Where are iPhone backups located on your computer? Where are iPhone and iPad backups stored?

Often, the user of an iOS device is faced with the task of finding a backup copy made at a certain time ago. Any experienced iPhone owner probably knows how to create a backup copy. But not everyone knows where these copies are stored on regular computers or on Macs.

Backup files store a lot of important information for the user, so no iPhone owner wants to lose them forever. There are contact sheets and browser bookmarks (for example, Safari, etc.).

Our article will tell you where the iPhone backup is stored on your computer. And this is done differently on different operating systems.

A copy file made from a Windows computer using the iTunes utility is usually stored in the “Users” folder.

To ensure that copies are saved reliably and files are not accidentally damaged, Apple offers the following recommendations:

A backup, which can be created on a PC or laptop, will not necessarily be stored in the folder named above. Depending on which OSA is installed on the computer, the location of the copy will depend. Although it is possible to copy information with a backup, it is better to refrain from moving it to other folders or drives (external or network).
Backing up iPhone data is not subject to editing, renaming or extracting file information, since all these actions can damage them. Let's say that in order to restore information from a moved copy, you need to return it to its place, otherwise nothing will work. A backup copy is a safe source of storing all data on a mobile device. Even if the backup file stored on the PC is open for access, it is unlikely that you will be able to view the iPhone backup, because... it is not suitable for reading.

Where are iPhone backups stored on Mac?

On these computer gadgets, it is even easier to find and open a copy than on a regular PC or laptop. This is done in just a few simple steps.

To find the information image, you need to click on the menu bar, and then specify the following path: ~/Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

And the second way to find the required backup file involves user actions such as:

Opening the iTunes utility.
Enter the settings menu.
Selecting a section with devices.
Pressing the control key and holding it for some time.
In parallel with the above action, click on the name of the desired copy.
Click on "Show in Finder".

This completes the search process. Now you know not only how to backup your iPhone, but also how to find it later among many other files on a regular PC or Mac.

We are looking for information on a PC with the operating system Windows 7,8,10

To search for backup files on a PC or laptop with the specified OS versions, you need to perform the following set of actions:

In the search bar, enter “Windows 7” (8 or 10, respectively, depending on what PC you use for work), start the search by pressing the corresponding button.
Enter: %appdata% into the search bar that opens.
Click the enter key.
Double click (sequentially) on the folders:

Apple Computer
MobileSync
Backup.

How to delete a backup on a regular PC or Mac

As mentioned above, it is strictly forbidden to perform the following manipulations with backup files:

Editing.
Transfer to other folders.
Renaming.
Information extraction.

All of the above actions will lead to damage to the copied files in 100% of cases. And to duplicate files or delete them. Several other actions will be required, which we will discuss below.

Copying backup files to another location

If the user needs a duplicate of the backup files, he needs to find these files using one of the methods described earlier, and be sure to copy them completely (partially) to the required location (for example, to a disk or network storage, etc.).

If you used the Time Machine utility, the copied information is automatically duplicated during the process of creating a backup on your Mac device.

Method to delete backups

To completely erase backup files, you need to follow the following algorithm:

On a Mac, go to the settings of the iTunes utility; on a regular PC or laptop, go to the edit menu, and then to settings.
Both there and there click on the device icon.
Selecting the specific copy to be deleted. If there are a lot of files (or several devices), you need to hover your mouse over each copy to view information about it.
Select the option to delete the backup copy, click on it, thus confirming your decision.

How to find copies saved in iCloud

If a user prefers to make backups via iCloud because this method seems most convenient to him, he will not be able to subsequently find them on the service’s resource on the Internet. To search for backup files on any device (it doesn’t matter whether it’s a regular PC or laptop, or Mac), you need to use another method and do the following:

On any Apple device, you first need to go to settings.
Then you need to scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the iCloud icon.
Enter the storage section, and then the management section.
On a device called Mac, go to the Apple menu, then go to system settings, and click on the iCloud icon.
On a PC or laptop with a Windows operating system, in the previous step you need to open the iCloud for this OS and also go into the storage.

Method for deleting backup files in icloud

This method, in addition to erasing information, is also used to select the contents of a copy stored in iCloud.

To delete data in iCloud, you must:

On any Apple gadget with iOS, go to settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the iCloud icon.
Enter the storage and then the file management section.
Decide on the copy to be deleted or take action to erase it, simply confirming it by pressing one button.

Before deleting, you can view additional information about the backup file by simply hovering your mouse over its name. The information will pop up in a special window next to the file.

With iTunes, you can save various files that are important to you and remain intact even if you reinstall the software. This makes it possible to keep photos, settings, music, movies and much more safe and sound.

What files can be stored on an iTunes backup?

Let's see which files iTunes can backup:

favorite contact lists and saved recent calls;
Key control and Bluetooth settings;
web clips;
saved images, photos, videos, presentations;
notes and calendar entries;
Microsoft Exchange, Safari Cash;
email accounts (not text messages, correspondence, etc., but only account);
saved network access points, Wi-Fi;
keys to access the Internet, remote servers, etc.;
App Store program files;
purchases (built-in versions only);
main files, documents, programs;
Game Center login details;
Maps and last saved places and destinations;
individual settings Nike + iPod.

In order to determine where the iPhone backup is stored on a computer running Windows 7, you need to run the same commands as in the picture: Obaobab (in this particular case, this is your account)→AppData→Roaming→AppleComputer→MobileSync→Backup. Then select a backup.

It's important to note that when you create a new iPhone backup, you are replacing the previous one. Therefore, the files on it will be destroyed and cannot be restored. It is better to save important information on hard drives, flash drives or in the Cloud. Then your confidential data will be safe.

When you cannot detect hidden files, folders and drives, you need to check the following commands in the folder options: “Display compressed or encrypted files”, “Hide protected system files”, “Hide empty disks in the Computer folder”.

Helpful information

If you want to protect your iTunes backup, put a password on it. To do this, check the security box in the review column. This way you can save confidential information (passwords, logins, contact list, etc.) and then restore it using a password.

If you forgot your password or cannot enter it, then you will have to reinstall the operating system and select all the default settings, as the device offers you, then select a backup copy and continue working.

If you need to delete an iTunes backup from Windows, then in “Settings” select “Devices”, there you will see a list of all copies, from which you select the unnecessary one. Click on “Delete”, confirm it and close the working window. If you want to change the settings, make some changes to the backups, you can do it from iTunes.

Every time you synchronize your iPhone and iTunes, you create a backup copy of your iPhone on Windows 7, which contains extensive information about your contacts, websites and other elements you need. This makes it possible to save and secure your personal data and files. Therefore, it is very important to know where the iPhone backup on Windows 7 is stored and how to manage it if necessary.

Despite the fact that Apple offers iPhone owners to create backup copies 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. A fatal OS error or hard drive failure can result in permanent data loss. You can protect yourself from unpleasant surprises if you know where your iPhone backup is stored on your computer.

and backups

iTunes has been and remains the standard program for working with Apple smartphones on macOS or Windows. With its help you can connect any iPhone to your PC: 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 Windows computer and vice versa without editing. The choice of storage location is made by each user when they first connect to iTunes. After this, you can synchronize your mobile device with your PC or cloud via a wireless network.

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 version of Windows. 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.

iTunes is a must-have companion for any iOS device owner. The utility not only helps you exchange content between a PC and a mobile device, but also makes it possible to update or restore your Apple gadget, buy and download new applications and media files, create a ringtone, etc. However, perhaps the most important option of the program is making a backup, because today we store so much important and valuable information in our mobile assistants that it would be an extreme shame to lose it if it is lost/stolen or simply when the device breaks.

In this article we will tell you how to create a copy of data in iTunes, as well as where iTunes stores backup copies.

Creating a backup in iTunes is a very simple procedure and even a novice user can handle it. To perform a backup, follow these instructions:

Ready! All that remains is to wait until the program saves the created duplicate on the PC. You can verify that the backup in iTunes was successful by opening the “Edit” section of the program, then “Settings” and going to the “Devices” tab - the created copy and the number of its creation will be displayed here.

As you understand, backups need to be repeated regularly. In this case, please note that only the latest current duplicate will be stored on the computer - when creating a new backup, old data is deleted automatically.

Where are iTunes backup files stored?

So, we figured out how to make a backup copy, but you probably have a logical question - where exactly does the program save the backed up information and is it possible to view it. Well, let's figure it out.

The directory into which the utility determines the copied data instance depends on what PC you are working with.

If you own a Mac, you can access the storage location as follows:

If you are using a Windows computer, to find the storage location of the backed up information:

How to view files and restore from an iTunes backup?

Now let’s talk about what a backup saved in iTunes looks like. It is a folder whose name contains 40 characters. There are a bunch of other folders hiding in this folder. None of the folders can be renamed, and on the official Apple support page it is highly recommended not to transfer the folder with the backup information anywhere. After all, something can be accidentally damaged - you can accidentally delete some important file, and if the duplicate is damaged, when restoring data, you will most likely encounter an error.

However, most likely, when you see this pile of folders, you will have a question not about how to move them somewhere, but how to restore any information from a copy that looks so strange. Well, that is, with iCloud everything is clear - if you have made a backup in the cloud, you simply open the iCloud.com website, log in using your Apple ID and see all the backed up data, neatly laid out in clear sections - “Contacts”, “Photos” etc.

With iTunes, everything is somewhat different - you cannot view the data here, but, in fact, this should not worry the user too much. After all, this will not prevent data from being restored from iTunes to a new iOS device. When transferring content, the user will only need to select “Restore via iTunes” during the initial setup of the new gadget and connect the device to the PC - all the work will be done automatically.

But what if you need to extract partially backed up content in order to later transfer it, for example, to an Android device. This is where you have to work hard. There are different mechanisms for each type of information. For example, you can see how to copy contacts.

By the way, a complete list of information stored by duplicate data in iTunes can be found in this article.

What to do if iTunes backups refuse to be created?

Unfortunately, sometimes when performing a backup, you may encounter an error: “iTunes was unable to create a backup.” There can be many reasons for this - from simple wear and tear of the synchronization cable to conflicts with virus software.

First of all, if the backup procedure fails, it is recommended to take the following measures to eliminate the error:

If none of the recommendations help and you still cannot perform a backup, read this article or contact Apple Support.

Let's summarize

Well, now you know how to create a duplicate of data in iTunes, and you also know where the program stores the folders with the copies made. Unfortunately, it is impossible to view the information in them directly, but this is not important for restoring content. If you made a backup via iTunes, you can always extract information from the copy using special programs and eventually receive it in the proper form.

Every time you sync between your Apple device and iTunes, this media combiner creates a fresh backup. This very useful feature of the program can be a great help if for some reason you have lost all the information from your iPhone. And iTunes will help you return all the information to its place in just two clicks. However, if you, for example, reinstall Windows on your computer, you can easily lose the backup copy. In this case, you should also play it safe by copying the backup data to removable media or any cloud service. So today you will find out where the iTunes backup is stored on your computer.

Backup location on Mac OS X.

In order to access the backup files, you need to go to: ~//Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/. Now copy the Backup folder and save it in a safe place.

Backup location on Windows XP.

The backup copy on a computer running Windows XP is located at the following address: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.

Location of the backup on Windows 7/8.

To access backup data on Windows 7/8, open Windows Explorer and go to: C:\Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.

Please pay special attention that the data in this folder may not be displayed because... they are hidden. To see the files contained in the Backup folder, open the Start menu and select Control Panel. In Windows 8, move your mouse to the very right side of the screen to open the navigation bar and select the Settings button. The “Control Panel” section we need is located in “Settings”. Once you open Control Panel, go to Folder Options. A window will open in which you need to go to the “View” tab and activate the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option. Then click “Apply” and the “OK” button.

It is also worth noting that there is only one backup for each Apple device. With each new synchronization of the device with iTunes, the old backup copy will be replaced with a more recent one, i.e. all previous data will be hopelessly lost. You can securely save the backup copy in any cloud storage, for example,