Mobile devices like iPhone are in great demand among the population. For work with gadgets, there are a variety of applications and programs. For example, ITunes is very popular software. The application allows you to synchronize a mobile device with a computer, as well as work with information on the tablet / telephone. For example, the common function is to create backup copies of user data. You can find the appropriate document at any time and restore it on the iPhone / iPad. Only not everyone is clear where iTunes retains a backup. Where to look for it in a particular case?
For Windows.
Much depends on what operating system is we talking about. The fact is that the bulk of users works with Windows. Accordingly, the iTunes program retains backups 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.
All these versions of iTunes retains backup data in different areas. So what folders are they stored? Where do you want to enter the user in a particular case?
For Windows XP, the following is the following: Documents and Settings / COMPUTER / MOBILESYNC user. You need to find the folder called Backup. It contains all backup copies made by the application.
You can also work in Windows Vista. This is not the most common case. Where does iTunes retain a backup copy of user data on "Wasta"? You can find it at: Docoments and Settings / Username / AppData / Roaming / Apple Computer / MobileSync. As in the past case, it is necessary to explore the backup folder.
With newer versions of Windows work easier. It is enough to go to the hard disk section 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 there is no necessary document in Windows. Then users conceive where iTunes backup. After all, the application works, it saves somewhere or another information.
In fact, Backup is simply hidden from the eye of the user. In order to correct the situation, it is required:
- Select "folder parameters" - "View".
- Put a mark on the point "Display files and folders hidden from the user".
- Press "OK."
Macos.
Some users work with MacOS. This is not the most common case, but it still takes place. Where does iTunes save a backup of information in this case?
Detect the necessary file will not be difficult. It is enough to proceed at the following address: Users / User / Library / Application Support. It is here that the MobileSync folder will be.
Now each user can detect one or another copy made by iTunes for iPhone or iPad. If necessary, you can delete it or copy it to removable media.
We define the version of the iPhone
It should be paid to the fact that all the backup copies that are made using "Aytyuns" are created for specific models of devices. This means that in newer / old phones the file will not be recognized.
It is clear where iTunes retains a backup. And how to determine for which smartphone / tablet it was done?
Looking guidelines for defining an iPhone version compatible with data, approximately as follows:
- Find a folder in which all copies of iTunes are stored.
- Open the desired package of documents. The folder will definitely be the file info.plist.
- Run the document using any text editor. For example, "Notepad" is perfect.
- Find a line:
Product Name. . - Now you should carefully examine the information between the rows.. It is there that it will be written something like an iPhone 5S.
Ready! From now on, it is clear to find it, and how can you understand what version of the iPhone these or other data were created.
Oh, how often this question was asked in the comments. We will be corrected and respond. The main problem is that the main hard disk does not have enough space and you must transfer all the data to another disk. A backup copy of iOS devices is just one of the emulsions of the free space that we would like to transfer. Yes, not everyone uses icloud. :)
In the article, I will tell separately about transferring a backup to another disk (including external) on the example of Windows 7 / Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS.
Instruction for Mac OS
The fact is that I have two hard drives in a laptop - SSD and HDD. To have a backup on SSD, of course, luxuriously, but there is no sense in this special. So I decided to transfer backup to another disk.
1. We delete unnecessary backups. iTunes -\u003e Settings -\u003e Devices
2. We are convinced that backup copies retired. For Mac OS, the path to the backups is:
/ Users / [user_name] / library / Application Support / MobileSync / Backup /
Important: If you do not see this path via Finder, then install the free program: MUCOMMANDER File Manager (or any other analog).
Before removal:
After removal:
As you see, I still have one folder too much - this is how completely ancient and unnecessary backups that can also be deleted. One backup should account for one backup.
3. On the HDD disk, create a folder - call backup.
4. We carry the folder (or folders if there are several copies) with a backup copy to the backup on another disk.
4.1. We delete the backup folder on the old way. In my case: / VOLUMES / SSD / Users / Dmitry / Library / Application\ Support / MobileSync / Backup
lN -S / VOLUMES / MACINTOSH \\ HD / Users / Dmitry / Backup / Volumes / SSD / Users / Dmitry / Library / Application\ Support / MobileSync.
In fact, nothing complicated - I will explain the team:
lN -S.- The creation command of the symbolic link.
/ VOLUMES / Macintosh \\ HD / Users / Dmitry / Backup – the path for which you will now store backups. Pay attention to the reverse slash "\\" before HD. I just sucks a blank sign on the way.
/ Volumes / SSD / Use / Dmitry / Library / Application \\ Support / MobileSync - The path where your character link will lie, roughly speaking the label to the backup folder on another disk.
In general, after executing the command in the terminal you will have about the following picture. In the Mobile Sync folder, something like a label appears on the old disk (using Windows terminology) to the folder on another disk. We look at the property.
Run iTunes. Run backup. All - the backup is saved to another disc, which we actually needed.
Instructions for Windows Vista and Windows 7
It's not much more complicated here than for Mac OS. For these two systems, symbolic links can be created by means of the system itself. If you have Vista or seven, I recommend to create links exactly as I will describe.
In order not to repeat with the screenshots, briefly describe the initial actions (more read items 1 and 2 instructions for Mac OS slightly above).
1. Find out which backups are excess and delete them in iTunes settings and in the file system. The paths by which the system stores them:
These paths through a regular conductor may not be available - I recommend using the file manager (Total Commander or Far Manager). Mandatory in the file manager settings, turn on the display of hidden and system files.
2. Suppose we want to transfer the backup copy of the iPad to the Disk D. Create an iTunes folder on the Disk D and transfer the backup folder entirely with all our backups from the C disk to this itunes folder.
3. Press Start and in the search bar We are looking for CMD. In the results with the right mouse button and run CMD (command line) with administrator rights.
4. It remains the most difficult and simplest at the same time. Drive the correct symbolic link command:
Explanation:
/ D. - specify the team that the symbolic link will lead to the directory
New way - A new way, in this case, on the disk D to the iTunes will save backups.
Example of execution of the command We look at the screenshot:
That's actually, and we test. We try to save backup. The copy is saved to the D disc, which was required to do.
Instructions for Windows XP
This addition is suitable for both Windows XP and other Windows systems. As you know, Mklink commands are not in Windows XP, therefore you can use the Junction utility. I swing it on this link.
The meaning and use of it is completely similar to the use of the team .
1. Download this program. Unzip. Pour it into some folder on the disk. Suppose C: \\ Junction
2. Perform paragraphs 1.2.3 instructions for Windows 7 and Vista.
3. In the command line, execute the command:
c: \\ junction \\ junction.exe Name Simvolic Dissarls Name
Explanation of this command, see paragraph 4 of the instructions for Windows 7 and Vista above.
If you accidentally deleted some information from the iOS device and hope to restore it, the backup copy of iTunes can be excellent help.
ITunes backups occurs automatically each time you connect iPad or iPhone to iTunes (if you do not enable the ICloud backup option), or manually when you click the device in iTunes and select "Back Up". They are saved on your computer and contain important data, such as contacts, text messages, calendar, notes, call history and application data.
So, where is the backup copies of the iPhone or iPad? It depends on which operating system uses your computer, although the place for backup by default is the same between the IOS versions.
Where is iTunes backup folder in Windows?
ITunes backups are stored in% APPDATA% \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync in Windows.
In Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista, it will be a way, for example \\ users \\\\ APPDATA \\ Roaming \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup.
In Windows XP, it will be like \\ Documents and Settings \\\\ Application Data \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup.
The iTunes version for Microsoft Store is slightly different: it stores its backups in the% HomePath% \\ Apple \\ MobileSync section. It will be a way, for example \\ users \\\\ apple \\ mobilesync \\ backup.
Where is iTunes backup folder in MacOS / OS X?
ITunes backups are stored in ~ / Library / Application Support / MobileSync on MacOS.
This folder is usually located in the // Users // Library / Application Support / MobileSync / Backup folder.
In MacOS 10.15, Finder creates backup copies of the iPhone, not iTunes. However, these backups are stored in the same place.
How to automatically find a folder for iTunes backup
the iPhone Backup Extractor will automatically find a backup iTunes for you and can open it with one click. This functionality is in the free version, so it will not cost anything.
- Download and install iPhone Backup Extractor
- Open the Preferences window from the drop-down application menu.
- Select the tabs tab.
- If the window indicates "We always look for backups in the default folder", click the "Default Folder" link. Easily!
Opening the iTunes backup folder in Windows
Open the default backup location in the explorer using the Windows Startup command. Press ⊞ Win + R and the Run window will appear. Enter% APPDATA% \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync and press ⏎ ENTER.
For iTunes version for Microsoft Store, you can do this: Press ⊞ Win + R and the Run window will appear. Enter% HomePath% \\ Apple \\ MobileSync and press ⏎ ENTER.
This is how it looks in Windows 10:
In the conductor window that opens, the folder appears with the name "Backup". It contains any backup copies of iTunes, which are already present on the computer.
Search iTunes backup folder on MacOS
The default backup location can be displayed in Finder using Spotlight. Pressing ⌘ Cmd + and enter ~ / Library / Application Support / MobileSync before pressing ⏎ Enter.
In the Finder window that opens, the folder named "Backup" will appear. It contains any backup copies of iTunes, which are already present on the computer.
Change iTunes backup folder location?
If you want to change the folder to which iTunes creates a default backup, we have a convenient guide in our support center.
I do not know how for you, but for me the contents of my iPhone 5S memory is much more expensive than the device itself. If I bought it once, you can buy in the second and third time, but the years accumulated if it is possible, then it is not easy.
How to transfer iTunes backup copies to another disc in Windows 7, 8 and 10
- Close iTunes.
- Copy or move the folder "C: \\ Users \\ user_name \\ APPDATA \\ Roaming \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup \\" to another disc (username replace your). Just in case, copy the folder somewhere else.
In my Windows 10 virtual machine to it on the way: C: \\ Users \\ Le7andr \\ APPDATA \\ Roaming \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup \\
- Run the command line (command line handler) "cmd.exe" with administrator rights ("Start" -\u003e "Find programs and files" -\u003e "cmd" -\u003e Right-click Call the context menu on the cmd.exe file and select "Run on behalf of the administrator"). In the title of the command line window, it must be specified "Administrator: C: /Windows/System32/cmd.exe".
- Enter the command: mklink / d "Where" where "
Example:
mklink / d "C: \\ Users \\ Alexander Varakin \\ APPDATA \\ ROAMING \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup \\" D: \\ iTunes \\ BackupInstead of "Alexander Varakin", specify your username. If there are spaces on the way (here - Apple Computer), it must be enclosed in quotes (""). In order not to print the path manually drag the desired folder into the command line window. Press "ENTER".
- An example of command execution.
- Run iTunes and check the availability of backups in the program settings on the Device tab.
How to transfer iTunes backups to another disc in Windows XP
- Close iTunes.
- Copy or move the folder "C: \\ Users \\ user_name \\ APPDATA \\ Roaming \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup \\" to another disc (username replace your). Just in case, the folder is better to copy somewhere else.
- Delete the "Backup" folder on the system disk (from which backups were moved).
- Upload the Junction on the link, unzip, for example, to the root of the disk "C".
- Run the command line "Cmd.exe" with administrator rights ("Start" -\u003e "Find programs and files" -\u003e "cmd" -\u003e Right-clicking Call the context menu on the "cmd.exe" file and select "Run on the name of the administrator "). In the title of the command line window, it must be specified "Administrator: C: /Windows/System32/cmd.exe".
- In the command prompt, enter the command: C: \\ Path_JUNCTION \\ junction.exe "Where" "Where" -s,
- "From where" is the former location of the "Backup" folder on the system disk;
- "Where" is a new way to a folder with backup copies.
Example: C: \\ Junction \\ junction.exe "C: \\ Users \\ Alexander Varakin \\ APPDATA \\ Roaming \\ Apple Computer \\ MobileSync \\ Backup \\" D: \\ iTunes \\ Backup -s
- Run iTunes and check the availability of backups in the program settings on the Device tab.
How to transfer iTunes backup copies to another disk in Mac OS X
For Mac computers with the backup function using the Time Machine built-in in OS X, the backup speed is not as acute, but still it will be useful to someone.
On Mac computers in the OS X procedure, a little is easier:
The backup copies transferred to another disk will be available in iTunes until the next reinstallation of the operating system, after which the symbolic links need to be re-created.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult in finding a backup of iTunes on a Windows or Mac computer. It is not difficult and moved "heavy" backups to another disc (section or external disk) and associate them with iTunes using symbolic links.
There are questions or additions, write in the comments - discuss.
The iTunes program is to manage Apple devices from a computer. In particular, using this program you can create backup copies and store them on a computer to restore the device at any time. Do not know where iTunes backup copies are stored on a computer? This article will answer this question.
The ability to restore devices from a backup is one of the undeniable advantages of Apple devices. The process of creating, storing and recovering from the backup appeared from Apple for a very long time, but so far no manufacturer can provide a service of this quality.
When creating a backup via iTunes program you have two storage options: in the icloud cloud storage and on the computer. If you select a second option when creating a backup, then the backup, if necessary, can be found on the computer to, for example, transfer it to another computer.
Where iTunes retains backup copies
Note that only one backup copy of iTunes is created for one device. For example, you have the iPhone and iPad gadgets, it means that each update is backup, the old backup will be replaced for each device new.
- See when the last time a backup was created for your devices, easy. To do this, in the top area of \u200b\u200bthe iTunes window, click on the tab. "Edit"
and then open the section "Settings"
.
- "Devices"
. Here will be displayed the names of your devices, as well as the last date of creating a backup.
- To get into a folder on a computer that stores backups for your devices, you will need to open the display of hidden folders. To do this, open the menu "Control Panel"
Install in the upper right corner the display mode of information "Small badges"
and then go to the section "Explorer parameters"
.
- In the window that opens, go to the tab "View"
. Go down to the end of the list and check the item "Show hidden files, folders and discs"
. Save the changes.
- Now, opening Windows Explorer, you will need to go to a folder stored backup, the location of which depends on the version of your operating system.
Folder with iTunes backups for Windows XP and Winows Vista:
C: \\ Documents and Settings \\ user_name \\ apple \\ mobilesync \\ backup \\
Folder with iTunes backups for Windows 7 and above:
C: \\ Users \\ user_name \\ apple \\ mobilesync \\ backup \\
Each backup is displayed as a folder with its unique name consisting of forty letters and symbols. In this folder you will find a large number of files that do not have expansion.
How to find out what device is a backup copy
Considering the names of backups, it is difficult to determine immediately to the eye, one or another folder belongs to which device. You can understand the retention of a backup image as follows:
Now you know where iTunes retains backups. We hope this article was useful to you.
