Find where iPhone backups are stored on Mac?

This guide helps you locate and manage your iPhone backups on your Mac, covering various methods and helpful apps. iPhones, despite their reliability, can crash, highlighting the importance of knowing how to retrieve your data.

Finding your iPhone backups is crucial for data recovery. This guide details using Finder, iTunes, iCloud, and helpful third-party apps.

Where are iPhone Backups Stored?

On macOS, local backups (using Finder for Catalina and later, or iTunes for Mojave and earlier) reside in ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/. These backups are encrypted and appear as alphanumeric filenames.

To access this folder:

1. Open Finder.
2. Use "Go" > "Go to Folder..."
3. Enter ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ and press Return.

Knowing this location provides control over your data, useful for freeing up space or troubleshooting. Note: Individual files within backups cannot be directly viewed without third-party software.

Using Spotlight to Find Backups

Spotlight offers a quick way to locate your backups:

1. Press Command Space to open Spotlight.
2. Paste or type ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.
3. Press Return.

For more comprehensive backup management, consider AnyTrans for iOS. It provides viewing, management, and transfer capabilities without the limitations of Finder or iTunes.

Finding Backups with Finder or iTunes

For macOS Catalina and later, use Finder:

1. Connect your iPhone.
2. Open Finder and select your iPhone under Locations.
3. Go to the General tab and click "Manage Backups".

For macOS Mojave and earlier, use iTunes:

1. Connect your iPhone and open iTunes.
2. Go to Preferences > Devices.
3. Right-click a backup and select "Show in Finder".

Path Finder is a recommended alternative for improved navigation and management of backup folders.

Changing Backup Location and iCloud Backups

The default backup location cannot be directly changed. iCloud backups are stored separately in the cloud and don't consume Mac storage. Manage iCloud backups via System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage (next to iCloud storage).

Access iCloud data (but not full device backups) at iCloud.com after signing in. CloudMounter is suggested for easier access to iCloud and other cloud services.

Deleting Old Backups

Delete old backups using Finder (Catalina and later) or iTunes (Mojave and earlier) to free up space. CleanMyMac can also assist in removing unnecessary files.

Recommended Apps

• Path Finder: Advanced file management.
• CloudMounter: Mounts cloud storage as local drives.
• AnyTrans for iOS: Backup management and transfer.
• CleanMyMac: Disk cleanup and optimization.

These apps are available on Setapp. Consider using them for improved backup management.

FAQ

• Should I delete old backups? Yes, to free up Mac space.
• Can I move backups to an external drive? Yes, using symbolic links (technical).
• Are iCloud and local backups different? Yes, iCloud backups are cloud-based.

The above is the detailed content of Find where iPhone backups are stored on Mac?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!