What Is the Apple MobileSync Backup Folder on Mac & PC? [iPhone 17 Supported]

Have you ever wanted to transfer your mobile data to a PC to keep a secure backup for the future? With the increasing amount of data we store on smartphones, including the latest iPhone 17, storage often becomes a concern. When space runs low or you simply want peace of mind, using a reliable transfer and backup tool is essential. Mobilesync offers an easy way to move your data, create safe backups, and manage files seamlessly. In this guide, we’ll show you how Mobilesync works and introduce the best alternative for iPhone 17 users looking for a smarter backup solution.

• Part 1: What is Mobilesync?
• Part 2: How Mobilesync works?
• Part 3: Backup without mobilesync? How?

Part 1: What is Mobilesync?

For Android:

Mobilesync is designed to enable automated file transfer over a Wi‑Fi connection between Windows PCs and Android devices. This smart feature lets you instantly capture photos and videos and transfer them automatically within the Wi‑Fi range, as long as both the PC and mobile phone are connected to the same local network.

It consists of MobileSync Station for Windows PC and MobileSync App for Android devices. It supports fast file transfer and automated file synchronization and back up functions. It makes life much easier.

For iPhone:

When it comes to iOS devices, the Mobilesync folder is where iTunes stores your device backups. In simple terms, whenever you back up an iPhone using Mac, the files are saved in the Mobilesync folder. Over time, these backups can occupy large storage space since older ones aren’t overwritten or deleted automatically. If you back up multiple devices—including the latest iPhone 17—the Mobilesync folder can grow significantly, making it important to manage and clean up regularly.

Part 2: How Mobilesync works?

Android:

Let’s look at how Mobilesync can be used. First, configure the Mobilesync Station on your Windows PC, note the station ID, and set a password (re‑enter to confirm). Return to the main screen and click ‘Start’ to activate the Mobilesync Station for connection with the Mobilesync App. Next, enter a device name and the same password, then press ‘Start’ again. Once configured, a new mobile device entry will be created in Windows. The key features of the Mobilesync Station and Mobilesync App include:

• Sending Files from Android to Windows by Android Share Menu - The files can be sent through Android share menu. Select a photo and press share, it should open share menu. Now, press MobileSync App icon and the transfer will immediately start, when status is within range. When the transfer is done, that particular photo can be viewed in MobileSync Station.

• Sending Files from Windows to Android - In the main screen of MobileSync Station, click add files, select files to send list and the transfer will immediately start when status is within range. You can then open the Files Explorer to select the file to be transferred. Right click on the selected file(s) and choose Mobilesync Station. Choose the target device from the list. Once transferred, the mobile app will show a notification and one can open the received file in the Android phone (in gallery or any such associated application).

• Watch Folders in MobileSync App - When some specific file types are created in watch folder, MobileSync App will automatically place these files to send list and it will be transferred to MobileSync Station in Windows PC, once connected. All these new photos taken in the android device will be put in the send list and transferred automatically to the PC over the Wi-Fi connection. In the MobileSync App, enter the settings page and press the MobileSync folder icon and enter watch folder set up page. One can add as many folders one wants inside the watch folder. Press add to manually set folders in android device.

Auto scan option will help in searching and adding multimedia folders as watch folders in the running device. When auto scan button is being selected, some major folders will be displayed. Deselect the unnecessary folder inside the watch folder.

• Sending Texts from Android to Windows - By using the send text option, quick text data transfer can be done. If someone wants to open a long mobile URL on the Windows PC, then select send quick text below the settings option, and enter the text and press ok. The text can be viewed in the MobileSync Station.

• Sending Text from Windows to Android - By just entering the send text button and putting the text inside the text box and pressing send. The mobile app will show a notification and the text can be opened in the mobile.

By setting it up once, this Windows/Android file transfer tool is ready to be used. Files can be easily transferred using drag and drop option in MobileSync Station in Windows and MobileSync App in Android. No USB cable connection is needed for any kind of transfer. This saves a lot of time and makes life smooth and easy.

• Another advantage is that, single MobileSync Station running in Windows can connect to multiple MobileSync Apps running in different Android devices. MobileSync App is a free app and can be downloaded from Google Play Store.

iPhone:

As we mentioned above, iTunes saves the backup of your device like iPad or iPhone. And it is stored as Apple’s “Mobilesync folder”. It simply keeps many copies of your data and therefore at times you are required to clean the old backups. You can simply do this by launching the iTunes. Head to “iTunes” menu and click “Preferences” followed by “Devices”. Now you can choose the device backup. Delete the unused backup. You will be able to get more space now.

Part 3: Backup without mobilesync? How?

If users don’t have access to Mobilesync or prefer an alternative, a reliable option is Dr.Fone – Phone Backup. This tool supports both Android and iOS, including the latest iPhone 17, and makes it easy to back up nearly all types of data—such as call history, calendar, videos, messages, photos, and contacts. Data can then be restored to any Android or Apple device without hassle. Once the device is connected, the program automatically creates a secure backup. Here are some of its key features you should know.

Conclusion

Mobilesync software is designed to manage Android phones wirelessly within a local network, offering faster file transfers, notification mirroring, and recent file management. With advanced watch and sync folders, files are automatically synchronized and backed up. For iOS users, iTunes creates backups in the Mobilesync folder on Mac, including support for the latest iPhone 17, ensuring seamless data protection and device management.

While Mobilesync offers a way to back up data, many users still face limitations. Dr.Fone – Phone Backup solves these challenges with a simple and efficient solution that supports both Android and iOS. With Dr.Fone, backups run smoothly, can be previewed before restoring, and give users greater control over their data—making it a reliable alternative when Mobilesync is not available.