I made a backup copy of my iPhone on one computer, but I need to transfer it to another. What to do? how to transfer on Windows?

Sooner or later, iPhone users are faced with the question of where their backups are stored. 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 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 operating system your computer.

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 have to own it 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

During the synchronization process, a backup copy on 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.

Despite the fact that Apple suggests that iPhone owners create backups in cloud storage not everyone uses this opportunity. Many users prefer to do things the old fashioned way. Local copies are created using iTunes and stored on your computer. This method eliminates the need to use the Internet, but at the same time increases dependence on the reliability of PC components. Fatal OS error or malfunction hard drive may result in permanent data loss. You can protect yourself from unpleasant surprises if you know where the backup is stored. copy iPhone on the computer.

and backups

iTunes has been and remains the standard program for working with Apple smartphones on macOS or Windows. It can be used to connect to a PC any iPhone: 4S, 5, SE, 6, 7, 8 or X. The backup storage format that will be created is the same for all compatible operating systems. Thanks to this, they can be transferred from Mac to computer under Windows control and back without editing. The choice of storage location is made by each user when they first connect to iTunes. After that synchronize mobile device You can communicate with a PC or the cloud wirelessly.

Let's take a closer look at where to find local copy files in different operating systems.

Mac computers

On computers manufactured by Apple, completed backups are stored in the “Libraries” area, protected from direct user access. You can quickly find them directly from iTunes settings.

In the top status bar, click on the program name. In the drop-down menu, select the item marked in the screenshot.

In iTunes settings, go to the “Devices” tab. Having selected the backup you are interested in, call up the context menu. The item shown in the next photo allows you to open a protected area or delete an unnecessary copy.

The folder in which the backup is stored has an alphanumeric designation. The content is encrypted and will not be viewable. The found directory can only be saved to external media or copied to another computer.

Windows computers

There are several ways to install iTunes on your PC. Classic involves using the program's installation package. On Windows 10, you can use the Microsoft Store for this purpose. The chosen installation option determines where the copy files will be located.

Classic installation

The installation package is suitable for use on any Windows versions. Backups created in iTunes installed in this way will be saved in a directory that is hidden by default. You can make it visible in the OS settings, but we use a different access option.

Call the “Run” menu using the keyboard shortcut Win + R. Enter “%%” into the text field. This way we can find and view backup files directly without having to navigate through menu items.

An Explorer window will open, in which we need to find the “” directory marked in the screenshot.

We sequentially open the folders nested in it, following the path marked with a frame. The iPhone backup we need will be stored in the “”. The folder with it is indicated by an arrow in the screenshot.

Windows 10

When using iTunes installed from the app store, iPhone backups will be located in a different directory of the operating system. To find them again, use the “Run” menu.

Enter the command “%userprofile%” into the text field.

This time you need to look for the “Apple” directory in the Explorer window.

Sequentially opening the subfolders, we find the one indicated in the screenshot. It, like last time, will be placed in the “” directory.

Copy management

You can copy a backup from another computer to the storage locations described above. This will automatically add the data to iTunes.

Open the program and click on the “Edit” tab in the control panel. In the drop-down menu, go to the “Settings” item marked in the screenshot.

Switch to the “Devices” section. If you hover your mouse over the list of backups, you can view general information about the smartphone in the pop-up menu. When another PC was used to create a backup, this option may be useful. When you select files contained in the list, the button marked with the number “three” automatically becomes active. Thus, based on information about the data contained in the backup, you can make a decision and delete files that are no longer relevant for storage.

Finally

Using these tips, you can find a local backup created in iTunes on a computer with any compatible operating system.

Video instruction

In the video below, you can study the procedure for performing the described actions in more detail.

An iPhone backup is necessary to ensure data safety in case of OS reinstallation, device failure, software failure or cloud service failure. Ensure information synchronization:

• Address book (all contacts) and call history.
• A complete list of calendars, reminders, notes, and messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS).
• All photos created using the device (with the exception of photos transported from other media);
• Programs (games, documentation).
• Movies in third-party applications (not converted for iPhone);
• Safari browser data.

How to choose a storage location?

It is important to know! It is allowed to store copies only in one place, without the possibility of duplication.

Via iTunes

There are different instructions for new and old iTunes.

For older iTunes, the following procedure is provided:

• Connecting the device to a computer.
• Search for it in the column on the left, where it is provided full review sections.
• Using the “Backups” item at the bottom of the device window.
• Selecting the copy path (iCloud, or classic version on PC).
• Waiting for the copying process to complete.

• Connecting the device to a PC.
• Search for a device by name.
• Start a backup by clicking on the “Create a copy” button.

Using Apple's cloud service - iCloud

When you enable backup, the operation will be carried out daily in automatic mode, subject to a number of requirements:

• Internet connections;
• Availability of a power source;
• Screen lock.

Restoring data from a backup is available upon first launch telephone device. A request always appears on the screen; the procedure is carried out after specifying the login and password.

Where can I find copies on my Mac PC?

To find a list of backups, you need to click in the menu bar and enter:

Exists alternative way search for backup:

• With the iTunes app open, click iTunes in the menu bar and select the Settings option.
• Select "Devices".
• While holding down the Control button, all that remains is to select the backup copy and select the “Show in Finder” command.

Where to find a backup in Windows 7, 8 or 10

To search for a list of backups, select:

Or use the alternative:

1. Find the search string:

• In Windows 7 OS, click on the “Start” button.
• In Windows 8 OS, click on the magnifying glass icon on the right, in the corner.
• In Windows 10, go to the search bar next to “Start”.

1. Enter %appdata% in the search bar.
2. Click on the “Enter” button.
3. Double click on the folders: AppleComputer > Mobile Sync > Backup.

Where can I find copies on PC?

Where is the iPhone backup saved on the computer? Where to find data using iTunes or Apple - iCloud, determine the storage paths of the OS type - brief instructions are provided below:

• In the “Username” section, indicate the appropriate option. Owners of PCs running Mac OS may encounter problems finding the “Libraries” folder. It is hidden on version 10.7 (Lion) and higher. To access it, you must be proficient at the command line or:
• Launch Finder and activate the “Transition” tab at the top.

• By clicking on the Alt button, the “Libraries” folder will be displayed in the menu; you should go to it.

Other storage locations

iTunes and a cloud service can be used to store copies. A negative characteristic of these places is their limited functionality. Only deleting the backup copy is allowed; other manipulations are not possible. To search for a copy in iTunes, you should launch the program and go to the settings section.

In the window that appears, select the “Devices” tab

The window displays full list backup copies stored on the PC and the date they were created.

It is allowed to delete copies without performing other operations (copying or transferring).

Data recovery

As a result of synchronization, a backup copy is created on the iPhone. In the future, it will be used to restore data and transport it to different devices. Encrypted backups (in iOS 4) ensure that passwords and copies are transferred to new devices.

Regardless of the type of experiment performed on the iPhone, it is important to remember that before tampering with it, you should create a backup copy. This function will ensure the safety of all necessary information if you change your phone, or make an error when taking actions to improve it.

How to delete outdated iOS device backups in iTunes?

For the convenience of users, the size of backups stored in iCloud is reduced. But not everyone is comfortable moving to the cloud, entrusting all the device information to a remote Apple server. For many, iTunes has long known a convenient way to create a backup copy stored locally on the “C” drive. But without understanding this procedure, there is a risk of filling several GB of disk with unnecessary information (old backup copy of devices).

How to delete outdated backups? Procedure:

The first step is to launch iTunes. Regardless of the OS, Apple's media system is usually provided on the device.

Call up the player settings. For Mac, you need to specify iTunes - Preferences in top menu. For Windows, go to Edit - Settings. In the case of a hidden menu bar, you must first press Alt on the keyboard.

In the settings section, it remains to activate the “Devices” tab. This will allow you to review all saved documents.

Then you should decide on the choice of method for further actions. The first option involves selecting all outdated backups and clicking on the “Delete backups” button. The second method allows you, instead of canceling copies, to open the context menu and select the “Archiving” tab. This helps protect your backups from further changes. For many, this function is useful to ensure the safety of the device’s state for a given period of time.

How to quickly switch from storing copies on your PC to the cloud?

All you need to do is connect desired device and on the “Overview” tab in the “Backups” section, change the checkbox to iCloud. By clicking the “Create a copy now” button, the first copy will be purposefully created, with further changes made in automatic mode as the information on the smartphone or tablet is updated. It is important to remember that data synchronization with iCloud is available provided the PC is connected to charger and the Internet.

To disable backup, users are asked to call the Terminal utility and type the command:

How to reduce the size of iCloud backups

When constantly using more than one iOS device, many users prefer to ensure the safety of backups not on the PC, but in iCloud cloud, which leads to a lack free space. The standard 5 GB is not enough for many to back up multiple devices that are used for a long time. And not everyone will want to spend money on a more “capacious” cloud. A convenient solution would be to unload it and free up valuable megabytes.

Working with a device backup in iCloud requires preparing all iOS devices that save backups in the cloud. The iCloud Control Panel, accessible from OS X or Windows, does not provide the functionality you expect. The optimal solution will be to use the first iOS device and go to the “Settings” section. There you should activate the “iCloud” button and go to the storage and backups section.

In the “Storage” item, pay attention to the “Documents and Data” tab. It usually contains games and programs that provide the ability to synchronize information between devices using iCloud. If applications do not start, you should use the “Change” button (top right) and select the “Delete all” command. After successfully removing unnecessary applications, all that remains is to do backups.

By specifying the backup copies of the device you are using, the screen will display the date the last copy was created and its current parameters. Below, iOS reports the amount of space occupied by the next backup, provided the device is connected to the network again. Next, a list of applications occupying MB in iCloud will be displayed.

You should specify the “Browse all programs” command, which will display a list standard applications iOS, and those that were installed and uninstalled independently. The main task is to disable applications that do not contain valuable information.

The best option is to reduce the size of backup copies of all devices stored in the cloud using the instructions above. This will delay the need to purchase extra GB of iCloud and revert to wired backup via iTunes.

Overview of backup information for iOS devices

You can copy and save information on iOS devices using backup. When you change devices, backups allow you to transfer data to new iOS hardware. To maintain an additional backup, it will be convenient to create one copy in iCloud and another in iTunes.

iCloud

• Copies are stored in iCloud.
• The storage has dimensions up to 1 TB (the first 5 GB are free).
• Encryption of the backup copy is required.
• Creation and use of backup copies can be carried out anywhere (if you have access to Wi-Fi networks)

iTunes

• 
  Backups are saved to Mac computer or with Windows OS.
• The storage size depends on the amount of free disk space on your Mac or Windows PC.
• Encryption of the backup copy is allowed (not active by default).
• It is possible to create and use backups on a Mac PC or Windows OS.

Features of iCloud backup

When connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can back up your device via iCloud. This does not require connecting the device to a PC or being at home.

In copies created via the cloud, the safety of data and device settings is ensured, with the exception of a number of components:

• data previously saved in the cloud (contacts, calendars, notes, files from the My Photo Stream album and iCloud media libraries);
• data stored in other cloud services (Gmail or Exchange);
• Touch ID settings;
• content from iCloud Photo Library and the App Store.

Features of Backup via iTunes

On a Mac PC or Windows OS, you can create backup copies of your device through iTunes. The operation is not possible when synchronizing the device with a PC. Backups created through iTunes ensure the safety of data and device settings, with the exception of a number of elements:

• iTunes-synced content (imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos);
• previously saved photos in the cloud (files from the My Photo Stream album and iCloud library);
• Touch ID settings;
• Apple Pay information and settings;
• Data from the Activity, Health, and Keychain apps (you should use the encryption feature to back them up).

Using a backup from one device to another iPhone for iPad

When restoring a device from a backup created for another unit (for example, via an iPad), it is important to be prepared for the inability to transfer some data:

• Photo.
• Attachments to SMS.
• Voice recordings and incompatible applications.

Every time you sync your iPhone with iTunes, you automatically create a backup copy of your device, from which you can later restore lost information. However, it is not uncommon for backups to be deleted, for example after Windows reinstallation. In order not to lose data collected over a long period of time, you must be able to copy backup files to removable media or to a cloud service.

The backup made by iTunes stores a lot of data: from a contact sheet to Safari browser bookmarks. No one wants to lose such important data, so now we will look at where to find backup files on various operating systems.

Where is iPhone backup stored on Mac OS X

To locate and copy your devices' backup files to ~//Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Where is iPhone backup stored in Windows XP

To locate and copy the backup files of your devices in Windows XP, go to \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Where is iPhone backup stored in Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10

To locate and copy backup files of your devices in Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10, go to \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Note: If the folder is not visible, go to Control Panel → Folders settings → View and activate the option Show hidden files, folders and drives. For Windows 7 and Windows 8, for convenience, you need to switch the Control Panel to classic view by clicking View → Small icons. In Windows 10, the easiest way to access folder options is by searching the system with the query “ Change search options for files and folders».

How to quickly detect iPhone backup files in Windows 7/8/10

Step 1: Go to the search bar. In Windows 7: click on the "Start" menu; in Windows 8: click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner; on Windows 10: Click the search bar next to the Start menu

Step 2: Enter the following command in the search bar:

Step 3: Press the " Enter»

Step 4. From the folder that opens, go to the directory Apple Computer → MobileSync → Backup.

Remember that there is only one backup available for each device and if you try to create another one, it will replace the previous one. All data will naturally be lost. Try not to lose your backup files by copying them when reinstalling the operating system to removable media or a cloud service, such as Dropbox.

If the backup was made by you back in old version iOS, then transferring data to a device running new versions of the Apple mobile operating system will not work. However, there is a simple solution to this problem - the program allows you to manage old backups, as well as retrieve or view all saved data.

Cloud iCloud storage– one of the outstanding developments of Apple. However, access to iCloud backup is limited for users. But did you know that it is still possible to open and view data in iCloud on your PC or Mac? In general, there are several ways to view storage data; in this article we will look at two of them. Using our instructions, you can view your iCloud backup data, even if it was made for latest version iOS 12.

3 Ways to Open iCloud Backup

View iCloud backup via restoring it on an iOS device

The first method involves restoring an iCloud backup to an iOS device, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This method official - it is offered by Apple itself. However, all current data on your iPhone will be replaced by the restored backup copy. If you still decide to use this method, follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Go to Settings -> General -> Reset. Select the "Erase content and settings" option.

Step 2: The Programs and Data window will open. Click on "Recover from iCloud backup". Sign in to your account.

Step 3. Go to the “Select copy” function and mark the backup you want to view.

Step 4. Wait until the data from the iCloud backup is downloaded, after which you can view the files in this copy.

Is it possible to view iCloud backup data without restoring it? How to view iCloud backup without losing data? A third-party application for viewing iCloud backup will help with this - more on this later in our article.

Method 2: Open and view up to 25 types of data in iCloud backup

The program allows you to log in and view up to 25 various types files saved in iCloud backup. You can view and export data from iCloud or iTunes backups, as well as current data from your iOS device. The application works with both Windows and Mac and is highly efficient and responsive.

Step 1.Download the program, install and run it on your PC.

Step 2. Select the recovery mode "Recover files from iCloud". Sign in to your iCloud account. Here you can choose either of two login options: 1) sign in with your Apple ID; 2) if your PC is already logged into the cloud storage, go to the option “ Programmatic access" and you will be logged in automatically.

Step 3. After logging into your account, a list of available backups will appear on the screen. Here you can check the details (name, date, version, size) of any backup file. Select the backup that contains the data you need and click “Forward.”

Step 4. In the window that opens, select the type of files to download and scan. To speed up the process, you can upload only the types of files that you need. Click "Forward" to start downloading the selected objects from the cloud.

Step 5. Once the download is complete, the program will automatically start scanning the data and provide you with the details of the objects for preview. In the left panel you can select the required file category. The scan results contain both information existing on your device and information deleted from the backup copy. At the bottom of the window you can enable the “Show only deleted” function.

Step 6. Mark the items you want to restore and click "Recover". You can restore files selectively or all at once. In addition, the program allows you to select the desired format for saving files. Media content (photos, videos) will be saved in their original formats. There are two recovery options for contacts, messages and notes: “Recover to device” and “Recover to computer”. When choosing the first option, make sure that your iPhone, iPad or iPod is connected to your PC using a USB cable.

You can also restore via UltData

Method 3. Life hack: How to check saved data in iCloud Online

If you have not created a backup copy in iCloud, but save your data in cloud storage using the following path: Settings -> (Name) -> iCloud -> Applications using iCloud; then you can easily get a backup via iCloud.com.

Step 2. The screen will display available types data. Click on a data type to see its contents.

This method is quite effective for viewing data in iCloud, but its disadvantage is limited access to content. For example, MMS, text messages, iMessages, third party applications and some other data types.

To ensure efficient viewing of iCloud backup data without any data loss, you can use various third-party applications designed specifically for the convenience of users, such as Tenorshare app UltData. With his operational work, user-friendly interface and ease of use, the program has gained popularity among users of Apple products. Her main feature– operational efficiency and safety of all your data – you will undoubtedly like it too!