How to change the iTunes backup storage folder. Where does iTunes save your backup: Find your saved data. How to determine which device is which copy?
IPhone or iPad does not require any special knowledge. Apple engineers have made this process as simple and accessible as possible for ordinary users. But what if you needed to move a backup from one computer to another? Or get some specific data from a backup in iTunes? Or download the entire iCloud backup to your computer? This guide will help you with any of these and many other non-standard tasks related to iPhone backups.
Where is iPhone backup stored?
Let's start moving from simple operations to complex. Let's say you need to copy a backup of your iPhone or iPad made using iTunes. For example, in order to save it on external media or in cloud storage. This can be useful if the backup contains real important information and you want to further make sure that it doesn’t go missing. Even if your computer breaks down.
Finding a backup is very easy, but it is located in different places on different operating systems.
- On macOS: in ~//Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.
- On Windows XP: in the \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder.
- On Windows 7/8/10: in the \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder.
On computers under Windows control 7/8/10 the iTunes backup folder is hidden. Initially you will need to make it visible. To do this, go to " Control Panel» → « Folders settings» → « View" and check the box " Show hidden files, folders and drives».
Note that on new versions of Microsoft OS you can go to the backup folder even easier. Just click " Start" and enter the command " %appdata%/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup"(without quotes). The result of the request will be the opening of a folder with iTunes backups saved on the computer.
How to determine which device is which copy?
Locate backup iPhone copies and the iPad succeeded, but how can you now figure out which folder should be copied? The folder with backups will greet you with a similar window, if you created backups multiple iOS devices in iTunes.
Luckily, finding the folder you need is easy. To do this, go to one of the backup folders and find the file in it Info.plist. Open it with text editor, for example, WordPad and search for the term Product Name. Under the found line it will be written which of your mobile devices this copy belongs to.
How to properly transfer a backup to another drive
Finding and copying a backup folder from one drive to another is not enough to transfer it correctly. In order for the backup to be detected in iTunes after the transfer, you need to create symbolic links.
For Windows
Step 1: Close iTunes.
Step 2: Copy the folder \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ to another drive, for example, to a folder \Backup\Backup.
Step 3: Remove the backup folder from the drive you were moving from. Important! Be sure to make sure that the entire folder has been copied to avoid accidental data loss.
Step 4: Run Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, go to the menu " Start", enter the search query " Command line", right-click on the utility shortcut and click " Run as administrator».
Step 5. B command line enter the following command:
MKLINK /D “old path to the backup folder” “new path”.
MKLINK /D “C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” “D:\Backup\Backup”,
- C:\ – drive letter where backups were previously stored.
- D:\ – drive letter to which you want to transfer backups.
- Username - your username.
- \Backup\Backup - the folder to which the backup was copied in step 2.
Let's give an even more clear example. If your Windows username is “Vasily Petrov” and you are transferring backups from drive C to drive E, then you need to enter the following command:
MKLINK /D “C:\Users\Vasily Petrov\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” “E:\Backup\Backup”.
Step 6. If everything is done correctly, the result of the operation will be a message indicating the successful creation of symbolic links.
Ready! You have moved backups from one drive to another. You can verify this by launching iTunes and going to the “ Edit» → « Settings» → « Devices" In the list " Device backups"A list of all your backups will be available.
For Mac
Step 1: Quit iTunes. To do this, right-click on the iTunes icon in the panel Dock and select " Complete».
Step 2. Go to the folder /Library/Application Support/MobileSync/.
Step 3: Copy the folder Backup to another drive, then delete original folder with backups. We again warn you that you need to wait until the copying is completed, otherwise you may lose important data.
Step 4: Run " Terminal" The easiest way to do this is by searching Spotlight.
Step 5. In the " terminal» enter the command:
ln -s /Volumes/new_folder/Backup /Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/,
where “new_folder” is the folder to which you previously moved the backups.
Ready! You can check the success of the operation by launching iTunes and looking for backup copies on the “Devices” tab.
Activating iTunes backups on a computer with a reinstalled system or on a new computer is carried out in a similar way. In order for iTunes to see the backups of your devices, after installing it on new system You will need to enter one of the above commands.
How to extract data from iPhone and iPad backups
Quite often, iPhone and iPad users need to extract some specific information or files from an old and sometimes current backup copy of an iOS device. A tool that is well known to many owners helps solve this problem. Apple technology iTools utility.
Step 1. Download latest version iTools with official website programs. Please note that the utility is completely free.
Step 2. Unpack the archive with the utility and run iTools.exe. There is no need to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
Step 3: Go to the tab Tools».
Step 4: Select a tool iTunes Backup Manager.
Step 5: Double-click on the backup from which you want to extract the files.
Step 6. Select the information you want to download from the backup, click " Export" and specify the folder to save the files.
iTools allows you to extract the most from iPhone and iPad backups. various information from contacts and text messages to documents from apps and photos. Most data is downloaded traditional way, but there are a couple of exceptions.
First, data from applications. You can find them using iTools, but you will have to tinker. The fact is that the utility does not show a list with a clear listing of application names. Because of this, you won’t be able to quickly find the application you need, but the main thing is that it is possible. To start the search you will need to go to the folder var → mobile → Applications, in which you can methodically search for applications from which you need data.
We recommend focusing on names that, although not specific, contain information about the application. Attachments Viber messenger, for example, can be found in the folder com.viber → Attachments.
And secondly, it is not so easy to download a contact book and a collection of text messages. There are no problems with their detection; they are located in the “ Shared Directories"under their own names, but with further use there is. In the backup, contacts and SMS are stored in the “.sqlitedb” format, which cannot be launched by any standard utilities. Therefore, you will need to use a special converter.
Step 1. Download free program SQLite Browser.
Step 2. Install and run the program.
Step 3: Click Ctrl + O and select the contact book file in the format .sqlitedb.
Note: You must select “All files” as the file type.
Step 4: Go to the tab Execute SQL
" and paste the following command into the form:
select ABPerson.prefix,ABPerson.suffix, ABPerson.first,ABPerson.middle,ABPerson.last, ABMultiValue.value, ABPerson.note, ABPerson.nickname, ABPerson.organization, ABPerson.department, ABPerson.jobtitle, ABPerson.birthday from ABPerson ,ABMultiValue where ABMultiValue.record_id=ABPerson.ROWID
Step 5: Click the button Start.
Step 6. Click on the save button and select " Export to CSV».
Immediately after this in specified folder your contact book will appear (or text messages) in a format that is easy to use for later use.
How to download a backup from iCloud
Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone for iOS utility from official website programs. The application, alas, is paid, like any other tool with a similar set of functions.
Step 2. Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone and go to menu Recover from iCloud Backup File.
Step 3. Enter the username and password for your Apple ID account.
Step 4: Wait for the list of backups to appear.
Step 5. Select the required backup and click Download.
Step 6: Check the boxes next to the backup data you need to download.
Step 7. Wait until the processing process is completed and a list of downloaded files appears in the program window. iCloud data. Select the required files and click Recover.
Step 8. In the window that opens, select Recover to Computer and specify the folder where the files will be saved.
If you don't want to spend money on special utilities, then there is only one way out, very obvious. Back up your iPhone or iPad to iTunes, follow full reset mobile device and during initial setup select a copy from iCloud as a backup for recovery. Thanks to this solution, your iPhone or iPad will have the exact iCloud backup you need. Next, you should make a copy of the gadget in iTunes and access it using the method we described earlier. Of course, not the most convenient method to use, but nevertheless, it works.
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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 iTunes saves the backup. 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?
Version 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 to iTunes saves 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:
- Select "Folder Options" - "View".
- Check the box next to "Display files and folders hidden from the user."
- 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:
- Find the folder in which all copies from iTunes are stored.
- Open the required package of documents. There will definitely be an Info.Plist file in the folder.
- Run the document using any text editor. For example, Notepad is perfect.
- Find the line:
Product Name . - 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.
Countless times, we have backed up data, photos, media files and IDs of our Apple devices to a specific directory on the computer, but never asked ourselves where they are stored. Whether you're using a Mac or a Windows PC, you can find the location of your backups. iPhone versions, iPad and iPod.
Where are iPhone, iPad, iPod touch backups located on Windows or Mac?
Backup files copy iPhone, iPad, iPod are located by default in the following folders:
- Location of iTunes backup in Windows XP:/Documents and Settings/(username)/Application Data/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup/
- Location of iTunes backup in Windows Vista/Windows 7/8/10: /Users/(username)/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup/
- iTunes backup location on Mac (Yosemite/Mavericks): ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
"~" represents your OS-X home directory.
Video: How to Find the Location of iTunes Backup on Windows
Changing iPhone Backup Storage Location
Apple doesn't provide a direct way to change the location of these copies of your iOS devices. Below will be indicated quick ways so that computer users can easily move copies of iTunes to another drive.
For Windows computer users:
Enter the line specified in the instructions Mac users:
Enter the command Video: How to change iPhone backup storage location
Everyone knows how to create backup versions of their iPhone, iPad devices with using iTunes or iCloud, but not everyone has a clue how to find them, and where, in what folder on the computer these backups are stored. We know that iTunes can backup most of the data on your iOS device and store it in a specific folder on your desktop computer. And finding them can help you recover important iPhone data that you mistakenly deleted.
Do not mislead people. With great desire and a certain amount of skill, this can be done without any data loss.
So, first you must understand that you can recover (use) data from your iPhone only from your AppStore account using your Apple ID and password. If you are ready for this (the phone will be yours or your loved one’s), then you need to do the following (I’ll give the simplest solution to your question).
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer. In the iTunes program that opens (I hope you have it installed), on the right side of it, click on your iPad. In the window that opens, in the “Backups” section in the “Automatic creation of copies” subsection, put a marker (check mark) next to the “iCloud” item. Then, click on the “Create a copy now” button. Wait while the copy is created. After creating a copy, close iTunes without disconnecting the iPhone from the computer.
ZY If you don’t have iCloud configured or you don’t know what it is, then here it is: http://ipadstory.ru/icloud-na-ipad-nastrojka-icloud.html
2. Download the archive with the iTools program (http://122.228.70.14/dl/iTools1107R.zip), unpack it to any place convenient for you, for example, on your computer desktop. Launch the iTools program (in Win7 as Administrator). When the program has opened, click on the application item, which is located under the name of your iPhone and wait for iTools to scan all the programs installed on it. Then, put a checkmark at the very top of the program selection column, thereby selecting all of them. Click on the "Floppy Disk" button top panel buttons A window for selecting the folder for saving the backup copy of the programs will open. Select (create) an “archive” folder and click “OK”. When asked by the program: “Save application/game settings?”, answer “Yes”. After this the process will begin Reserve copy applications. This process is quite long and depends on the number and volume of programs and their data. After archiving, copy the application folder to another computer.
3. Thus, at the exit you will receive a copy iPhone data in the iCloud cloud and copies of programs installed on the iPhone. During activation new iPhone, enter your account information in the AppStore and select recovery from iCloud.
4. Install iTools on your computer (iTunes must be installed on your computer before and identify your iPhone at least once). Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTools. After the program has detected the tablet, click on the “Applications” item, which is located under the “library” item. Click on the first button on the button panel and, in the pop-up menu, select the “Folder...” item, indicating the copied folder with applications. Select them all and click on the green “Install” button. Wait for the applications to download to your iPhone.
At the exit you will receive an iPhone with your applications.
Store valuable documents in the system disk ( This is usually drive C:) is not safe. Many people know this from their own bitter experience, since the system disk quickly lives out its life, often deteriorates, and suffers most from virus attacks, which is especially not a supernatural phenomenon in the OS Windows family (unfortunately or fortunately, I am not MAC user OS). But in any case, it is better to keep everything valuable in external drive, or at least in another section. Fortunately, operating systems allow you to change the location of system folders by specifying a new path in their properties.
It is also advisable to keep your iTunes files in a different drive ( section), so that you don’t have to throw them back and forth every time when you rearrange the operating system, or don’t tear your hair out when it crashes system disk. We are talking not only about downloaded applications and games, music, movies, books, etc., but you also need to take into account backup copies of devices, which, depending on their number and the volume of the content itself, can be from 10 to 50 GB and more. This manual will also be useful for those who want to transfer data to another computer.
TRANSFER YOUR ITUNES MEDIA LIBRARY
MEDIA LIBRARY stores downloaded applications, music, movies, your videos, ringtones and books. By default, the files are located at:
c:\Users\(USER NAME)\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media - (USER NAME) the name of your account folder.
If you have already changed the location of the My Music folder by specifying a different address in the tab Location, in the property of this folder, then all files will be saved there. But this must be done before iTunes installations, or you will have to manually also change the address in the field iTunes media folder location by going to the menu Edit => Settings, in the tab Additional. If you check the box Copy to iTunes media folder when adding to media library, then the program will copy all music files to this folder, otherwise by default, it will simply play them from the original location.
Better let's start from the beginning and do it in order. Let's say you have installed new iTunes, after reinstalling the system, or changing the computer. Or you yourself decided to move the iTunes folder from the above address to another drive. In all cases, if you immediately launch iTunes, it will create a new, empty library file.
The iTunes root folder contains library files and different folders, which also contains the iTunes Media folder where your applications, downloaded movies, books, ringtones, or maybe music are located. For example, you moved the iTunes folder itself to another drive and new address, for example: D:\Itunes .
1. Launch iTunes as follows. Press and hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard and double-click on the iTunes shortcut on your desktop, and instead of normal startup program, a window will appear asking you to select the path to the media library or create a new one.
2. Click on the button Select media library, and in the window Open iTunes Library select the iTunes folder and find in it iTunes file Library.itl. iTunes will think a little, check the files and open with all your data. Just, just in case, check in the settings whether the media library address is specified correctly.
This is how everything is done in 2 steps, easy and simple. I think you can do all this in a similar way in MAC OS.
TRANSFER OF BACKUP COPIES OF DEVICES
iTunes automatically backs up your devices every time you sync, just in case. This gives you the opportunity to recover software system, if the device fails or data is lost. With the release of iOS5, a copy of the data is created in cloud storage iClouds. But it's always a good idea to keep copies on your computer. This is especially necessary if you do a jalebreak or like to delve into the internals of the system. For example, when the system was not officially supported Multitasking Gestures, it was possible to enable it without jalebreak, slightly changing the configuration file that is in the backup copy, and then restore this copy.
The backup files are located at:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\backup
And they always weigh quite a bit. There is no way to change the path to the backup folder in the iTunes program itself, but it can be done. To do this you need to use SYMBOLIC LINKS (JUNCTION). This feature allows you to create virtual disk or a folder that will physically be located in another drive or in another folder. That is, we will create a virtual backup folder where the contents will be located in another location, for example in D:\Itunes\backup . It's not hard to do. But the possibilities of symbolic links themselves are many. You can find out about it on the website and.
Before starting the transfer, create a new folder ( For example d:\Itunes\backup), where you want the backup files to be located and copy the contents of the backup folder there ( after which we delete the folder itself).
1. Go in and download a small file by clicking DOWNLOAD JUNCTION at the bottom of the page.
2. Unpack junction.exe from the Junction.zip archive file into a folder at:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync .
3. Click on the combination of buttons to open the EXECUTE window. Insert the line below into the OPEN field, changing it to suit you ( don't forget to change also (USERNAME) to your account folder name).
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\Mobile\Sync\junction.exe backup d:\Itunes\backup
The first attribute is virtual folder name, and the second attribute is the address where the folder refers to.
Click the OK button and check if it has been created virtual folder backup , which if you did everything correctly should be located as follows:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\ backup
To check, you can copy any file to this folder and make sure that it is physically located on another drive.
That's all. From now on, iTunes will store backups in the d:\Itunes\backup folder, without knowing it. All this may seem complicated to you, but believe me, it will take no more than 5 minutes. The transfer idea may also seem unnecessary and pointless to you, but someday it can save you nerve cells and wasted time.
