Restore iPad from older backup

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Level 2

194 points

Restore iPad from older backup

I had my iPad wiped while on vacation because the wrong access code was entered too many times. (lesson #1: unpair bluetooth keyboard from iPad before throwing them in a bag). So my only option was to wipe everything and restore as new. Now being back home, I wanted to restore from the backup I had made on iTunes just before I left. Unfortunately, I did not check the "Prevent iPods etc from syncing automatically" in iTunes prior to plugging my iPad (lesson #2), so iTunes did a backup before I could realize what was happening. So now, I have only one backup available: the one just made, which is useless.

I do regular backups of my mac with Time Machine, so I'm hoping there's a way to get the older backup by accessing the files on TM. Only I have no clue where to look or what to look for. Help please?

Thanks!

iPad mini Wi-Fi, iOS 7.1.2

Posted on Aug 22, 2014 6:41 PM

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Answer 1

guylained Author

Level 2

194 points

Aug 24, 2014 12:16 PM in response to guylained

No way? Really?

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Answer 2

Demo

Level 10

166,494 points

Aug 24, 2014 12:40 PM in response to guylained

If you find the backup, you should be able to restore it To the iPad.

iTunes: About iOS backups

Where are iTunes backups stored on your computer

The folder where your backup data is stored depends on your computer's operating system. Make sure the backup folder is included in your data-backup routine. iTunes places the backup files in these places:

Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
The "~" represents your Home folder. If you don't see Library in your Home folder, hold Option and click the Go menu.

Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
To quickly access the Application Data folder, click Start, and choose Run. Type %appdata% and click OK.

Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
To quickly access the AppData folder, click Start. In the search bar, type %appdata% and press Return.

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Answer 3

guylained Author

Level 2

194 points

Aug 24, 2014 1:30 PM in response to Demo

Worked like a charm! Restore ongoing. Thank you!

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Answer 4

Demo

Level 10

166,494 points

Aug 24, 2014 1:43 PM in response to guylained

That's great. You're quite welcome.

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Answer 5

CCKD

Level 1

0 points

May 27, 2015 7:00 AM in response to Demo

Similar question/problem from me - using the guidance above I found older backups in ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/, however when I look in the backup folder I see each backup at a given date/time is actually a series of many small files as opposed to a single file. How do I actually restore from this backup folder? And how do I capture all of the appropriate files? Like the original user I only see the most recent backup in iTunes, which is not my target. thanks

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