topic under discussion seriously.

iPhone Sync and Backups

In order to protect yourself from data loss, you need to make a backup copy of your iPhone before starting synchronization.
It includes:

• address book (all contacts) and call history;
• calendars, reminders, notes, messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS);
• photographs taken with this device (downloaded from other media are not included here);
• data various programs(this includes game walkthroughs, documents,
• movies in third-party programs (not converted for iPhone);
• Safari browser data.

A backup copy is created to save data in the event of:

• phone breakdown;
• accidental deletion of data;
• software failure;
• failure of cloud services.

Selecting a copy storage location

There are two possible options saving iPhone backup. You can store it:

• With using iTunes(using a computer);
• via iCloud (in the cloud, on Apple servers).

You have to choose one thing. A copy can be stored in one of these places; there is no way to duplicate them.

This process will be different in new and old iTunes.
In older iTunes you need to do the following steps:

1. connect the device to the computer;
2. find it in the column on the left, where the selection of sections is located;
3. in the device window that opens, go down to the “Backup” item;
4. decide on the path for copying (iCloud, or a classic copy on a computer);
5. wait for the copying process to complete.

In iTunes 11, this process is automated, but if you suddenly disabled this function, then you need to perform some manipulations.
In the new iTunes (version 11) you need:

• connect the device to the computer;
• find a device based on its name;
• start Backup by clicking on Back up now.

Where to store copies on your computer

Storage paths will depend on your computer's operating system.

For Windows XP it looks like this:

Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.

For Vista or Windows 7:

Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.
For Mac OS: \Users\Username\Libraries\Application Support\MobileSync\Backup.

The “Username” item needs to be changed to a name that suits you. Owners of Mac OS computers may have problems finding the Libraries folder. It became hidden starting from version 10.7 (Lion). To get into it, you need to be proficient in the command line or:

• Open Finder and click the Go tab at the top.

• when clicking on Alt key, the “Libraries” folder will appear in the menu, you need to go to it.
• further actions correspond to the instructions above.

Other backup storage locations

In addition to the places described above, copies can be found in iTunes and the cloud service. A significant disadvantage of these places is their limited functionality. The backup copy can only be deleted; no other manipulations with it are possible. You need to find it in iTunes by opening the program itself and going to settings.

In the window that opens, go to the “Devices” tab

The window shows all the backups available on the computer and the date they were created.

You can delete them. No other actions are available. You will not be able to copy or transfer them this way.
Another storage place - cloud service Apple - iCloud. From the moment of inclusion Reserve copy, this process will happen automatically every day. To do this, three conditions must be met:

• Internet connections;
• connection to a power source;
• screen lock.

The function of restoring data from a backup copy is available during the first start of the phone. He always asks about this, and can do this after entering his login and password.

How to restore an iPhone backup

The synchronization process creates a backup copy on the iPhone. Subsequently, it can be used to restore the content. Data can be easily transferred to different devices. In encrypted backups (in iOS 4), passwords are transferred along with the copy to the new hardware.
Whatever experiments you conduct with your iPhone, remember that before any intervention with it, you need to make a backup. This function will help you save all the necessary information in case you change your phone, or make a mistake when taking steps to improve it.

Mobile devices such as the iPhone are in great demand among the population. There are various applications and programs for working with gadgets. For example, iTunes is a very popular software. The application allows you to synchronize mobile device with a computer, as well as work with information on a tablet/phone. For example, creating backup copies of user data is becoming a common feature. You can find the corresponding document at any time and restore it to your iPhone/iPad. But not everyone understands where to iTunes saves a backup copy. Where to look for it in this or that case?

For Windows

Much depends on what operating system we are talking about. The fact is that the majority of users work with Windows. Accordingly, iTunes saves backup copies in specially designated places. Where exactly?

The version of the operating system also plays an important role. For example, you can work with:

• Windows XP;
• Vista;
• Windows 7/8/8.1/10.

In all these versions, iTunes stores backup data in different areas. So what folders are they stored in? Where does the user need to log in in this or that case?

For Windows XP, the following is relevant: Documents and Settings/user Computer/MobileSync. You need to find a folder called BackUp. It contains all the backups made by the application.

You can also work in Windows Vista. This is far from the most common case. Where does iTunes save a backup copy of user data on Vista? You can find it at: Documents and Settings/username/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/MobileSync. As in the previous case, you need to explore the "Backup" folder.

Newer versions of Windows are easier to work with. Just go to the section hard drive on which the OS is installed. Next go to: Users/name/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer. As before, you need to find the MobileSync folder, and in it - “Backup”.

If there is no folder

Sometimes it happens that the required document is not available in Windows. Then users wonder where the iTunes backup is. After all, the application works, it stores this or that information somewhere.

In fact, BackUp is simply hidden from the user's eyes. In order to correct the situation, you need:

1. Select "Folder Options" - "View".
2. Check the box next to "Display files and folders hidden from the user."
3. Click "OK".

MacOS

Some users work with MacOS. This is far from the most common case, but it still occurs. Where does iTunes save the backup copy of information in such a case?

Finding the required file will not be difficult. Just follow the following address: Users/user/Library/Application Support. This is where the MobileSync folder will be.

Now every user will be able to discover one or another copy made by iTunes for iPhone or iPad. If necessary, you can delete it or copy it to removable media.

Determining the iPhone version

Please note that all backups made using iTunes are created for specific models devices. This means that on newer/older phones the file will not be recognized.

It's clear where iTunes saves the backup. How can you determine which smartphone/tablet it was made for?

The instructions for determining which iPhone version is compatible with data look something like this:

1. Find the folder in which all copies from iTunes are stored.
2. Open the required package of documents. There will definitely be an Info.Plist file in the folder.
3. Run the document using any text editor. For example, Notepad is perfect.
4. Find the line: Product Name.
5. Now you should carefully study the information between the lines. This is where something like iPhone 5S will be written.

Ready! From now on, it is clear how to find it, as well as how you can understand which version of the iPhone this or that data was created on.

I think everyone has had such a situation when you bought yourself an iPhone, and then decided to change it to another or flash it, then you need to make a backup copy, which is not always possible to do.

In this article we will tell you: where iTunes stores iPhone/iPad backups on Windows computer and Mac.

Where iTunes Stores iPhone and iPad Backups on Windows and Mac Computer

The main method for creating iPhone and iPad backups is iTunes. With its help, you can create a regular or password-encrypted copy of the data, which is located:

1.Windows

Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Windows Vista: C:\Documents and Settings\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Windows 7, 8, 10: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Note: if the folder is not displayed, then go to “Control Panel -> Folder Options -> View” and turn on the display of hidden files and folders and check the “Show” hidden files, folders and drives."

2.Mac OS X: \Users\username\Library\Application Support\MobileSync\

A backup is a folder with a name of 40 characters (letters and numbers), which contains a large number of files without an extension (English filename extension). File names also consist of 40 characters. Apart from iTunes, it will not be possible to recognize the backup files.

How to determine which iPhone/iPad this iTunes backup was created for

You can find information for which device the backup was created using the file “ Info.plist", which is located in each copy folder.

And so, to find for which device the backup was created:

1. Open the “Info.plist” file in any text editor, Notepad, for example.

2. In the document search (Ctrl+F), find the line “Product Name”.

3. Information about the device model is located between the “” tags: “iPhone 5s”. This means that in the folder with open file there is a backup copy of iPhone 5s. The device can also be identified by its serial number or IMEI. The data is located under the corresponding lines (Serial Number and IMEI).

Info.plist also contains information about the date the backup was created, device ID (iPhone 5s is iPhone6,1), phone number (for iPhone), iOS versions, serial number, IMEI and many other interesting things.

1. The backup file size can be more than 10 GB. This can affect both the hard drive's memory and its performance. And if you still have backup copies of other devices, then store them on system disk may be unsafe.

2 In case of damage to any Windows file or a software glitch in the operating system, which could lead to data loss when the computer starts to restart and you need to reinstall Windows.

And so, in order to protect your system from failure and taking up a large amount of memory, you need to transfer the backup copy to another hard drive.

So how to do it right?

How to properly transfer backups iTunes copies to another drive in Windows 7, 8 and 10

1. You need to close iTunes

2. 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.

4. Launch the command line (handler command line) “cmd.exe” with administrator rights (“Start” -> “Search programs and files” -> “cmd” ->

5. Enter the command: MKLINK /D “from” “to”

Example:
mklink /d "C:\Users\Alexander Varakin\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\" D:\iTunes\Backup

6. Example of command execution.

How to Move iTunes Backups to Another Drive in Windows XP

1. You need to close iTunes

2. 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.

3. Delete the “Backup” folder on the system drive (from where the backups were moved).

5. 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 from” administrator name"). The name of the command line window must include “Administrator: C:/Windows/System32/cmd.exe”.

6. 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

7. 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 the backup function using the built-in OS X program Time Machine or third-party iBackup and ChronoSync, the issue of the safety of backup copies is not so acute, but it will still be useful to someone.

1. Quit iTunes (right-click the iTunes icon in the Dock (https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT201730) and select Quit).

2. In Finder, press the key combination “Shift+Cmd+G” and in the window that appears, in the “Go to folder” field, enter the text: “/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/” and click on the “Go” button (or the “enter” key ").

3. Copy or move the Backup folder to another drive.

4. Launch Terminal (you can find it using Spotlight or in “Programs -> Utilities”).

5. Enter the command:

ln -s /Volumes/your_disk/Backup /Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/,

where “/your_disk/Backup” replace with the path to the new backup folder. You don’t have to manually type the path, just drag the desired folder into the Terminal window.

6. After executing the command, an Alias ​​(Shortcut) will appear in the “MobileSync” folder leading to the backup copy on another drive.

7. Launch iTunes and check for backups in the program settings on the “Devices” tab.

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.