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how do I change location of itunes backup folder

how do I change location of itunes backup folder


Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Apr 3, 2021 8:51 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 4, 2021 11:58 AM

Well, officially, you can’t relocate the iTunes backup folder. However, using Terminal on a Mac or CMD on Windows you can fool iTunes using symbolic links that “point” to a different location.


Here are a couple of articles about doing it:

For Mac: https://www.imore.com/how-move-your-iphone-or-ipad-backups-external-hard-drive

For Windows: https://www.howtogeek.com/164275/how-to-change-the-backup-location-of-itunes-or-any-windows-app/


Note that you have to follow the instructions very carefully, or your backup will be damaged or destroyed.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 4, 2021 11:58 AM in response to rhfrhf

Well, officially, you can’t relocate the iTunes backup folder. However, using Terminal on a Mac or CMD on Windows you can fool iTunes using symbolic links that “point” to a different location.


Here are a couple of articles about doing it:

For Mac: https://www.imore.com/how-move-your-iphone-or-ipad-backups-external-hard-drive

For Windows: https://www.howtogeek.com/164275/how-to-change-the-backup-location-of-itunes-or-any-windows-app/


Note that you have to follow the instructions very carefully, or your backup will be damaged or destroyed.

Apr 4, 2021 11:52 AM in response to rhfrhf

Hey rhfrhf,


Sounds like you need help changing location of iTunes backup. We'd be happy to help out.


By default your backups are located under ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ on your Mac. While you won't be able to change the default backup location, you can navigate to this folder and move the backup to another folder or external HDD/SSD. When restoring said backup though, you'll need to place it back in it's default location or Finder won't be able to locate the backup.


We hope this information helps out! For more info on locating backups, check out: Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Take care!

how do I change location of itunes backup folder

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