HT204686: How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups

Learn about How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups
para-handy
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: When I back up my iPhone using iTunes, where does the information get stored?

I have a problem. 


I have an iPhone that has already been synced with an HP laptop.  This PC is now in need of repair but the price of repair was too costly so I bought a MacBook Pro to replace it.


I would like to now sync my iPhone with my new MacBook using iTunes but when I attempt this I get a message stating that all the information in my iPhone will be replaced by all the information in iTunes (which is nothing).  I cannot afford to lose all the information in my iPhone but also I cannot update my iPhone using iTunes because it has not been paired with my new MacBook and I am told that it can only be paired with one computer at a time.  I cannot unpair it with my old PC because my old PC doesn't even boot up anymore.


I was told that I could Backup the information in my iPhone by control clicking on the icon in the toolbar to the left of the iTunes screen which would then let me sync safely.  I have now done this but I still have nothing to show for this in the iTunes library (no music, photos, notes, contacts etc.) and I have no idea where this backup has been stored.

 

Also in the help menu in iTunes it says that media files such as songs, videos and some photos AREN'T backed up but can be restored by syncing with iTunes (how is this possible to restore something that hasn't been backed up in the first place?).

 

I am really stuck with this and hope that someone out there can help.

 

Leigh

iPhone 4, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on May 16, 2012 7:25 PM

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para-handy

Q: When I back up my iPhone using iTunes, where does the information get stored?

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  • by randers4,

    randers4 randers4 May 16, 2012 7:41 PM in response to para-handy
    Level 9 (62,891 points)
    May 16, 2012 7:41 PM in response to para-handy

    The first step in the sync process is to create a backup.  On a mac this backup is located at

    ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup.  The backup does not included iTunes media as it is assumed to be in the iTunes library you are syncing with.  Also, as you have discovered, when you first sync with a new iTunes library iTunes will erase all iTunes media on the phone (music, videos, etc.) and replace it with the media in the library you are syncing with.  Photos from Camera Roll (which are taken by the phone) are part of the backup.  Photos in Photo Library (which were synced to your phone from your computer) are not; again, because it is assumed they are already on your computer as that is how they were synced to your phone in the first place.

     

    What, exactly, is still on your phone at this point?