IPhone or iPad does not require any special knowledge. Apple engineers have made this process as simple and accessible as possible for ordinary users. But what if you needed to move a backup from one computer to another? Or get some specific data from a backup in iTunes? Or download the entire iCloud backup to your computer? This guide will help you with any of these and many other non-standard tasks related to iPhone backups.
Where is iPhone backup stored?
Let's start moving from simple to complex operations. Let's say you need to copy a backup of your iPhone or iPad. iTunes help. For example, in order to save it on external media or in cloud storage. This can be useful if the backup contains real important information and you want to further make sure that it doesn’t go missing. Even if your computer breaks down.
Finding a backup is very easy, but it is located in different places on different operating systems.
- On macOS: in ~//Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.
- On Windows XP: in the \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder.
- On Windows 7/8/10: in the \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder.
On computers under Windows control 7/8/10 the iTunes backup folder is hidden. Initially you will need to make it visible. To do this, go to " Control Panel» → « Folders settings» → « View" and check the box " Show hidden files, folders and drives».
Note that on new versions of Microsoft OS you can go to the backup folder even easier. Just click " Start" and enter the command " %appdata%/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup"(without quotes). The result of the request will be the opening of a folder with iTunes backups saved on the computer.
How to determine which device is which copy?
We managed to determine the location of the iPhone and iPad backups, but how can we now figure out which folder should be copied? The folder with backups will greet you with a similar window if you have backed up several iOS devices in iTunes.
Fortunately, find the desired folder not difficult. To do this, go to one of the backup folders and find the file in it Info.plist. Open it with text editor, for example, WordPad and search for the term Product Name. Under the found line it will be written which of your mobile devices this copy belongs to.
How to properly transfer a backup to another drive
Finding and copying a backup folder from one drive to another is not enough to transfer it correctly. In order for the backup to be detected in iTunes after the transfer, you need to create symbolic links.
For Windows
Step 1: Close iTunes.
Step 2: Copy the folder \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ to another drive, for example, to a folder \Backup copy\Backup.
Step 3: Remove the backup folder from the drive you were moving from. Important! Be sure to make sure that the entire folder has been copied to avoid accidental data loss.
Step 4: Run Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, go to the menu " Start", enter the search query " Command line", click on the utility shortcut right click and press " Run as administrator».
Step 5. B command line enter the following command:
MKLINK /D “old path to the backup folder” “new path”.
MKLINK /D “C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” “D:\Backup\Backup”,
- C:\ – drive letter where backups were previously stored.
- D:\ – drive letter to which you want to transfer backups.
- Username - your username.
- \Backup\Backup - the folder to which the backup was copied in step 2.
Let's give an even more clear example. If your Windows username is “Vasily Petrov” and you are transferring backups from drive C to drive E, then you need to enter the following command:
MKLINK /D “C:\Users\Vasily Petrov\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” “E:\Backup\Backup”.
Step 6. If everything is done correctly, the result of the operation will be a message indicating the successful creation of symbolic links.
Ready! You have moved backups from one drive to another. You can verify this by launching iTunes and going to the “ Edit» → « Settings» → « Devices" In the list " Device backups"A list of all your backups will be available.
For Mac
Step 1: Quit iTunes. To do this, right-click on the iTunes icon in the panel Dock and select " Complete».
Step 2. Go to the folder /Library/Application Support/MobileSync/.
Step 3: Copy the folder Backup to another drive, then delete the original backup folder. We again warn you that you need to wait until the copying is completed, otherwise you may lose important data.
Step 4: Run " Terminal" The easiest way to do this is by searching Spotlight.
Step 5. In the " terminal» enter the command:
ln -s /Volumes/new_folder/Backup /Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/,
where “new_folder” is the folder to which you previously moved the backups.
Ready! You can check the success of the operation by launching iTunes and looking for backup copies on the “Devices” tab.
Activating iTunes backups on a computer with a reinstalled system or on a new computer is carried out in a similar way. In order for iTunes to see the backups of your devices, after installing it on new system You will need to enter one of the above commands.
How to extract data from iPhone and iPad backups
Quite often, iPhone and iPad users need to extract some specific information or files from an old and sometimes current backup copy of an iOS device. The iTools utility, well known to many owners of Apple equipment, helps solve this problem.
Step 1. Download latest version iTools with official website programs. Please note that the utility is completely free.
Step 2. Unpack the archive with the utility and run iTools.exe. There is no need to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
Step 3: Go to the tab Tools».
Step 4: Select a tool iTunes Backup Manager.
Step 5: Double-click on the backup from which you want to extract the files.
Step 6. Select the information you want to download from the backup, click " Export" and specify the folder to save the files.
iTools allows you to extract the most from iPhone and iPad backups. various information from contacts and text messages to documents from apps and photos. Most data is downloaded the traditional way, but there are a couple of exceptions.
First, data from applications. You can find them using iTools, but you will have to tinker. The fact is that the utility does not show a list with a clear listing of application names. Because of this, you won’t be able to quickly find the application you need, but the main thing is that it is possible. To start the search you will need to go to the folder var → mobile → Applications, in which you can methodically search for applications from which you need data.
We recommend focusing on names that, although not specific, contain information about the application. Viber messenger attachments, for example, can be found in the folder com.viber → Attachments.
And secondly, it is not so easy to download a contact book and a collection of text messages. There are no problems with their detection; they are located in the “ Shared Directories"under their own names, but with further use there is. In the backup, contacts and SMS are stored in the “.sqlitedb” format, which cannot be launched by any standard utilities. Therefore, you will need to use a special converter.
Step 1. Download free program SQLite Browser.
Step 2. Install and run the program.
Step 3: Click Ctrl + O and select the contact book file in the format .sqlitedb.
Note: You must select “All files” as the file type.
Step 4: Go to the tab Execute SQL" and paste the following command into the form:
select ABPerson.prefix,ABPerson.suffix, ABPerson.first,ABPerson.middle,ABPerson.last, ABMultiValue.value, ABPerson.note, ABPerson.nickname, ABPerson.organization, ABPerson.department, ABPerson.jobtitle, ABPerson.birthday from ABPerson ,ABMultiValue where ABMultiValue.record_id=ABPerson.ROWID
Step 5: Click the button Start.
Step 6. Click on the save button and select " Export to CSV».
Immediately after this, your contact book will appear in the specified folder (or text messages) in a format that is easy to use for later use.
How to download a backup from iCloud
Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone for iOS utility from official website programs. The application, alas, is paid, like any other tool with a similar set of functions.
Step 2. Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone and go to menu Recover from iCloud Backup File.
Step 3. Enter your login and password account Apple ID.
Step 4: Wait for the list of backups to appear.
Step 5. Select the required backup and click Download.
Step 6: Check the boxes next to the backup data you need to download.
Step 7. Wait until the processing process is completed and a list of downloaded files appears in the program window. iCloud data. Select necessary files and press Recover.
Step 8. In the window that opens, select Recover to Computer and specify the folder where the files will be saved.
If you don't want to spend money on special utilities, then there is only one way out, very obvious. Back up your iPhone or iPad to iTunes, follow full reset mobile device and during initial setup select a copy from iCloud as a backup for recovery. Thanks to this solution, your iPhone or iPad will have the exact iCloud backup you need. Next, you should make a copy of the gadget in iTunes and access it using the method we described earlier. Of course, not the most convenient method to use, but nevertheless, it works.
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Store valuable documents in the system disk ( This is usually drive C:) is not safe. Many people know this from their own bitter experience, since the system disk quickly lives out its life, often gets damaged, and suffers most from virus attacks, which is especially not a supernatural phenomenon in the Windows OS family ( unfortunately or fortunately, I am not a MAC OS user). But in any case, it is better to keep everything valuable on an external drive, or at least in another partition. Fortunately, operating systems allow you to change places system folders, specifying the new path in their properties.
It is also advisable to keep your iTunes files in a different drive ( section), so that you don’t have to throw them back and forth every time when you rearrange the operating system, or don’t tear your hair out when it crashes system disk. We are talking not only about downloaded applications and games, music, movies, books, etc., but you also need to take into account backup copies of devices, which, depending on their number and the volume of the content itself, can be from 10 to 50 GB and more. This manual will also be useful for those who want to transfer data to another computer.
TRANSFER YOUR ITUNES MEDIA LIBRARY
MEDIA LIBRARY stores downloaded applications, music, movies, your videos, ringtones and books. By default, the files are located at:
c:\Users\(USER NAME)\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media - (USER NAME) the name of your account folder.
If you have already changed the location of the My Music folder by specifying a different address in the tab Location, in the property of this folder, then all files will be saved there. But this must be done before iTunes installations, or you will have to manually also change the address in the field iTunes media folder location by going to the menu Edit => Settings, in the tab Additional. If you check the box Copy to iTunes media folder when adding to media library, then the program will copy all music files to this folder, otherwise by default, it will simply play them from the original location.
Better let's start from the beginning and do it in order. Let's say you have a new iTunes installed, after reinstalling the system, or changing your computer. Or you yourself decided to move the iTunes folder from the above address to another drive. In all cases, if you immediately launch iTunes, it will create a new, empty library file.
The iTunes root folder contains library files and different folders, which also contains the iTunes Media folder where your applications, downloaded movies, books, ringtones, or maybe music are located. For example, you moved the iTunes folder itself to another drive and a new address, for example: D:\Itunes.
1. Launch iTunes as follows. We press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard and double-click on the iTunes shortcut on the desktop, and instead of launching the program as usual, a window will appear asking you to select the path to the media library or create a new one.
2. Click on the button Select media library, and in the window Open iTunes Library select the iTunes folder and find in it iTunes file Library.itl. iTunes will think a little, check the files and open with all your data. Just, just in case, check in the settings whether the media library address is specified correctly.
This is how everything is done in 2 steps, easy and simple. I think you can do all this in a similar way in MAC OS.
TRANSFER OF BACKUP COPIES OF DEVICES
iTunes automatically backs up your devices every time you sync, just in case. This gives you the opportunity to recover software system, if the device fails or data is lost. With the release of iOS5, a copy of the data is created in cloud storage iClouds. But it's always a good idea to keep copies on your computer. This is especially necessary if you do a jalebreak or like to delve into the internals of the system. For example, when the system was not officially supported Multitasking Gestures, it was possible to enable it without jalebreak, slightly changing the configuration file that is in the backup copy, and then restore this copy.
The backup files are located at:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\backup
And they always weigh quite a bit. Change the path to the backup folder in the iTunes program There is no way, but it can be done. To do this you need to use SYMBOLIC LINKS (JUNCTION). This feature allows you to create virtual disk or a folder that will physically be located in another drive or in another folder. That is, we will create a virtual backup folder where the contents will be located in another location, for example in D:\Itunes\backup . It's not hard to do. But the possibilities of symbolic links themselves are many. You can find out about it on the website and.
Before starting the transfer, create new folder (For example d:\Itunes\backup), where you want the backup files to be located and copy the contents of the backup folder there ( after which we delete the folder itself).
1. Go in and download a small file by clicking DOWNLOAD JUNCTION at the bottom of the page.
2. Unpack junction.exe from the Junction.zip archive file into a folder at:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync .
3. Click on the combination of buttons to open the EXECUTE window. Insert the line below into the OPEN field, changing it to suit you ( don't forget to change also (USERNAME) to your account folder name).
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\Mobile\Sync\junction.exe backup d:\Itunes\backup
The first attribute is virtual folder name, and the second attribute is the address where the folder refers to.
Click the OK button and check if it has been created virtual folder backup , which if you did everything correctly should be located as follows:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\ backup
To check, you can copy any file to this folder and make sure that it is physically located on another drive.
That's all. From now on, iTunes will store backups in the d:\Itunes\backup folder, without knowing it. All this may seem complicated to you, but believe me, it will take no more than 5 minutes. The transfer idea may also seem unnecessary and pointless to you, but someday it can save you nerve cells and wasted time.
If you accidentally deleted some information from your iOS device and hope to recover it, then back up copy of iTunes can be a great help.
iTunes backup occurs automatically every time you connect your iPad or iPhone to iTunes (unless you enable the option Reserve copy iCloud), or manually when you right-click the device in iTunes and select "Back Up". They are saved on your computer and contain important data such as contacts, text messages, calendar, notes, call history and application data.
So where are iPhone or iPad backups stored? It depends on what operating system uses your computer, although the default backup location is the same between iOS versions.
Where is the iTunes backup folder on Windows?
iTunes backups are stored in %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync on Windows.
On Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista, this will be a path such as \Users\\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup .
On Windows XP it will be similar to \Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup .
The Microsoft Store version of iTunes is slightly different: it stores its backups in %HOMEPATH%\Apple\MobileSync . This will be a path like \Users\\Apple\MobileSync\Backup .
Where is the iTunes backup folder in macOS/OS X?
iTunes backups are stored in ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync on macOS.
This folder is usually located in /Users//Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup.
In macOS 10.15, Finder backs up your iPhone instead of iTunes. However, these backups are stored in the same location.
How to Automatically Find Your iTunes Backup Folder
iPhone Backup Extractor will automatically find the iTunes backup for you and can open it with one click. This functionality is available in free version, so it won't cost anything.
- Download and install iPhone Backup Extractor
- Open the Preferences window from the application drop-down menu
- Select the "Backups" tab.
- If the window says "We always look for backups in the default folder," click the "Default folder" link. Easily!
Opening the iTunes Backup Folder on Windows
Open the default backup location in File Explorer using the command " Starting Windows" Press ⊞ Win + R and the Run window will appear. Type %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync and press ⏎ Enter .
For the Microsoft Store version of iTunes, you can do this: Press ⊞ Win + R and the Run window will appear. Type %HOMEPATH%\Apple\MobileSync and press ⏎ Enter .
Here's what it looks like on Windows 10:
A folder named “Backup” will appear in the Explorer window that opens. This contains any iTunes backups that are already present on the computer.
Finding the iTunes Backup Folder on macOS
The default backup location can be displayed in Finder using Spotlight. Press ⌘ Cmd + and enter ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync before pressing ⏎ Enter .
A folder named “Backup” will appear in the Finder window that opens. This contains any iTunes backups that are already present on the computer.
Changing iTunes Backup Folder Location?
If you want to change the default folder that iTunes backs up to, we have a handy guide in our Help Center.
The backup is stored on the 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 the iPhone and iPad backups. Then you can only restore the entire backup, but only restore the data you want. Now let's find out how to selectively restore data from backup iCloud copies and iTunes.
The data contains contacts, messages, call history, music, photos, videos, installed applications, reminders, notes, calendars, calendar events, documents, whatsapp messages, log of visited web pages, browser favorites and much 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 models.
How to view an iPhone backup on your 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 data you need.
There is another feature, before previewing, 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 quickly and easily helps you find lost or deleted information. Click "Go get back deleted iTunes backup>>".
How to Extract a Backup from iTunes
Extract all necessary information from a broken iPhone, require the use of UltData. Follow these steps 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 this, but also clicking “Output Settings”, select export formats. Next, after clicking “Restore”, the following window will appear, you can restore data to your computer and 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 an iPhone and iPad backup; in addition, if you need to transfer and import data from an iPhone, iPad and iPod to a computer, iPhone Data Recovery is convenient for you.
By default, music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and other files that appear in iTunes library , are stored here:
user folder/Music/iTunes
You can change where iTunes media files are stored.
How to change the storage location of imported files
Select the iTunes menu >
Click Change and select a new location for the files.
From now on, new songs and other items you import will be stored in this new location. The songs you imported previously will remain in their original places.
To return to storing imported files in the iTunes folder, choose iTunes > Preferences, click Add-ons, then click Reset.
How to collect files in the iTunes folder
Depending on how the objects were imported In iTunes, some library items may be stored in other places (for example, in a different folder or on a different hard drive).
You can collect all the files in your library in an iTunes folder, for example, to make it easier to transfer your library to a new computer.
Choose File > Library > Organize Library.
Select Collect Files.
The files remain in their original location, and copies are placed in the iTunes folder.
To create folders (Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, Audiobooks, etc.) inside the iTunes folder and organize the imported media into their appropriate folders, click Reorganize Files in iTunes Media Folder.
Adding files to your library without adding them to the iTunes folder
When you , iTunes places a copy of the file in the iTunes folder. The original file remains where it was stored.
You can change this setting to add files to your iTunes library without adding them to your iTunes folder. This may be necessary, for example, if you prefer to store video files on an external drive, but want to view them in iTunes.
Choose iTunes menu > Preferences and click Add-ons.
Uncheck "Copy to iTunes Media folder when adding to library."
The next time you drag a file into your Library or choose File > Add to Library, the item will appear in iTunes, but the file itself will not be copied or moved.
Tip: You can temporarily reverse this setting by holding down the Option key while dragging files into the iTunes window.
Finding the Location of iTunes Files
Perform one of the following actions.
Finding the folder where the file is stored Select the item in iTunes and choose File > Properties. The file path appears at the bottom of the Browse tab (next to the Where item).
Show a file in Finder Select the item in iTunes and choose File > Show in Finder.
If a song no longer appears in iTunes
If a song previously appeared in iTunes but no longer appears, the file may iTunes Library moved from the iTunes folder or the song was moved from the iTunes folder. How to Show Songs in the iTunes Window Again
Locate the "iTunes" folder in Finder and drag the folder into the iTunes window. You will see the songs in your library again. If it includes an iTunes Library file, you'll also see playlists, song ratings, and other information you've created.
If this doesn't help, it's likely your songs are located somewhere else on your hard drive. In Finder, choose File > Find and search by song title or artist. Or search by keyword"MP4" to find files downloaded from the iTunes Store, or keyword "MP3" to find files encoded in MP3 format. Drag songs (or folders of songs) into the iTunes window to add songs back to iTunes.
Important: For best results, do not move the iTunes folder or folders within it.
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