Where is the iphone windows backup stored. Where is the Iphone backup stored

Many users do not even think about it, and just sew their device again, and then puzzle over and wonder - where did all the contacts, messages, settings, applications go? Fortunately, in the latest iTunes, this process is automated, and you don't need to think about it.

But what if the design of the new harvester just doesn't like it and you want to stay on the old favorite iTunes? In this case, the Backup copy will have to be done manually. You can also hide everything in iCloud.

So, let's try to figure out the possible backup options ...

To begin with, there are 2 ways to keep an iPhone backup.

  1. On a computer using iTunes.
  2. In the cloud, on Apple servers via iCloud.

Which is more convenient, everyone chooses for himself.

Simultaneously: iPhone cannot be backed up to iTunes or iCloud!

In old iTunes

This is done quite simply, you just need to follow these steps:

  1. Connect your device to your computer.
  2. Select your device on the left in the section selection column.
  3. In the device window that opens, scroll to "Backup".
  4. Choose a copy path: either it will be iCloud, or a classic copy on a computer.
  5. Wait until the backup process is completed.

In the new iTunes

In the new iTunes 11 version (if you have it installed and you disabled auto backup, forgetting to do the last), you only need to:

  1. Connect your device to your computer.
  2. Select the device in the upper right by its name.
  3. Press the button "Backup" .

Where the iPhone backup is stored on the computer:

This location depends on the installed on your computer operating system:

  • Windows XP: \ Documents and Settings \ Username \ Application Data \ Apple Computer \ MobileSync \ Backup \.
  • Vista or Windows 7: Users \ Username \ AppData \ Roaming \ Apple Computer \ MobileSync \ Backup \.
  • Mac OS: \ Users \ Username \ Libraries \ Application Support \ MobileSync \ Backup.

ICloud backup


From now on, backups to the Apple server will take place every day without your participation.

But for this you need:

  1. Internet connection via Wi-Fi.
  2. Connecting iPhone to a power source.
  3. Screen lock.

You can manually create a backup copy yourself. To do this, connect your iPhone to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Open "Settings" - "iCloud" - "Storage & Copies". Select "Create Copy".

How to Restore iPhone Backup

In old iTunes

Select your iPhone in the right sidebar. Click the right mouse button on this item.
In the menu that appears, the item "Restore from backup". Specify the desired iPhone backup. Click "Restore".


In the new iTunes

In the lower right corner, click the device button. Click the Browse tab. Click "Recover from a copy".


Transferring Data from iPhone

We have considered the first option.

Option number two is a situation when you can't make a backup through iTunes, but you need to do it.

Attention - for the method described below you will need a jailbreak installed on your device. This method is not quite a way, but only an opportunity to save the remnants of "Pompeii" under various force majeure circumstances.

So, if iTunes does not want or cannot perform a backup, and it is really needed, then the following will help to get out of the situation at least to some extent:

  1. Contacts - var / mobile / Library / AddressBook... (backup copy of iphone contacts. There are two files in the folder, we save both.).
  2. SMS - var / mobile / Library / SMS .
  3. Mail - var / mobile / Library / Mail .
  4. Notes - / var / mobile / Library / Notes / .
  5. Apps from the App Store should be in iTunes, if not, right-click in iTunes on your iPhone, then - "Transfer purchases".
  6. Programs from Cydia will have to be reinstalled. You can save a list of them with Aptbackup by installing the appropriate application from Cydia.
  7. Photos lie in var / mobile / Media / DCIM .
  8. Music must be in iTunes, if not, copy using file manager(and just do not try to copy them back later, it will ruin your phone library and you will only have to restore it complete renewal libraries).
  9. Ringtones should be in iTunes, if not, copy them using the file manager for iPhone (don't try to copy them back later, it will ruin your phone library!).
  10. Calendar - / var / mobile / Library / Calendar .
  11. Bookmarks, history - / var / mobile / Library / Safari .
  12. Safari bookmarks as icons on the desktop / var / mobile / Library / WebClips .

On all folders from the Library, transferred manually, it is necessary to check the rights (0700 Owner - mobile, Group - mobile), and on the files themselves that are inside (0644 Owner - mobile, Group - mobile). If the rights are set correctly, then the contacts will be saved normally and there will be no flights.

Now, having learned how and where to make a Backup, you will no longer be afraid of losing data when changing your phone, or in a situation where you made a mistake when

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 input 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.

iTunes is a useful and versatile application. It helps Apple product owners work with information on smartphones and tablets. For example, restore data. For this, there is a function that allows you to create backups... Without much difficulty, you can return this or that information to your iPhone or iPad at any time. Fast, easy, convenient! Only sometimes it is necessary to find the specific package of information that iTunes worked with. Where are the backups stored? How are they created? What should every user know about?

Windows base

The operating system with which the user works will play a huge role. The fact is that on different operating systems, data is recorded and stored at various addresses.

What does iTunes offer? Where are backups of user information stored? For example, on Windows. Most of the owners of mobile devices work with this operating system.

In order not to get confused, you can use the following search recommendations:

  1. Windows XP. In practice, it does not occur so often, but it does occur. You need to go to "My Computer". Next, go to the hard disk partition where the operating system is installed. There go to the following address: Documents and Computer. Here open the MobileSync folder. ITunes data backups will be located in BackUp.
  2. Windows Vista. To date, work in this OS has practically lost its relevance. In it, you will need to go to Documents and Settings / AppData / Roaming / Apple Computer. All other searches will be exactly the same as in the previous case.
  3. Windows 7-10. The most common scenario. It is under the control of these versions that iTunes is most often launched. Where are user backups stored? In the same place as in all previous cases. The only difference is that to open AppData, you will have to initially follow the path: C: / Users / username. The BackUp folder in MobileSync is exactly what you need.

In fact, there is nothing difficult in the search process. Only a few users note that sometimes "BackUp" is missing. What to do in a similar situation?

Lack of BackUp

The main thing is not to panic. The fact is that the problem under study is encountered by many users. You do not need to be afraid of it, everything can be fixed in a few clicks.

The problem is with Windows settings. In fact, there is a BackUp folder, it is simply hidden from the user's eyes. To find it at the previously indicated addresses, you must:

  1. Go to "Start" - "Control Panel".
  2. Select "Folder Options" - "View".
  3. Customize the display of hidden files and folders. To do this, you must mark the appropriate items and save the changes.

After the actions taken, all hidden documents on the computer will become available to the user. This means that "BackUp" can also be found.

For mac

Some users work not with Windows, but with MacOS. iTunes is perfectly compatible with such an operating system. But in it, you also need to know where to go to find backups with human data.

In general, the process is not much different from the previously proposed algorithms. The required folder from "ITunes" is located in MobileSync. You can find it in: user / library / Application Support.

Accordingly, this is where the application changes? This question won't give you any more trouble. You can find the document you want in just a few clicks.

About compatibility

The relevant information is stored in a folder with a particular copy. To check the version of the device that is compatible with the information, you need:

  1. Open BackUp and go to the folder with the required data package.
  2. Find the Info.Plist file. It opens with a text editor. For example, through "Notepad" in Windows.
  3. Study the contents of the document carefully. After Product Name there will definitely be a mention of the version of the smartphone on which the copy of the data will run.

All these actions can be mastered even by a novice user. Was a backup made to iTunes? The storage location of the corresponding document is now known. And even how to check its compatibility, too.

Methods for making a copy

Before looking for backup data, you need to create it. Not everyone knows about this procedure either. How do I create a backup using iTunes? Bringing the idea to life will not take much time. It is enough to follow a short instruction.

Backing up via iTunes goes something like this:

  1. Download and install the latest version of "ITunes".
  2. Connect with wire mobile device to the computer.
  3. Launch the previously installed application.
  4. How to create a backup in iTunes? Select the connected device in the menu, go to the "Overview" section.
  5. In the menu, select the "Make a copy now" button.
  6. Click on "OK" after the completion of the process.

This is the simplest solution. You can also work with iCloud or third-party apps. But this is not the best solution. After all, an iPhone backup via iTunes is created in just a few clicks!

Results and conclusions

From now on, it is clear how to work with backup data on an iPod or iPhone. Finding them on your computer is no longer difficult. Each user is able to bring the idea to life.

IPhone backup via iTunes is restored if necessary. It is recommended not to store such documents on your computer. This is a kind of data protection method. It is advisable to transfer all copies of the iPhone to removable media.

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

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

IPhone sync and backups

In order to protect yourself from data loss, you need to back up your iPhone before syncing.
It includes:

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

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

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

Choosing a copy storage location

There are two possible options for backing up your iPhone. You can store it:

  • 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 locations, there is no way to duplicate them.

This process will be different in new and old iTunes.
In old 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 choice of the copying path (iCloud, or classic copy on a computer);
  5. wait for the copying process to complete.

In iTunes 11, this process is automated, but if you suddenly turn off this function, then you need to make 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 Create a copy now.

Where to store copies on your computer

The storage paths will depend on your computer's operating system.

For Windows XP, it looks like this:

Documents & 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 item "Username" must be changed to a name that suits you. Mac OS owners may have problems finding the Libraries folder. It has become hidden since version 10.7 (Lion). To get into it, you need to own the command line or:

  • open Finder and click the "Go" tab at the top.

  • when you press the 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 locations

In addition to the locations described above, copies can be found in iTunes and the cloud. A significant drawback of these sites 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 into the settings.

In the window that opens, go to the "Devices" tab

The window shows all the backups available on the computer and the date of their creation.

You can delete them. No other actions are available. You cannot copy or transfer them in this way.
Another storage location is Apple's iCloud cloud service. From the moment you enable the backup, this process will occur automatically every day. For this, three conditions must be met:

  • internet connections;
  • connection to power supply;
  • screen lock.

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

How to restore an iphone backup

The sync process creates a backup on your iPhone. Subsequently, it can be applied 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 new hardware.
Whatever experiments you conduct with your iPhone, remember that before any intervention in it, you need to make a backup. This function will help to save all the necessary information in case of changing the phone, or making a mistake while taking steps to improve it.

The job of iTunes is to be able to control Apple devices from a computer. In particular, with the help of this program, you can create backups and store them on a computer in order to restore the device at any time. Not sure where your iTunes backups are stored on your computer? This article will answer this question.

The ability to restore devices from a backup is one of the undeniable advantages Apple devices. The process of creating, storing and restoring from a backup appeared at Apple a long time ago, but so far no manufacturer can provide a service of this quality.

When you create a backup using iTunes, you have two options for storing them: in the iCloud cloud storage and on your computer. If you chose the second option when creating a backup, then the backup, if necessary, can be found on the computer, in order, for example, to transfer it to another computer.

Where does iTunes back up?

Please note that only one iTunes backup is created for one device. For example, you have iPhone and iPad gadgets, which means that every time the backup is updated, the old backup will be replaced with a new one for each device.

It's easy to see when your devices were last backed up. To do this, in the upper area of ​​the iTunes window, click on the tab "Edit" and then open the section "Settings" .

In the window that opens, go to the tab "Devices" ... The names of your devices will be displayed here, as well as the last date the backup was made.

To get to the folder on your computer that stores backups for your devices, you first need to open the display of hidden folders. To do this, open the menu "Control Panel" , set the information display mode in the upper right corner "Small icons" and then go to section "Explorer Options" .

In the window that opens, go to the tab "View" ... Go down to the very end of the list and check the box Show hidden files, folders and drives ... Save your changes.

Now, having opened Windows Explorer, you will need to navigate to the folder that stores the backup, the location of which depends on the version of your operating system.

ITunes backup folder for Windows XP:

ITunes backup folder for Windows Vista:

ITunes backup folder for Windows 7 and above:

Each backup is displayed as a folder with a unique name consisting of forty letters and symbols. In this folder you will find a large number of files that do not have extensions, which also have long names. As you understand, except for iTunes, these files are not read by any other program.

How do I know which device a backup belongs to?

Taking into account the names of the backups, it is difficult to immediately determine by eye which device this or that folder belongs to. You can determine the ownership of a backup as follows:

Open the folder with the backup and find the file in it Info.plist ... Click on this file with the right mouse button, and then go to step Open With - Notepad .

Call the search bar with a keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F and find the following line in it (without quotes): "Product Name" .

The search results will display the string we are looking for, and to the right of it the name of the device will appear (in our case, this is the iPad Mini). Now we can close the notebook, since we have received the information we need.

Now you know where iTunes stores backups. We hope this article was helpful to you.