How to change iphone backup path. Where does iTunes store backups on your computer. Problems syncing iTunes to iPad or iPhone

Backing up to a PC has already been mentioned more than once. Cause transfer iPad backup to another drive, that there is simply not enough space on the main hard drive and it becomes necessary to transfer data to another HDD. Backing up iOS devices eats up quite a lot of free space and naturally there is a desire to transfer copies. iCloud, designed for these purposes, is not held in high esteem by everyone. So, today I will talk about transferring an iPad backup to another drive (including an external HDD) using the Windows 7/Vista, Windows XP and Mac Os operating systems as an example. This manual is suitable for transfer iPhone and iPod backups.

Instructions for transferring a backup for Mac OS

Let's say you have two hard drives in your laptop - SSD and HDD. Putting a backup on an SSD drive makes no sense. In this case, we set ourselves the task of transferring the backup to another disk.

1. Delete unnecessary backups. iTunes - Settings - Devices

2. Make sure the backups are deleted. The Mac OS operating system has the following directory containing iOS device backups:

/Users/[Username]/Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Important note: if you cannot find this directory through the built-in Finder tool, then install the free MuCommander file manager (well, or similar software).

View of the contents of the folder before deletion:

View of the contents of the folder after deletion:

As you can see in the example, there is 1 extra folder - this way you can get rid of old backups that can be safely deleted, guided by the rule: 1 backup = 1 folder.

3. Create a new folder on the hard disk (HDD) called " «.

4. Move the folder (or several folders corresponding to the number of backups) with the backup to the folder on another disk (HDD).

Delete the folder " located on an SSD drive.

The directory looks like this:

/Volumes/SSD/Users/UserName/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup ln -s /Volumes/Macintosh\HD/Users/UserName/Backup /Volumes/ SSD/Users/UseName/Library/Application\Support/MobileSync

What does this command mean:

ln-s- command to create a symbolic link

/Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/dmitry/Backup - directory for storing backups.

/Volumes/SSD/Users/dmitry/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync - directory location of the symbolic link pointing to the folder on another disk (HDD).

As a result of executing the command in Terminal you will get the following: in the folder Mobile Sync a shortcut will appear on the SSD drive, referring to a folder in the HDD.

Now run iTunes, then backup and as a result iPad backup saved to another drive.

Instructions for transferring a backup to Windows Vista and Windows 7

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, symbolic links are created using the OS tools. The first two points are similar to the Mac OS method described above.

1. Redefine redundant backups and delete them in the app settings iTunes and from Explorer on the hard drive. Backup directory in Windows 7:

\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

This directory is hidden because it belongs to the system folders. You can use the Total Commander file manager by turning on the display of hidden and system files in the settings or go to Control Panel - Folder Options and uncheck the "Hide system files and folders" item.

2. Suppose you wish transfer iPad backup to Local Disk D. In this case, create a folder on this hard disk iTunes(the name and path of the folder is arbitrary) and transfer the entire folder with backups from drive C to the created folder iTunes on drive D.

3. Click Start and in the search bar type cmd. The top line will display applications for launching the command line - cmd. Launch it by right-clicking and select the item Run as administrator.

4. Now correctly enter the command to create a symbolic link:

What does this line mean:

mklink- command to create a symbolic link

/D- specify the directory of the symbolic link

New way- directory where backups are located on drive D.

Command execution example:

Ready! It remains to make sure that the iPad backup is saved to drive D.

Instructions for transferring an iPad backup to Windows XP

This manual is applicable for both Windows XP and other systems of the Windows family. Windows XP is awarded in an additional way due to the fact that this OS does not have the command mklink, so we will use the utility junction. You can download it from this link.

Using the junction utility is similar to transferring a backup of iOS devices for Windows 7.

1. Download the program and unzip. Place it in any convenient folder on your PC hard drive. Suppose in the root of the system drive: C:\Junction

2. Follow steps 1, 2, 3 of the above instructions for Windows 7 and Vista.

3. At the cmd prompt, run the following command:

C:\Junction\junction.exe SymbolicReferenceName NewPath

In these ways, you can transfer backed up iPhone, iPod and iPad to an external hard drive if desired. If you accidentally deleted or renamed a symbolic link, then iTunes in the next process backup iOS devices will create a folder for storing backups again and continue to save the backup to its original location. Backups in the previously used directory will not be deleted. To restore the previous backup settings, remove the symbolic link and return the folder to its original place.

The backup is stored on iPhone and iPad, but the phone does not turn on or the screen is broken, you need to return it to the device or computer, or extract all the necessary information from iPhone and iPad backups. Then you can only restore the entire backup, but restore the data you want. Now let's find out how to selectively restore data from iCloud and iTunes backup.

The data contains contacts, messages, call histories, music, photos, videos, installed apps, reminders, notes, calendars, calendar events, documents, WhatsApp messages, web browsing history, browser favorites and more. And supports all devices: iPhone X/8/7/7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPhone 6/6 Plus, iPhone 5s/5c/5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, etc . iOS systems: iOS 12/11 and earlier.

How to View iPhone Backup on Computer

The program is recommended, it supports free viewing of the backup by file formats and titles, and then extracting data from the phone if the phone does not turn on. Before recovery, you can preview these files and select the desired data.

There is another feature, before preview, the application allows you to scan the backup on your computer's disk. Sometimes you only know where the lost backup is stored, but don't know the detailed folder. UltData helps you find your lost or deleted information quickly and easily. Click "Go get back deleted iTunes backup>>".

How to extract a backup from iTunes

Extracting all the necessary information from a broken iPhone requires the use of UltData. Follow the steps below and you can extract data from a phone with a broken screen:

1. Go to "Restore from iTunes Backup". iPhone Data Recovery automatically displays all backup files in iTunes.

Note. If the backup is not saved by default, you must manually import the backup file. Click Import Backup Files.

2. Select the data you want to recover. And you can pull contacts and messages from iTunes backup.

3. Not only that, but also by clicking "Exit Settings", select export formats. Next, after clicking "Recover", the following window will appear, you can restore data to the computer and to the device.

How to extract a backup from iCloud

How to extract contacts and photos from iCloud backup, for example, below we will talk about how to extract photos from iCloud backup.

The program allows you to quickly and easily extract data from iPhone and iPad backup, in addition, if you need to transfer and import data from iPhone, iPad and iPod to computer, iPhone Data Recovery is convenient for you.

The job of iTunes is to be able to manage Apple devices from your computer. In particular, using this program, you can create backup copies and store them on your computer in order to restore the device at any time. Don't know where iTunes backups are stored on 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 restoring from a backup appeared at Apple a very long time ago, but so far no manufacturer can provide a service of this quality.

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

Where iTunes saves backups

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

Each backup is displayed as a folder with its own unique name, consisting of forty letters and symbols. In this folder you will find a large number of files that do not have an extension.

How to find out which device a backup belongs to

Given the names of the backups, it is difficult to immediately determine by eye which device this or that folder belongs to. You can understand the ownership of a backup in the following way:

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

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

This article will explain how to back up data in iTunes and where iTunes stores backups.

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

As you understand, the backup needs to be repeated regularly. At the same time, please note that only the last up-to-date duplicate will be stored on the computer - when creating a new backup, the old data is deleted automatically.

Where are iTunes backup files stored?

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

The directory in which the utility locates the copied instance of data depends on which PC you are working with.

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

In the event that 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 about how the backup saved in iTunes looks like. It is a folder whose name contains 40 characters. This folder hides a bunch of other folders. 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 inadvertently damaged - 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 how to transfer them somewhere, but how to restore any information from a copy that looks so strange. Well, that is, everything is clear with iCloud - if you made a backup in the cloud, you just open the iCloud.com website, log in using your Apple ID and see all the backed up data, neatly arranged into understandable sections - "Contacts", "Photo" etc.

With iTunes, everything is somewhat different - you can’t see 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 need to select the “Restore via iTunes” option and connect the device to the PC during the initial setup of the new gadget – all work will be done automatically.

But what if you need to partially extract the backed up content in order to later transfer it, for example, to an Android device. This is where you have to sweat. Each type of information has its own mechanisms. For example, how to copy contacts, you can see.

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 come across an error: "iTunes was unable to create a backup." There can be many reasons for it - from the banal wear 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 can't backup, read this article or contact Apple Support.

Let's summarize

Well, now you know how to duplicate data in iTunes, and you also know where the program stores folders with 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 through iTunes, you can always extract information from the copy using special programs and get it in the end in the proper form.

I don’t know about you, but for me, the contents of the memory of my iPhone 5s are much more expensive than the device itself. If you bought it once, you can buy it a second and third time, but accumulated over the years, if possible, then this is not easy to do.

How to transfer iTunes backups to another drive in Windows 7, 8 and 10

1. Close iTunes.
2. Copy or move the C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder to another drive (substitute your username). Just in case, copy the folder somewhere else.
   

   In my Windows 10 VM it is located at: C:\Users\le7andr\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

3. Run the command line (command line handler) "cmd.exe" with administrator rights ("Start" -> "Search programs and files" -> "cmd" -> Right-click on the context menu on the file "cmd.exe" and select "Run as administrator"). The name of the command prompt window must be "Administrator: C: / Windows / System32 / cmd.exe".
   
   
4. Enter the command: MKLINK / D "from" "to"

   Example:
   mklink /d "C:\Users\Alexander Varakin\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\" D:\iTunes\Backup

   Replace "Alexander Varakin" with your username. If the path contains spaces (here, Apple Computer), it must be enclosed in quotation marks (""). To avoid manually typing the path, drag the desired folder to the command prompt window. Press Enter.

   
   
5. Command execution example.
   
6. Launch iTunes and check for backups in the program settings on the "Devices" tab.
   

How to Transfer iTunes Backups to Another Drive in Windows XP

1. Close iTunes.
2. Copy or move the C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder to another drive (substitute your username). Just in case, it is better to copy the folder somewhere else.
3. Delete the "Backup" folder on the system drive (where the backups were moved from).
4. Download Junction from the link, unzip, for example, to the root of drive "C".
5. Run the command line "cmd.exe" with administrator rights ("Start" -> "Search programs and files" -> "cmd" -> Right-click on the context menu on the file "cmd.exe" and select "Run as administrator" "). The name of the command prompt window must be "Administrator: C: / Windows / System32 / cmd.exe".
6. At the command prompt, enter the command: C:\Path_to_Junction\junction.exe "from" "to" -s,
   • "from" - the previous location of the "Backup" folder on the system drive;
   • "where" - a new path to the folder with backups.

   Example: C:\Junction\junction.exe "C:\Users\Alexander Varakin\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\" D:\iTunes\Backup -s

7. Launch iTunes and check for backups in the program settings on the "Devices" tab.

How to Transfer iTunes Backups to Another Drive in Mac OS X

For Mac computers with a backup function using the Time Machine built into OS X or third-party programs, the issue of the safety of backups is not so acute, but still it will come in handy for someone.

On Mac computers in OS X, the procedure is slightly simpler:

Transferred backups will be available in iTunes until the next operating system reinstall, after which the symlinks will need to be recreated.

As you can see, it is not difficult to find an iTunes backup on a Windows or Mac computer. It is not difficult to move "heavy" backups to another drive (partition or external drive) and associate them with iTunes using symbolic links.

If you have any questions or additions, write in the comments - we will discuss.