Where Does iTunes Store Media and Backups?
iTunes keeps media in Music iTunes iTunes Media on Windows, with iPhone backups in AppData or Apple MobileSync folders.
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iTunes splits media from device backups. Music, movies, and podcasts default to Music then iTunes then iTunes Media. The library database (iTunes Library.itl) sits one level up. Move the media path in Edit then Preferences then Advanced. Consolidate first so stragglers copy into the new home.
Backups are hidden elsewhere in MobileSync then Backup. Each subfolder is one device backup named by UDID, which looks like gibberish. Microsoft Store and Apple installer builds use different parents, which is why guides disagree. Check both parents before assuming a backup is gone.
Where iTunes stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media
Backups: %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup (Apple installer) or %USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup (Store build). Consolidate with File > Library > Organize Library before moving.
~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media
macOS Mojave and earlier only; newer macOS splits into Music and TV apps. Device backups moved to ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup and Finder handles restores.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find which iTunes backup is which iPhone?
Match the subfolder name to the device UDID shown in iTunes or Finder. On Mac, Preferences and Devices lists backups by name and date, which beats reading folder names by hand.
Can I move the iTunes Media folder to another drive?
Yes. Change the path in Preferences and Advanced, then choose File and Library and Organize Library and Consolidate files. That copies media into the new spot. Backups need a symlink to move.
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