Where Is iPhone Health Data Stored?
iPhone Health database on device and in encrypted backups, plus the export flow that beats both.
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Health data lives in a private HealthKit store (/private/var/mobile/Library/Health: healthdb.sqlite plus secure variants with wal sidecars), invisible without jailbreak and enormous on long term users. There is no Files path and no public API for bulk reads.
Two doors out. Encrypted computer backups include the database (unencrypted backups silently omit it; find it via the Manifest Files table under the Health domain). Or skip files entirely: Health app, profile, Export All Health Data writes a portable XML zip, slow on huge libraries but universally readable. Apple Watch workouts land in iPhone Health first, then follow the same routes.
Where iOS stores this, by platform
/private/var/mobile/Library/Health/
Private HealthKit store (healthdb.sqlite, healthdb_secure.sqlite plus wal/shm, GPS sidecars). Not browsable on stock iOS; needs jailbreak or extraction. Prefer encrypted backup or in app XML export.
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/[UDID]/
Finder backup folder; Health sqlite files inside only with Encrypt local backup checked. Query Manifest.db Files table under the Health domain to locate them.
%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\[UDID]\
iTunes backup folder (Store builds use %USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup). Same encryption requirement; unencrypted backups skip Health, passwords, WiFi and call history alike.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Health missing from my iPhone backup?
The backup is unencrypted. Health (plus passwords, WiFi and call history) backs up only with Encrypt local backup checked, or via iCloud with Health sync on. Reback with encryption to capture it.
How do I export iPhone Health data readably?
Health app, profile picture, Export All Health Data. It writes an XML zip you can parse anywhere; expect slowness on multi year libraries where raw SQLite extraction wins.
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