How to Change iPhone Backup Location Windows and Mac

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2020-11-19 / Update for  iTunes Backup

Where does iTunes store backups? The default directory for iTunes is the system partition. This can pose a sluggish performance problem as the iOS backup size is always increasing will take a large space on your system drive.

At this point, you can either save your iTunes files to an external hard drive or change iTunes backup location to another drive partition. Herein is a guide how to change iTunes backup location Windows 10/8/7 and Mac.

Part 1. Where Does iTunes Store Backup?

1. iTunes Backup Location On Windows

By default, iTunes backup location is in the following directory:

  • Windows 10: C:\Users\USER\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup
  • Windows 7/8 or Vista:Users(username)/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup

2. iTunes Backup Location On Mac

All you need to do is to go to the Finder. It is easy to find iTunes backup location on Mac. Just press the "Option" button, select "Go" and then select "Library". The default path is: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Part 2. How Do I Change iTunes Backup Location Windows 10/8/7?

After knowing where iTunes backup is stored, you can follow these steps to change backup location iTunes.

  • First, create a folder on another drive partition like D: drive. Rename it to a suitable name like "New iTunes Backup." You can as well create the new backup folder on an external hard drive, flash drive or thumb drive.

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  • Open the iTunes MobileSync directory by typing "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\Mobile Sync" or C:\Users\[USERNAME]\Apple\MobileSync if you are using the Windows Store version of iTunes.

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  • Rename the "Backup" folder to "Old Backup" or wherever you want to change iPhone backup location.

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  • Next, we open PowerShell Window by holding down the SHIFT button and right-clicking the current folder's (\MobileSync\) explorer pane.
  • On the menu that appears, select "Open PowerShell Window here". This is for adding the symbolic link.
  • Enter the following text in the command prompt box. After pressing Enter, you will get a success message from a command prompt that a new junction has been created.

    For iTunes desktop version: cmd /c mklink /J “%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “D:\New iTunes Backup”

    For iTunes Windows Store version: cmd /c mklink /J “C:\Users\[USERNAME]\Apple\MobileSync\Backup” “D:\New iTunes Backup”

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  • Delete or remove the old backup file that you renamed to "Old Backup" to the new folder to free up disk space in the C: drive.

Connect your iPhone to the PC and try an iTunes backup using either a cable or a WiFi connection. The backup files will now be stored in "D:\New_Backup".

Part 3. How to Change iPhone Backup Location Mac?

Changing iPhone backup location on Mac is a little different. You have to use symbolic links (or symlinks) which lets you create a dummy folder that points to another location.

  • Type the following code in the Spotlight (that you can bring up by clicking Cmd+Space):

    ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/

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  • Now, right-click the Backup folder and copy the Backup folder to the location you want iTunes change backup location.

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  • Go back to the MobileSync folder and rename the original backup folder to say BackupOld.

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  • Open System Preference > Security & Privacy.

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  • Choose the Privacy tab and click 'Click the lock to make changes' option at the bottom left of the screen. Click Full Disk Access on the left-hand side of the screen and then choose +.

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  • Click Utilities > Terminal > Open to add Terminal to the list of apps with full control on your computer.

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  • Launch the terminal. Now, enter the following code in one line.

    ln -s /Volumes/Files/Backup/ ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/

  • You need to properly check that the symlink is working properly by opening the following link in the Finder: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/.

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Bonus Tip: Forgot iPhone Backup Password, How to Unlock It?

Sometimes doing a backup can be impossible if you forgot iPhone backup password. If this is the case, you can download Tenorshare 4uKey - iTunes Backup on your PC to perform iTunes backup password recovery.

  • Run the program after installing and select "Retrieve iTunes backup password" from the main interface.

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  • Double-clicking the backup you want to unlock.

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  • Select an attack type. iPhone Backup Unlocker decrypts iTunes password using three methods: brute force, brute force with mask attack

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  • Click on "Start" begins the decryption process. After several minutes, your password will be listed in the File Opening Password Box.

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Summary

This is all about where does iTunes store backups and how to change itunes backup location Windows 10 and Mac. And if you happen to forgot iPhone backup password, Tenorshare 4uKey - iTunes Backup will help you recover it. Share this article if it's helpful.