How can I find the backups and save space?
Written with love from Cocoatech
If you’ve ever connected your iPhone to your Mac and backed it up using iTunes or Finder (software), you might be wondering where those backups are stored. Understanding the location of these backups is essential if you need to manage your storage or restore your iPhone. In this post, we’ll guide you through where to find your iPhone backups on a Mac, plus ways that Path Finder by Cocoatech can help you manage them!
Using Finder or iTunes for Backups
Since macOS Catalina (10.15), iTunes has been replaced by Finder for syncing and backing up devices. If you’re running macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier, you’ll be using iTunes to back up your iPhone. Both tools store backups in a similar location, so the process remains consistent across versions.
To back up your iPhone, you need to connect it with your charging cord. Watch this video to learn how to open it right in Path Finder and manage large files,allow your mac to sort folders by size, and categorize and delete them right from your Mac.
The Backup Folder Location
On a Mac, iPhone backups are stored in a hidden directory on your system. You can find them in the following location:
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
Here’s a breakdown of how to get there:
- Open Finder.
- From the top menu, click on Go > Go to Folder.
- Type in the above path (~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/) and hit Enter.
Managing Your Backups
Within this folder in Finder, you’ll see a collection of folders named with long alphanumeric strings. These folders contain your device backups, each corresponding to a specific device you’ve backed up. Since these are system files, it’s important not to modify them unless necessary.
If you’re running low on space in your iPhone or tablet, seeking the best way to organize your documents, you can remove old backups and learn how you can manage these files through AirDrop too:
Conclusion
Knowing where your iPhone backups are stored on your Mac gives you more control over your storage space and makes it easier to manage multiple backups. Keep this location in mind for future reference, especially if you need to free up storage or back up your data manually. Seeking more helpful tips? Join our community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsenoDrAOFM