Find iTunes Backup Location on Windows and Mac
Your iTunes backups are stored in a hidden folder on your computer, and the exact location depends on your operating system. On Windows, it is typically %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup, and on macOS, it is ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup. This article explains how to find, view, and manage those backup files, including how to change the location and what to do if you cannot find them.
What Are iTunes Backups?
When you connect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer and choose to back up to “This Computer,” iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) creates a full snapshot of your device. This backup includes your settings, app data, messages, photos (depending on your iCloud settings), and other device-specific information. It does not include content that is already synced from your iTunes library, such as music, movies, or books, because those can be re-synced later.
These backups are stored as a folder containing many files, each named with a 40-character hexadecimal string. The folder itself is named after the device’s Unique Device Identifier (UDID). If you have backed up multiple devices, each will have its own subfolder inside the main Backup folder.
Where Are iTunes Backups Stored on Windows?
On Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, the default backup location is:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup
The AppData folder is hidden by default. To see it, you need to enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” in File Explorer options. Alternatively, you can paste the full path into the address bar of File Explorer, replacing [YourUsername] with your actual Windows username.
If you installed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, the path may be slightly different, but the same MobileSync\Backup structure applies. If you cannot find the folder, try searching for the folder name Backup inside the Apple Computer directory.
Where Are iTunes Backups Stored on Mac?
On macOS, the backup folder is located at:
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup
The Library folder is hidden by default in macOS. To access it, open Finder and press Command + Shift + G (Go to Folder), then paste the path above. This works on all recent versions of macOS, including Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura.
On macOS Catalina and later, backups are managed through Finder instead of iTunes, but the storage location remains the same. The backup files are identical in structure.
How to View or Manage Backup Files
Once you have located the Backup folder, you can see the subfolders for each device. To identify which device a folder belongs to, you can look at the folder name (the UDID) or check the file Info.plist inside the folder, which contains the device name and other details.
To manage your backups, you can:
- Delete a backup: Right-click the folder and select Delete. Be careful—this permanently removes the backup and cannot be undone.
- Copy a backup: Copy the entire folder to an external drive or cloud storage to keep a backup of your backup.
- Move the backup folder: You can move the entire
Backupfolder to another location, but you must create a symbolic link (or junction) from the original location to the new one so that iTunes/Finder can still find it.
How to Change the iTunes Backup Location
If you want to store backups on a different drive (e.g., to save space on your system drive), you can move the backup folder and create a symbolic link. Here is how to do it on Windows:
- Close iTunes and disconnect your device.
- Move the entire
Backupfolder to your desired location, e.g.,D:\iTunesBackup. - Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
mklink /J "C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup" "D:\iTunesBackup"
On Mac, the process is similar using Terminal:
- Close Finder and disconnect your device.
- Move the
Backupfolder to a new location, e.g.,/Volumes/External/Backup. - Open Terminal and run:
ln -s /Volumes/External/Backup ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup
After creating the symbolic link, iTunes/Finder will treat the new location as the default backup folder.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: I cannot find the Backup folder.
This is usually because the folder is hidden. On Windows, enable hidden files. On Mac, use the Go to Folder shortcut. Also, ensure you are looking in the correct user account—backups are stored per user.
Problem: The Backup folder exists but is empty.
This means no backup has been created yet. Connect your device and create a backup via iTunes or Finder.
Problem: I want to see what is inside a backup.
Backup files are not human-readable. To view contents, you need third-party software like iMazing or iExplorer. These tools can extract specific data like messages or photos.
Problem: Backups are taking too much space.
Old backups can be deleted manually. Go to the Backup folder and delete the ones you no longer need. Alternatively, use iCloud backups to keep your computer clean.
Backup vs. iCloud Backup
iTunes/Finder backups are stored locally on your computer, while iCloud backups are stored in Apple’s cloud. The main differences are:
- Storage: Local backups are limited by your computer’s disk space; iCloud backups are limited by your iCloud storage plan (5 GB free, more with paid plans).
- Access: Local backups can be accessed and managed directly; iCloud backups are only accessible via Apple’s servers.
- Encryption: Both are encrypted, but local backups can be encrypted with a password for extra security.
- Restore: Restoring from a local backup is generally faster because the data is on your computer.
Many users keep both types: a local backup for quick restoration and an iCloud backup for off-site safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my iTunes backup to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can move the entire Backup folder to an external drive and create a symbolic link from the original location to the new one. This frees up space on your system drive. Just ensure the external drive is connected when you back up or restore.
How do I find my iPhone backup on Windows 10?
On Windows 10, the path is C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup. If you installed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, the path might be under C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Apple\MobileSync\Backup. Check both locations.
What is the UDID folder name in the backup?
The folder name is a 40-character hexadecimal string that uniquely identifies your device. You can find your device’s UDID by connecting it to your computer and looking in iTunes/Finder, or by using third-party tools. The folder name in the Backup directory matches the UDID.
Can I delete old iTunes backups to free up space?
Yes, you can delete the entire folder for a specific device backup. However, be aware that you will lose that backup permanently. It is recommended to keep at least one recent backup in case you need to restore your device.
Are iTunes backups encrypted?
By default, iTunes/Finder backups are not encrypted. You can enable encryption by checking “Encrypt local backup” in iTunes/Finder preferences. This protects your data with a password, but if you forget the password, you cannot restore from that backup.
Why can’t I see my backup in Finder on macOS Catalina?
On Catalina and later, backups are managed through Finder, not iTunes. Open Finder, select your device under Locations, and you will see the backup options. The backup files are still stored in the same ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup folder.
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