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turn off auto backup

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!

iPhone 4, iOS 7.1

Posted on Apr 12, 2014 9:15 AM

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Posted on Feb 2, 2017 2:07 PM

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.

33 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Feb 2, 2017 2:07 PM in response to Staley009

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.

Apr 12, 2014 10:00 AM in response to Kappy

Thank you for your quick reply.

So you are telling me that there isn't a way to disable just the backup, right?

If I'm right understanding, I will perform manually the sync BUT, everytime I will perform a sync a backup will start.

You see, I can't turn off auto sync, I need auto sync, it's the function that the itunes software use is supposed to do.

It's frustrating to wait something like 30 minutes every saint time I connect an iDevice.

Also I repeat, I can't renounce to the sync: how to use an iDevice without a sync?

So at Apple there isn't a way to turn off the backup?


Who programmed this? a greasemonkey? I can't believe this.

Sorry for my complaint but I'm really disappointed for this!


We spent flowers of money for iMac, iPhone, iPad and accessories and Apple pays off with time waster, locked software.


Mah... sorry, another question: is this the year 2014? 😐

Jan 5, 2015 6:33 PM in response to Akrasky

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!


User uploaded file

Apr 27, 2014 7:51 AM in response to Akrasky

Sorry but I'm not agree and I think this can't be a reason to tell "If you don't like you are free to change".

I think everyone should choice if do a backup or not.

I think also I'm telling nothing wrong or in contrast with community policy. If I'm in wrong please let me know the exact point I'm wrong

You are right about the fact of the backup occur if there has been a change in content on the device but if there are frequently changes (like me, like my family, like my employees) the backup occur everytime and I think it's a time wasting. It's a mathematic operation, right?

No changes= no backup

Changes = backup.

We make changes = backup everytime.

No complaints, this is just an explanation about why someone could turn off backup otherwise can appear I'm just crazy.

If it is not possible, doesn't matter, we will keep this as is and evaluate what to do at next lap.

Thank you

Jul 12, 2014 12:37 PM in response to Kappy

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.

Feb 2, 2017 1:50 PM in response to Kappy

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.

Apr 12, 2014 10:09 AM in response to Akrasky

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.

Jul 12, 2014 12:40 PM in response to Akrasky

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.

Dec 14, 2014 5:02 PM in response to Akrasky

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.

turn off auto backup

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