Where Are iPhone Backups Stored?
iPhone backup folders on Mac and Windows, the MobileSync Backup trees for Finder and iTunes use cases.
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iPhone backups live in MobileSync/Backup trees that differ by computer and installer. Apple lists ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup on Mac. Windows splits between %USERPROFILE%/Apple/MobileSync/Backup for the Apple Devices app and %APPDATA%/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup for classic iTunes.
Each backup is a hash named folder, unreadable by browsing. Use the manager reveal action instead of digging. Junction links relocate the Windows tree to bigger drives when C fills up. Never rename hash folders or restores fail validation.
Where iOS Backups stores this, by platform
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup
Finder path under Library Application Support. Hash named folders per device. Reveal through Finder preferences instead of browsing.
%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup
Apple Devices app uses %USERPROFILE%/Apple tree, classic iTunes uses %APPDATA%/Apple Computer tree. Junction links relocate to bigger drives.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move iPhone backups to another drive?
Copy the Backup folder out with iTunes closed, move it to the new drive, then link the original path back with a directory junction. iTunes follows the link transparently. Keep one full backup before experimenting.
How do I open the backup folder fast?
Open Finder or iTunes preferences, choose Devices, right click the backup and pick Show in Finder or Reveal. The manager jumps straight to the right hash named folder.
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