How to Know Where iTunes Store iPhone Backup Location

Part 1: Where does iTunes store backups?

When locating your iPhone backups, iTunes saves them in specific directories depending on your operating system. By identifying these locations, you can manage your backups more efficiently, saving space and ensuring your data is secure. Let’s delve into the backup directories for both Windows and Mac systems to answer the question, "Where does iTunes keep backups?"

1. Where does iTunes store the backup on Windows 11/10

On Windows 11 or 10, your iTunes backup files are stored in the MobileSync folder. Ready to dive in and find those backups? Where does iTunes store backups on Windows 11? follow this path to get to the MobileSync folder:

C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Or

C:\Users\Your username\Apple\MobileSync\Backup\

You can easily find your backups using the Windows Start Menu’s Search box. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1. In Windows 11, kick things off by opening the Start menu. Look right next to the Start button, and you'll spot a handy search bar waiting to help!

Step 2. If you grabbed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, head over to the Search bar and type in %appdata%.

Step 3. Or %USERPROFILE% and press Enter/Return.

Step 4. Once you're in the Appdata folder, dive into the “Apple” folder, then navigate to “Apple Computer” and “MobileSync.” Finally, head to the “Backup” folder where all your iTunes backups await you.

Note: Can't find the backup folder? It might be because the AppData folder is hidden. No worries! Just enable "Show hidden files" in the Explorer settings and try again.

2. Where does iTunes store backups on Windows 7

On Windows 7, discovering your iTunes backup files is a breeze! Just head to the MobileSync folder. Curious how to get there? Follow this path:

C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

To easily find your list of backups, just use the Windows Start Menu’s Search box. Here’s how:

Step 1. Fire up Windows 7 and click on the Start menu. Just above the Start button, you'll spot the Search bar waiting for your command!

Step 2. Click in the Search bar, type %appdata%, and hit Enter/Return.

Step 3. Open Apple Computer > MobileSync > Backup folders one at a time.

Step 4. You'll find all your backup files neatly organized in the folder, just like in the image above.

3. Where does iTunes store backups on Mac

Ready to locate your backups on your Mac? Follow these easy steps and you'll be there in no time!

Step 1: Click on the search bar (magnifier icon) in the Finder menu or simply hit “Command + F” in the Finder window to quickly search your desired location. itunes backup location 6

Step 2. Ready for a shortcut? Use the "Go to Folder" option in the Finder menu to quickly jump to your desired location!

Step 3. Copy and paste or type this directory location: ~/Library/Application

Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Step 4. Here, you'll discover all your iPhone and other Apple device backups, each one marked with a unique, intriguing string of letters and numbers. If you're wondering where does iTunes backup iPhones, this folder contains all the necessary backup files organized for easy access.

Step 5. You can easily find your files through iTunes (if you're on an older macOS version) or use Finder with the latest macOS Catalina.

a. Head over to iTunes and open the preferences menu. Once there, click on Devices, then right-click your device and select Reveal in Finder. Voilà! You’ll see all the backups linked to your iPhone

. itunes backup location 10

b. If you're on the latest Catalina, navigate to your connected iPhone under the Locations section in the Finder window. Click “Manage Backups,”. A Device backup window will appear. Right-click on the backup file and select “Show in Finder.”

Part 2: How to change the iTunes backup location?

Changing the iTunes backup location can help you manage your storage more effectively and ensure your backups are stored in your preferred directory. In this part, we'll guide you through the process of changing the backup location on both Windows and Mac systems.

1. How to change iTunes backup location Windows 11/10/8

We're going to switch up the iTunes backup location on Windows using the symlink method – also known as a symbolic link. Think of the symlink as a new path for iTunes to find your backups. If you're wondering where does iTunes store backups on Windows 10, this method provides a way to change the default location. In this guide, we'll walk you through using the Windows Command Prompt to create a symbolic link that cleverly redirects iTunes back up to your preferred location. Let's get started!

You'll need to use the Windows Command Prompt for some finagling. Don't worry, I'll guide you through each step of the process!

Step 1. Create a new directory wherever you want iTunes to store all your backups. For example, create a directory in the C:\ folder.

Step 2. Now that we've pinpointed the current iTunes backup directory, let's create a copy of it. Navigate to “C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” and make a backup of your backup!

Step 3. Dive into your newly created directory by using the trusty “cd” command.

Step 4. Head back to the Command Prompt and type the same command: mklink /J “%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “c:\itunesbackup”. Again, ensure to use the quotes.

Step 5. Ready for the next step? Open Windows File Explorer and head to your current backup location: “C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\”. Once there, delete the backup directory and all its contents.

Step 6. Congratulations! You've created a symbolic link, a virtual bridge between the two directories, and successfully moved your iTunes backup location to Windows 10.

Step 7. Your new iTunes backups will now be saved to “C:\itunesbackup” or whatever cool location you’ve chosen!

2. how to change iTunes backup location on Windows 7

A symbolic link acts like a special bridge between two folders, with one serving as a stand-in for the other. This clever trick leverages the operating system, ensuring everything runs smoothly. We'll follow the same steps we used for Windows 10, using the trusty Windows Command Prompt to outsmart iTunes.

Step 1. Navigate to the current iTunes backup directory and make a copy of “C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\.”

Step 2. Create a new directory where you'd like iTunes to store all your future backups. For instance, you could create a directory in C:\ and give it a catchy name.

Step 3. Jump into the newly-created directory by using the “cd” command.

Step 4. Fire up your Windows File Explorer and head over to the current backup location – “C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\”. Once there, delete the backup directory along with all its contents.

Step 5. Open the Command Prompt and type: mklink /J “%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “c:\itunesbackup”. Don't forget to include the quotes!

Step 6. Congratulations! You've successfully created a symbolic link, established a virtual bridge between the two directories, and changed the iTunes backup location for Windows 7.

Part 3: How to Selectively Backup Data on iPhone?

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Dr.Fone's robust preview feature enhances the backup and restoration process by allowing you to view your data before making any decisions. This way, you can confirm exactly what you want to keep or remove, reducing the risk of accidental deletions. It's a reliable solution for those seeking a hassle-free and efficient way to manage their iOS data.

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