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.

1.launch iTunes an open preferences from itunes menu

2.click on the devices tab

3.check the box next to ``prevent ipods iPhones and iPads from cyncing automatically

4.click ok and exit preferences

enjoy 🙂 ...

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....

=)

Nobody asked you to understand why he doesn't want to back up every single time he syncs, and your comment about "supposing he would gripe if his content wasn't backed up" only makes you look like a whiny little kid.

Best way to get along on the internet is answer questions you know the answer to, and don't bother whining about people who respond negatively when you post an answer that directly contradicts their question.

This is a huge pain in the *** for music lovers not interested in streaming services. Every time you want to add new music it can take 30 minutes to backup data. Backup should be a manual-only option.

Instead we have to use terminal hacks to avoid for now...

<Edited by Host>

The reason some people want to turn off just the backup part is that

1) the back up can take a LONG time (a minute or more on my 60gb full iPhone with 50gb still available))

2) that backup eventually fails for false reasons (claim there isn't enough space, though the 60gb used of 128gb iPhone would easily fit on the hard drive that has 300gb of free space)

and most importantly

3) We only need to sync (eg get my calendar data from my work computer's outlook synced to my apple calendar on the phone) - and then get on with more work/leave...don't have time to stand around for minutes while a backup completes.

IFF the backup completed in 5-10 seconds and succeeded every time (eg it was only an incremental back up) - THEN I suspect this wouldn't be up for discussion.

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.

A backup will only occur if there has been a change in content on the device.

Well, I really can't quite understand why you are upset over something that prevents your from making a backup, thus preserving your content. I suppose if there were no backup and you lost all your data, then you would gripe as to why Apple didn't make backups to save you from being lazy.

This is indeed 2014, so move a few years into your future and stop living in the past. If you don't like how Apple does things, you are free to make other choices.

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.