turn off auto backup

Now how does that work on a Windows version of iTunes (you know, the majority of iTunes installations on the planet)?

For 64 bit OS, like Windows 7 x64, run the following on a command line prompt:

\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe /setPrefInt AutomaticDeviceBackupsDisabled 1

That will disable the automatic backup ( if you are running the 32 bit version of itunes, its in the Program Files (x86) directory instead)

Now when you connect up the phone in itunes, just go to the device screen and click the [Sync] button, and the sync and only the sync starts.

Hey, I experienced this problem as well. I am running a Windows 7 PC with the latest version of iTunes (as of 1/5/14) and an iPod Touch 3rd Generation. I tried the .exe modification in the Run window (this supposed fix is found on several sites), and it didn't work. With such an old iPod, it seems as if the new version of iTunes is actually unable to back up the device (imagine a 16 hour backup attempt with no progress). The only reason I wanted to hook my iPod up to iTunes was to sync all my music on my computer with my iPod.

I have also included a picture at the bottom of this post with steps.

-Here are the steps I took to get around the hassle of backup:

1. I just restored the iPod. I didn't care about what I already had on it.

2. In iTunes, I went to Edit:Preferences:Devices then chose to "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically". This will disable automatic backup and sync attempts when you plug in your device.

3. Now, to sync my music, I plug in my iPod, select it, then go to Settings on the left, and select Music.

4. I then check or uncheck the boxes saying 'Include music videos' and 'Include voice memos'. I have none of these.

5. After this action is performed, the option to 'Apply' will appear in the lower right hand corner of iTunes, which will apply the changed settings to the device, along with syncing all available music and album artwork, etc.

6. The time it takes to sync will vary, depending mainly on the amount of syncable music, but it takes me approximately 1 minute to sync another album I got.

Hope this fix works for anyone searching for one!

hey guys,....

just to share...

those on windows can refer to this site...

http://www.technipages.com/disable-iphone-ipad-or-ipod-touch-backup-process

u need not delete anything or so... just bookmark incase u need to change settings in future...

hope it helps....

=)

Hello Akrasky

Go to iTunes Preferences, and go to the DEVICES tab.

There, at the bottom of the window you'll see a checkbox to prevent iPods, iPhones, etc from syncing automatically

If you enable this checkbox you will get your desired behaviour

Hope it helps

Ignore the people trying to patronize you, you asked a legitimate question. Just be aware that backups are useful in case your iPhone gets stolen or damaged, so you should perform a manual backup as often as time permits, ideally several times a week.

rodsiltor's link has the answer, which I repost here in case the link goes dead:

If you are synchronizing to a Mac:

1. Close iTunes on your Mac.

2. Launch Terminal.

3. Type

defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool true

and press Enter.

4. If you want to re-enable automatic backups, type

defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool false

and press Enter.

Akrasky, Apple has decided in their infinite wisdom that everyone either needs to back up to a computer or to iCloud. Unfortunately, Apple writes software for the masses, not for computer-literate users who may well have a good reason for wanting to do things differently (so much for "Think Different", LOL).

Your option would be to use software other than iTunes to keep your content synced. Google for "itunes replacement software mac" for some options.

A Rational reply is so refreshing... Thank you.

Another simple approach I just did when trying to cancel out sync to follow your rewrite - simply "x" out of backup and it defaults to step 2. Best of both worlds.

Staley009,

Thanks so much for posting the solution, since the link as you foresaw, is no longer valid. I also wanted to prevent backups on a temporary basis so I could troubleshoot an issue I'm having on the iPhone 6. Didn't want to lose the information as the troubleshooting involved resetting the iPhone and adding back apps 1 at a time.

Ok just an update as of May 2015. The correct code to for the terminal is:

defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool YES

This is what you must type in the terminal for it to work! Everything else talked about here DOES NOT WORK. Even the old code listed for the terminal.

It is proposterous that the phone has to do an backup EVERY time and for those of us who have a 64Gb phone, wow makes syncing unusable! In the past I basically dismissed those that have dissed iTunes but I can see why. Apple really doesn't want you to do anything BUT get all your music from iTunes. Problem is a lot of what is out there IS NOT on iTunes.

Thabo Da Husky wrote:

It is proposterous that the phone has to do an backup EVERY time

Note that it only backs up what is new/changed. It is not a full backup.

So the longer you wait between backups, the longer the backup will take...

and then when you forget to backup and you need to restore your iPhone...

If you don't like how Apple does things, you are free to make other choices.

I'm getting soooooooo close from moving away from this rat-trap. Indeed, your glib attitude is a reflection of Apple's crappy customer attitude. There is no way Apple will be my first choice for my next computer.

But for Windows users that doesn't help.

Fundamentally it appears its just a bad design from Apple in iTunes, because a user absolutely should be able to separately manage the occurrence of backup and sync.

We all know that backup is important and should be done regularly but when it takes several minutes to do it and the data isn't changing that much, I don't need a backup done every time I plug in to sync. Most of the time, I'm plugging in to get my outlook calendar to sync with the phone's calendar. I want that done at the end of the day and quickly.

Having the ability to control when backup happens is missing - auto-backup if its not happened in the past 7 days, ok. Or have me press a button to backup on demand. But to tie sync with backup so tightly is a bad design.

There's a checkbox in itunes for "Automatically sync when the iPhone is connected". There should be one for "Backup automatically (if not backed up in x days)" as well.

Itunes is still too much a 'media push/management' tool, and not a 'device management tool' - I think most of us use it to manage our devices most of the time..
Itunes needs a major rewrite. As time goes on, it becomes "the worst itunes ever" <in jonny ive's voice>

just select icloud option in

Akrasky wrote:

Hi all.

I'm desperately searching for a way to DISABLE the annoying backup of iTunes that starts automatically EVERYTIME I connect my iPhone.

I've tons of data on my iPhone and the backup take a very long time each time.

Be warned: I do not want to disable the auto sync, I want to disable just the backup so please, do not tell me how to turn off the sync, I already know how to disable sync..

I need the sync and I want sync it but I DO NOT WANT the backup performed everytime.

What's the way?

So pretty hard and difficult!

Thank you very much for your help!

You can do it from the phone. Go to settings, iCloud, backup.