Backup iPhone to computer where it saves. Instructions Save space on your MacBook. Back up your iPhone to a flash drive

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.

iCloud cloud storage is one of Apple's outstanding developments. However, access to iCloud backup is limited for users. But did you know that it is still possible to open and view data in iCloud on your PC or Mac? In general, there are several ways to view storage data, in this article we will look at two of them. Using our instructions, you can view your backup data in iCloud, even if it was made for the latest version of iOS 12.

3 Ways to Open iCloud Backup

View iCloud backup via restoring it on an iOS device

The first method involves restoring an iCloud backup to an iOS device, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This method is official - it is offered by Apple itself. However, all current data on your iPhone will be replaced by the restored backup. If you still decide to use this method, follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Go to Settings -> General -> Reset. Select the "Erase content and settings" option.

Step 2: The Programs and Data window will open. Click on "Recover from iCloud Backup". Sign in to your account.

Step 3. Go to the “Select copy” function and mark the backup you want to view.

Step 4. Wait until the data from the iCloud backup is downloaded, after which you can view the files in this copy.

Is it possible to view iCloud backup data without restoring it? How to view iCloud backup without losing data? A third-party application for viewing iCloud backup will help with this - more on this later in our article.

Method 2: Open and view up to 25 types of data in iCloud backup

The program allows you to go in and view up to 25 different types of files saved in your iCloud backup. You can view and export data from iCloud or iTunes backups, as well as current data from your iOS device. The application works with both Windows and Mac and is highly efficient and responsive.

Step 1.Download the program, install and run it on your PC.

Step 2. Select the recovery mode "Recover files from iCloud". Sign in to your iCloud account. Here you can choose either of two login options: 1) sign in with your Apple ID; 2) if your PC is already logged into the cloud storage, go to the “Programmatic access” option and the login will be performed automatically.



Step 3. After logging into your account, a list of available backups will appear on the screen. Here you can check the details (name, date, version, size) of any backup file. Select the backup that contains the data you need and click “Forward.”

Step 4. In the window that opens, select the type of files to download and scan. To speed up the process, you can upload only the types of files that you need. Click "Forward" to start downloading the selected objects from the cloud.

Step 5. Once the download is complete, the program will automatically start scanning the data and provide you with the details of the objects for preview. In the left panel you can select the required file category. The scan results contain both information existing on your device and information deleted from the backup copy. At the bottom of the window you can enable the “Show only deleted” function.


Step 6. Mark the items you want to restore and click "Recover". You can restore files selectively or all at once. In addition, the program allows you to select the desired format for saving files. Media content (photos, videos) will be saved in their original formats. There are two recovery options for contacts, messages and notes: “Recover to device” and “Recover to computer”. When choosing the first option, make sure that your iPhone, iPad or iPod is connected to your PC using a USB cable.


You can also restore via UltData

Method 3. Life hack: How to check saved data in iCloud Online

If you have not created a backup copy in iCloud, but save your data in cloud storage using the following path: Settings -> (Name) -> iCloud -> Applications using iCloud; then you can easily get a backup via iCloud.com.

Step 2: The available data types will be displayed on the screen. Click on a data type to see its contents.


This method is quite effective for viewing data in iCloud, but its disadvantage is limited access to content. For example, MMS, text messages, iMessages, third-party applications and some other types of data are inaccessible.

To ensure efficient viewing of iCloud backup data without any data loss, you can use various third-party applications designed specifically for the convenience of users, such as the Tenorshare UltData application. With its efficient operation, user-friendly interface and ease of use, the program has gained popularity among users of Apple products. Its main feature is the efficiency of operation and the safety of all your data - you will undoubtedly like it too!

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 backups are secure 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 devices 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.

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,

An iPhone backup is necessary to ensure data safety in case of OS reinstallation, device failure, software failure or cloud service failure. Ensure information synchronization:

  • Address book (all contacts) and call history.
  • A complete list of calendars, reminders, notes, and messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS).
  • All photos created using the device (with the exception of photos transported from other media);
  • Programs (games, documentation).
  • Movies in third-party applications (not converted for iPhone);
  • Safari browser data.

How to choose a storage location?

It is important to know! It is allowed to store copies only in one place, without the possibility of duplication.

Via iTunes

There are different instructions for new and old iTunes.

For older iTunes, the following procedure is provided:

  • Connecting the device to a computer.
  • Search for it in the column on the left, where a full overview of the sections is provided.
  • Using the “Backups” item at the bottom of the device window.
  • Selecting the copy path (iCloud, or classic version on PC).
  • Waiting for the copying process to complete.

  • Connecting the device to a PC.
  • Search for a device by name.
  • Start a backup by clicking on the “Create a copy” button.

Using Apple's cloud service - iCloud

When you enable backup, the operation will be carried out daily in automatic mode, subject to a number of requirements:

  • Internet connections;
  • Availability of a power source;
  • Screen lock.

Restoring data from a backup copy is available the first time you start the phone device. A request always appears on the screen; the procedure is carried out after specifying the login and password.

Where can I find copies on my Mac PC?

To find a list of backups, you need to click in the menu bar and enter:

There is an alternative way to find a backup:

  • With the iTunes app open, click iTunes in the menu bar and select the Settings option.
  • Select "Devices".
  • While holding down the Control button, all that remains is to select the backup copy and select the “Show in Finder” command.

Where to find a backup in Windows 7, 8 or 10

To search for a list of backups, select:

Or use the alternative:

  1. Find the search string:
  • In Windows 7 OS, click on the “Start” button.
  • In Windows 8 OS, click on the magnifying glass icon on the right, in the corner.
  • In Windows 10, go to the search bar next to “Start”.
  1. Enter %appdata% in the search bar.
  2. Click on the “Enter” button.
  3. Double click on the folders: AppleComputer > Mobile Sync > Backup.

Where can I find copies on PC?

Where is the iPhone backup saved on the computer? Where to find data using iTunes or Apple - iCloud, determine the storage paths of the OS type - brief instructions are provided below:

  • In the “Username” section, indicate the appropriate option. Owners of PCs running Mac OS may encounter problems finding the “Libraries” folder. It is hidden on version 10.7 (Lion) and higher. To access it, you must be proficient at the command line or:
  • Launch Finder and activate the “Transition” tab at the top.

  • By clicking on the Alt button, the “Libraries” folder will be displayed in the menu; you should go to it.

Other storage locations

iTunes and a cloud service can be used to store copies. A negative characteristic of these places is their limited functionality. Only deleting the backup copy is allowed; other manipulations are not possible. To search for a copy in iTunes, you should launch the program and go to the settings section.

In the window that appears, select the “Devices” tab

The window displays a complete list of backups stored on the PC and the dates they were created.

It is allowed to delete copies without performing other operations (copying or transferring).

Data recovery

As a result of synchronization, a backup copy is created on the iPhone. In the future, it will be used to restore data and transport it to different devices. Encrypted backups (in iOS 4) ensure that passwords and copies are transferred to new devices.

Regardless of the type of experiment carried out on the iPhone, it is important to remember that before tampering with it, you should create a backup copy. This function will ensure the safety of all necessary information if you change your phone, or make an error when taking actions to improve it.

How to delete outdated iOS device backups in iTunes?

For the convenience of users, the size of backups stored in iCloud is reduced. But not everyone is comfortable moving to the cloud, entrusting all device information to a remote Apple server. For many, iTunes has long known a convenient way to create a backup copy stored locally on the “C” drive. But without understanding this procedure, there is a risk of filling several GB of disk with unnecessary information (old backup copy of devices).

How to delete outdated backups? Procedure:

The first step is to launch iTunes. Regardless of the OS, Apple's media system is usually provided on the device.

Call up the player settings. For Mac, you need to select iTunes - Preferences in the top menu. For Windows, go to Edit - Settings. In the case of a hidden menu bar, you must first press Alt on the keyboard.

In the settings section, it remains to activate the “Devices” tab. This will allow you to review all saved documents.

Then you should decide on the choice of method for further action. The first option involves selecting all outdated backups and clicking on the “Delete backups” button. The second method allows you, instead of canceling copies, to open the context menu and select the “Archiving” tab. This helps protect your backups from further changes. For many, this function is useful to ensure the safety of the device’s state for a given period of time.

How to quickly switch from storing copies on your PC to the cloud?

It is enough to connect the desired device and on the “Browse” tab in the “Backups” section, change the checkbox to iCloud. By clicking the “Create a copy now” button, the first copy will be purposefully created, with further changes made in automatic mode as the information on the smartphone or tablet is updated. It is important to remember that data synchronization with iCloud is available provided the PC is connected to a charger and the Internet.

To disable backup, users are asked to call the Terminal utility and type the command:

How to reduce the size of iCloud backups

When constantly using more than one iOS device, many users prefer to keep their backups not on the PC, but in the iCloud cloud, which leads to a lack of free space. The standard 5 GB is not enough for many to back up multiple devices that are used for a long time. And not everyone will want to spend money on a more “capacious” cloud. A convenient solution would be to unload it and free up valuable megabytes.

Working with a device backup in iCloud requires preparing all iOS devices that save backups in the cloud. The iCloud Control Panel accessible from OS X or Windows does not provide the functionality you expect. The optimal solution would be to use your first iOS device and go to the “Settings” section. There you should activate the “iCloud” button and go to the storage and backups section.

In the “Storage” item, pay attention to the “Documents and Data” tab. It usually contains games and programs that provide the ability to synchronize information between devices using iCloud. If applications do not start, you should use the “Change” button (top right) and select the “Delete all” command. After successfully removing unnecessary applications, all that remains is to do backups.

By specifying the backup copies of the device you are using, the screen will display the date the last copy was created and its current parameters. Below, iOS reports the amount of space occupied by the next backup, provided the device is connected to the network again. Next, a list of applications occupying MB in iCloud will be displayed.

You should set the “Browse all programs” command, which will display a list of standard iOS applications, and those that were installed and uninstalled yourself. The main task is to disable applications that do not contain valuable information.

The best option is to reduce the size of backup copies of all devices stored in the cloud using the instructions above. This will delay the need to purchase extra GB of iCloud and revert to wired backup through iTunes.

Overview of backup information for iOS devices

You can copy and save information on iOS devices using backup. When you change devices, backups allow you to transfer data to new iOS hardware. To maintain an additional backup, it will be convenient to create one copy in iCloud and another in iTunes.

iCloud

  • Copies are stored in iCloud.
  • The storage has dimensions up to 1 TB (the first 5 GB are free).
  • Encryption of the backup copy is required.
  • Creating and using backups can be done anywhere (as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi network)

iTunes


  • Backups are saved to a Mac or Windows computer.
  • The storage size depends on the amount of free disk space on your Mac or Windows PC.
  • Encryption of the backup copy is allowed (not active by default).
  • It is possible to create and use backup copies on a Mac PC or Windows OS.

Features of iCloud backup

When connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can back up your device via iCloud. This does not require connecting the device to a PC or being at home.

In copies created via the cloud, the safety of data and device settings is ensured, with the exception of a number of components:

  • data previously saved in the cloud (contacts, calendars, notes, files from the My Photo Stream album and iCloud media libraries);
  • data stored in other cloud services (Gmail or Exchange);
  • Touch ID settings;
  • content from iCloud Photo Library and the App Store.

Features of Backup via iTunes

On a Mac PC or Windows OS, you can create backup copies of your device via iTunes. The operation is not possible when synchronizing the device with a PC. Backups created through iTunes ensure the safety of data and device settings, with the exception of a number of elements:

  • iTunes-synced content (imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos);
  • previously saved photos in the cloud (files from the My Photo Stream album and iCloud library);
  • Touch ID settings;
  • Apple Pay information and settings;
  • Data from the Activity, Health, and Keychain apps (you should use the encryption feature to back them up).

Using a backup from one device to another iPhone to iPad

When restoring a device from a backup created for another unit (for example, via an iPad), it is important to be prepared for the inability to transfer some data:

  • Photo.
  • Attachments to SMS.
  • Voice recordings and incompatible applications.